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Penetration Testing Government Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Construction Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

... government fleets and emergency power customers. JF Petroleum operates a network of 39 branch ... Hydrostatic Testing - Sumps and Spill Buckets * Line Repairs - Including FRP, Flexible Fiberglass ...

Construction Technician

Des Moines, IA

$18 - $24.75/hr

... government fleets and emergency power customers. JF Petroleum operates a network of 39 branch ... Hydrostatic Testing - Sumps and Spill Buckets * Line Repairs - Including FRP, Flexible Fiberglass ...

Construction Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

... government fleets and emergency power customers. JF Petroleum operates a network of 39 branch ... Hydrostatic Testing - Sumps and Spill Buckets * Line Repairs - Including FRP, Flexible Fiberglass ...

Penetration Testing Government information

What is penetration testing in government?

Penetration testing in government refers to authorized simulated cyberattacks on government systems, networks, or applications to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. These tests help government agencies strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, comply with regulations, and protect sensitive data. Penetration testers use a variety of tools and techniques to mimic real-world cyber threats, ensuring that security measures are effective and up to date.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a penetration tester in a government setting?

To thrive as a Penetration Tester in government, a deep understanding of network security, vulnerability assessment, and common attack methodologies is required, typically supported by a degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and certifications such as OSCP, CEH, or CISSP are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital to effectively identify security weaknesses, communicate risks, and ensure the protection of sensitive government data and infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by penetration testers working in government environments?

Penetration testers in government settings often encounter unique challenges, such as navigating strict security protocols, handling sensitive or classified information, and complying with complex regulatory frameworks. They may also work within rigid change management processes, which can impact the speed and flexibility of testing activities. Collaboration with various departments is essential, as testers must communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure vulnerabilities are properly understood and remediated.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing Government vs Penetration Testing Private Sector?

AspectPenetration Testing GovernmentPenetration Testing Private Sector
CredentialsCertifications like OSCP, CISSP, CEH often requiredSimilar certifications widely recognized, such as OSCP, CEH, CISSP
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, secure facilities, strict protocolsCorporate offices, consulting firms, diverse environments
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, or local government agenciesPrivate companies, cybersecurity firms, consulting agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles within government cybersecurityComparing government vs private sector penetration testing roles

Penetration Testing Government professionals focus on securing government systems within strict protocols, often requiring specific certifications and working in secure environments. Private sector penetration testers work with commercial clients, offering more diverse projects and flexible settings. Both roles demand similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in work environment and employer type.

How much do penetration testing government professionals make?

Penetration testing professionals working for government agencies typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, security clearance level, and location. Advanced skills in cybersecurity tools, certifications like CISSP or CEH, and knowledge of government security protocols can influence salary levels.

Is there a demand for penetration testing government?

There is strong demand for penetration testers in government sectors due to increasing cybersecurity threats and the need to protect sensitive information. These roles often require knowledge of security tools, compliance standards, and certifications such as CEH or CISSP, and may involve working in secure environments with regular updates to security protocols.

What is the average pay for penetration testing government?

Penetration testers working for government agencies typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, security clearance, and location. Higher salaries are common for those with specialized skills, certifications like OSCP or CISSP, and roles requiring clearance or advanced technical expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Penetration Testing Government jobs in Iowa?

For Penetration Testing Government jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Penetration Testing Government jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Penetration Testing Government jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Penetration Testing Government jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Penetration Testing Government job openings:

Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Government job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Systems Security Engineer (Onsite - Cedar Rapids, IA)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-12

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-107 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 107

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

The Product Cybersecurity team is recruiting Senior Systems Security Engineer.  Our shared services team supports the development of products throughout the company wherever the customer has security requirements, or the system is exposed to cyber threats by its connectivity or operational use.  We develop tools and testing techniques to highlight residual defects in product design or implementation.  These defects can lead to vulnerabilities that negatively impact the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of a system.  Members of the team pursue security excellence by embedding with the design and implementation teams as subject matter experts supporting our Secure System Development Life Cycle (SSDLC).

This role will be worked onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA. and will require an active or ability to obtain a SECRET clearance. Relocation assistance is available. 

What You Will Do:

  • Analyze system data flows to identify attack vectors and assess risks to new and existing products

  • Developing threat model / data flow diagrams to ensure data can be properly isolated in motion and at rest

  • Ensure proper implementation of security measures during product development

  • Develop, deploy and automate security tools for identifying product security flaws

  • Help characterize security vulnerabilities for product impact and recommend mitigations

  • Follow and guide teams to the adherence of military RMF security processes

  • Support organizational adoption of the Avionics SSDLC

  • Mentor junior product security engineers advancing their skills and capabilities

  • Be encouraged to pursue industry recognized security certifications / post-graduate security degrees

  • Reviewing code to identify weaknesses in the implementation of security functions

  • Developing and executing fuzzing and penetration tests to evaluate the robustness of the attack surface

  • Conducting vulnerability assessments of proposed and in-service systems

  • Have opportunities to participate in cybersecurity focused industry committees and working groups

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5  years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience

  • U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

  • Experience in product security or secure system design; including threat modeling or fuzzing/pen testing

  • Embedded software engineering knowledge (Python and Java/C/C++)

Qualifications We Prefer: 

  • Active Secret clearance

  • Knowledge of Threat Models and Data Flow Diagrams

  • Data/network security implementations with Operating Systems

  • Understanding tailoring and hardening of Operating Systems

  • Experience with system and application penetration testing

  • Experience with SAST and analyzing security impact of code defects

  • Executing System & Application Fuzzing / Resiliency Tests

  • Experience with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

  • Industry recognized security certifications (Sec+, OSCP, CISSP, etc.) are desirable

  • Networking knowledge (OSI Layers, protocols, etc.)

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees  

  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option 

  • Tuition reimbursement program 

  • Student Loan Repayment Program  

  • Life insurance and disability coverage  

  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection 

  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits 

  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning  

  • Adoption Assistance           

  • Autism Benefit  

  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions  

  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program 

  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits  

  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services 

  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program  

  • And more!  

Learn More & Apply Now!

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. 

Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).  

Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.  

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of. 

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.  This position is classified as:

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.  

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Collins Aerospace

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Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018