Purple Urchin is unique in that all our engineers are experts in both Linux and cyber security requirements. Engineers are committed to pursuing advanced credentials including RHCSA and Security+ certifications.
The principal cyber security engineer also has over 15 years of experience with Linux operating systems and cyber security with a major government contractor. She has worked on many systems, supporting the cyber security team with the cyber package in turn acquiring ATOs for both internal and external systems on many of the Navy’s undersea programs. She has certifications in Linux+, RHCE, and CISSP and is in the process of obtaining her RHCA with Linux Mastery and CAP certifications.
Why Work with Purple Urchin?
BEHIND OUR SPIKEY EXTERIOR
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We unfortunately see a lot of cyber security talent get passed over for opportunities simply because they don't hold a degree.
Purple Urchin believes in giving everyone a chance which is why we offer trial employment periods for persons without degrees who wish to learn Linux and cyber security. This allows them to try their hand at Linux to see if it’s something in which they would excel. If so, they can get their certifications and become long-term members of the team.
From past experience, we have found that most people who excel at Linux-based cyber security are those who don’t have the means for a formal education but have the drive and determination to learn on their own at home for fun.
We also plan to offer internships to high school students who wish to try their hand at Linux-based cyber security. There is a lot of untapped talent in the group of people without four-year degrees.
We Strive to Crumple the Paper Ceiling.
Sure, credentials and certifications matter. We know, we have a lot of them.
Purple Urchin is dedicated to proactive cyber security. We continuously improve processes and automation to the fullest extent possible to ensure your company’s programs can keep operating smoothly.
(AKA THE REASON WE’RE HERE)
OUR MISSION
When our Founder decided to pivot from her full-time career to start her own business, she searched for something to reflect strength while also speaking to her colorful personality. She came across an article about how the purple sea urchin is so sensitive to predators it can feel them and employ their spines to protect against an attack.
This name suited cyber security perfectly: continuously monitoring for new attacks, while hardening to protect information. Since cyber security is commonly portrayed by red and blue teams, representing the offensive and defensive postures required for effective cyber security, the name Purple Urchin seemed perfect.
aka why the name " purple urchin'?
OUR STORY
UEI: HBB7N4NETX79
CAGE: 9BDU7
DUNS: 005769721
NAICS Codes:
541330 – Engineering Services (Primary)
541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services
541512 – Computer Systems Design Services
541519 – Other Computer Related Services
541690 – Other Scientific and Technical Consulting
Services
aka why you can trust us
street cred
about purple urchin
Opting for tattoos and piercings over grey power suits, Jen Williamson isn’t your typical cyber security CEO. Her expertise is as extensive as her vocabulary is colorful (that’s really extensive).
After graduating with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University, Jen began working at Lockheed Martin. During her 15-year career with the major defense contractor, Jen worked as the Linux subject matter and lifecycle expert while earning her M.S. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. It’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about the industry.
Throughout her career, Jen learned multiple lessons and had various ideas about what would make a great company. After growing frustrated with communication gaps she knew could be easily remedied, Jen saw an opportunity to solve a decades-long problem in the cybersecurity industry.
Thanks to the encouragement from her colleagues and the support of her former employer (they’re a current client), Jen took a leap of faith and founded Purple Urchin in 2021.
Since launching Purple Urchin, Jen has helped clients ranging from defense contractors to the UK Royal Navy secure their operating systems.
Outside of her tech interests, Jen enjoys spending time with her two sons and husband successfully avoiding Washington, D.C. traffic in her home in Nokesville, Virginia.
