Red Team Operator

SIXGEN’s mission is to deliver agile, mission-ready cybersecurity solutions that empower government and critical infrastructure organizations to stay ahead of advanced cyber threats. We combine innovation, deep expertise, and cutting-edge capabilities to uncover vulnerabilities, protect vital systems, and ensure operational superiority in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Position: Red Team Operator
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Sterling or Reston, VA (Hybrid)
Clearance Requirements: Active TS/SCI required
Experience: 8+ years

WHAT YOU'LL DO

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Red Team Operator to support advanced offensive cyber operations and mission-focused assessments for federal customers. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in networking, operating systems, digital forensics, and adversary tradecraft, with the ability to analyze complex environments, identify vulnerabilities, and emulate sophisticated threat actors.

This role requires a highly analytical and self-motivated professional who can operate independently, lead small teams, and solve complex technical challenges in support of critical national security missions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations

• Conduct cyber operations and adversary emulation activities against complex environments.
• Analyze networks, systems, applications, and code to identify vulnerabilities and attack paths.
• Perform network traffic analysis, digital forensics, and technical investigations.
• Develop and execute creative solutions to achieve operational objectives.

Technical Analysis & Development

• Utilize advanced networking, tunneling, and system-level expertise to support mission requirements.
• Analyze and manipulate Linux and Windows operating systems, filesystems, and network services.
• Develop and modify tools, scripts, and automation using languages such as Python, Bash, and C.
• Assess network protocols, encryption techniques, and enterprise environments.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Operate independently while supporting team objectives and customer missions.
• Lead small teams and contribute to technical planning and execution.
• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support a remote-first and highly collaborative operating environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of experience in offensive cybersecurity, red teaming, network analysis, digital forensics, or related disciplines.
• Expert knowledge of TCP/IP networking and network protocol analysis.
• Experience with tunneling technologies such as SSH and socat.
• Proficiency in C, Python, Bash, or similar programming languages.
• Strong experience with packet analysis and PCAP review.
• Deep understanding of encryption concepts and secure communications.
• Advanced Linux administration and operating system knowledge.
• Experience with Windows domains, Active Directory, Group Policy, and enterprise environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification from RIOT/FORGE or COTC/NETC.
• Experience leading small technical teams.
• Background supporting federal, intelligence, or national security missions.
• Experience analyzing source code, system architectures, and complex network environments.
• Ability to make informed decisions in dynamic operational environments.

DESIRED TRAITS

• Curiosity and passion for solving difficult technical challenges.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and investigative mindset.
• Adaptability in fast-paced mission environments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES & ENVIRONMENTS

• Linux and Windows Operating Systems
• Active Directory
• TCP/IP Networking
• DNS, SMB, NFS, SSH
• Packet Capture (PCAP) Analysis
• Digital Forensics
• Python, Bash, and C
• Encryption Technologies
• Enterprise Networks
• Remote and Hybrid Operational Environments

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

At SIXGEN, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation for this role will be based on experience, qualifications, technical expertise, and overall alignment with the position.

Additionally, SIXGEN offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

• Employer-paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision) for you and your family 
• Employer-paid short/long term disability insurance and basic life/AD&D insurance
• 401K with a 4% employer contribution
• Professional development reimbursement options available (training, certification, education, etc)​
• Flexible and remote work policies for most positions
• Flexible PTO and holiday schedule

For more information, please reach out to our Director of Human Resources, Amy Maxwell at amy.maxwell@sixgen.io.

OUR COMMITMENT

SIXGEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We ensure that all applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, projected veteran status, or any other protected group or class.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity in our people, reflecting the communities we serve and our customer base. We strive to attract and retain a diverse talent pool and create an environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves at work.