Junior Test & Security Information Assurance (IA) Engineer

Basic Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related Science, Technology or Mathematics field. Also requires 8+ years of job-related experience, or a Master's degree plus 6 years of job-related experience.

These are the foundational skills and qualifications we expect you to bring on day one:

Required Skills & Qualifications

Category

Requirements

Coding

Demonstrated competencies in software development and the SDLC in python.

Software Testing

Demonstrated understanding of software testing principles including test case design, defect management, and test reporting

Test Tools

Hands-on experience or academic exposure to JIRA or similar defect tracking tools

Automation

Familiarity with test automation concepts and scripting for test execution

IA/Cybersecurity

Foundational understanding of Information Assurance principles and vulnerability management concepts

Scanning Tools

Familiarity with ACAS or similar vulnerability scanning platforms

Compliance

Basic understanding of STIGs and DoD security compliance frameworks

Scripting

Ability to write, test, and iterate scripts for system configuration and automation tasks in powershell, bash or similar.

Cloud

Familiarity with AWS or equivalent cloud environments for testing and development purposes

Documentation

Ability to produce clear, thorough, and professional technical documentation

Process

Understanding of Agile/Scrum, SDLC, and STLC methodologies

Analytical

Strong analytical skills including requirements analysis, root cause analysis, and risk assessment

Communication

Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder reporting and team collaboration

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

ABOUT THE ROLE

Are you a technically curious, detail-oriented engineer ready to make an impact on mission-critical systems? We are looking for a Junior Test & Security Information Assurance (IA) Engineer to join our growing team. In this dual-function role, you will contribute to both software quality assurance and cybersecurity / vulnerability management efforts in support of a dynamic defense program. You will work alongside experienced engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and play a direct role in ensuring the reliability, security, and compliance of critical systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer to build a strong technical foundation across software testing and information assurance - two of the most in-demand disciplines in the defense and government contracting space.

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

In this role, you will be actively engaged in meaningful, hands-on work from day one. Here is what your day-to-day experience will look like:

Software Testing & Quality Assurance

Test Execution

• Execute test cases both manually and through automation tools, ensuring software performs as designed
• Accurately record and track test results across testing phases
• Reproduce and isolate defects and bugs to support effective debugging by development teams
• Perform regression testing after defect fixes to ensure no new issues are introduced
• Conduct smoke testing and sanity testing on new software builds before full test cycles begin
• Validate and verify that reported defects have been properly resolved

Defect Management

• Log clear, detailed defect reports in JIRA, the team's issue-tracking platform
• Assign appropriate severity and priority ratings to identified defects
• Collaborate directly with developers to investigate and resolve issues
• Track defects from initial discovery through full resolution and closure
• Analyze defect trends and contribute to root cause analysis efforts

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date test documentation throughout the project lifecycle
• Produce Test Summary Reports at the conclusion of each testing phase, summarizing results, metrics, and quality disposition
• Report test progress and key metrics to stakeholders in a clear, concise manner
• Maintain Requirements Traceability Matrices (RTM) to ensure all requirements are covered by corresponding test cases

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve test processes and methodologies
• Actively contribute to the development and maintenance of automation frameworks and test infrastructure

Information Assurance & Cybersecurity

Vulnerability Management

• Support the establishment and maintenance of a vulnerability scanning cadence for the unclassified (unclass) lab environment
• Manage ACAS scanning activities including plugin management, scan execution, and results review
• Coordinate scanning schedules and remediation activities with the lab team
• Use and maintain the BRIM Tool (or equivalent) for vulnerability data processing within the VMP Plan

Automation & Scripting

• Develop, iterate, and test scripts to automate the configuration of PitBull systems for ACAS scanning compatibility
• Work toward packaging automation scripts into RPM packages for streamlined, repeatable deployment
• Test automation scripts within the AWS cloud environment

Compliance & STIG Remediation

• Review systems against applicable STIGs to assess compliance posture
• Identify non-compliant findings and coordinate with relevant teams to drive remediation
• Document compliance status and track remediation actions to closure

IA Documentation & Stakeholder Coordination

• Document and finalize the Least Privilege approach for scanning users, incorporating SME feedback through structured review cycles
• Deliver finalized IA documentation to the VMP Team
• Update and maintain the Container Best Practices document to incorporate input from the ASU Capstone project and NCDSMO container security guidance

WHAT SETS YOU APART

These are the additional skills, experiences, and qualities that will make you stand out as a top candidate:

Category

Differentiators

Advanced Tools

Experience with the BRIM Tool or equivalent vulnerability management processing tools

RPM Packaging

Demonstrated experience packaging Linux scripts or applications into RPM packages for deployment

Container Security

Working knowledge of container security best practices and familiarity with NCDSMO container security guidance

PitBull Familiarity

Prior experience working with PitBull mandatory access control systems in a classified or DoD environment

Dual Discipline Experience

Hands-on experience working across both software testing/QA and cybersecurity/IA functions

Cross-Domain Knowledge

Understanding of cross-domain solution environments and associated security requirements

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Demonstrated initiative in identifying process improvements and proposing innovative solutions

Collaboration with SMEs

Experience participating in or facilitating technical review cycles with subject matter experts

#LI-Hybrid

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $88,300.00 - USD $90,700.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans