US|Test Engineer II

Job#: 3032854

Job Description:
Offensive Cyber Operations Red Team Lead

Location: Tampa, Florida (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Contract

Role Overview

Reporting to the Director of the Offensive Cyber Operations team, the Offensive Cyber Operations Red Team Lead is responsible for executing the strategic direction and operational accountability for team members performing penetration testing and red team engagements. This role combines deep hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, including planning and executing adversary-emulation exercises, mentoring team members, coordinating with defensive partners, and delivering executive-level reporting. The lead will serve as the company's Subject Matter Expert on penetration testing and red teaming.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute full-scope Red Team engagements and adversary-emulation campaigns across network, identity, cloud, and human attack surfaces.
• Plan and manage Red Team operations, including scope definition, objectives, rules of engagement, operational constraints, and deconfliction.
• Design and execute campaign-style attack chains using adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Perform and oversee advanced exploitation of enterprise networks, systems, Windows/Active Directory, identity systems, and cloud services.
• Evaluate and assess preventive and detective controls by analyzing telemetry and validating alerting/response workflows.
• Collaborate with Detection, Response, and Purple Team partners during exercises.
• Identify systemic control gaps and end-to-end attack paths, and translate business drivers into technical recommendations.
• Administer, coordinate, and implement vendor and internal testing processes, ensuring adherence to procedures, policies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee evidence collection, attack-chain documentation, and artifact management; produce clear, executive-ready reports.
• Mentor, coach, and develop Red Team operators in tooling, tradecraft, and operational discipline.

Required Qualifications

Experience: A minimum of seven years of professional-level experience in offensive security, including disciplines such as Penetration Testing, Red Teaming, Networking, or Cloud security. At least two years of experience as a penetration tester or red team tester, with proven experience leading complex security testing exercises.

Technical Skills: Strong hands-on expertise in enterprise networks, Windows, Active Directory, and identity-based attacks. Proficiency with multiple open-source and commercial security tools (e.g., Nessus, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap). Strong proficiency with both UNIX-based and Microsoft operating systems.

Knowledge: Advanced understanding of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Strong understanding of enterprise security controls, detection technologies, and incident response workflows. Understanding of security guidelines such as NIST 800-53 and NIST 800-115.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of multiple professional or associate-level certifications relevant to the role; preferred certifications include OSCP, OSEP, CRTO, or GXPN.
• Experience with cloud and container security (e.g., AWS, Azure, Kubernetes).
• Background collaborating in Purple Team operations.

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

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Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.