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Apprentice Penetration Tester Ethical Hacker Jobs

Penetration Testing Lead

Leesburg, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * EC Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) * CEH Practical * ECSA Practical * Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master * GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

WV · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

REQUIREMENTS: * 8+ years of experience in penetration testing, application security, or ethical hacking security roles. * Experience documenting test plans, test procedures, and detailed security ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Denver, CO · On-site

$109K - $148K/yr

The Senior Manual Ethical Hacker will lead ethical hacking assessments to evaluate the security ... penetration testing tools, triage, and support incidents, and produce high value findings • ...

Manual Ethical Hacking is part of the Application Development Security Framework Program within ... Experience with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing techniques * Solid ...

The Penetration Tester will assist in the development of cyber test plans, execute cyber tests, and ... Employee ethical hacking knowledge to exploit discovered vulnerabilities and misconfigurations ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Denver, CO

$102K - $132K/yr

  • PTO

Manual Ethical Hacking is part of the Application Development Security Framework Program within ... Experience with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing techniques. * Solid ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Denver, CO · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

  • PTO

Manual Ethical Hacking is part of the Application Development Security Framework Program within ... Experience with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing techniques. * Solid ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $132K/yr

  • PTO

Manual Ethical Hacking is part of the Application Development Security Framework Program within ... Experience with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing techniques. * Solid ...

Showing results 41-60

Apprentice Penetration Tester Ethical Hacker information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do apprentice penetration tester ethical hacker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for apprentice penetration tester ethical hacker in the United States is $119,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice penetration tester ethical hacker?

Apprentice Penetration Tester Ethical Hackers are entry-level cybersecurity professionals who assist in identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. They work under the guidance of experienced penetration testers, using various tools and techniques to simulate cyberattacks in a controlled and ethical manner. The goal is to help organizations strengthen their security by finding weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Apprentices gain hands-on experience while learning industry best practices, reporting findings, and recommending improvements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice penetration tester ethical hacker?

To thrive as an Apprentice Penetration Tester Ethical Hacker, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, cybersecurity principles, and common attack vectors, often supported by a relevant IT degree or certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nmap, and vulnerability scanners is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are vital to accurately identify vulnerabilities, clearly report findings, and support organizations in strengthening their security posture.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice penetration testers when working on their first client projects?

Apprentice penetration testers often find that their initial client projects require balancing technical tasks with clear communication and thorough documentation. One common challenge is adapting to a variety of environments and systems, as each client may use different technologies and security measures. Apprentices must also learn to report findings in a way that is understandable to both technical and non-technical stakeholders while adhering to strict ethical and legal standards. Collaboration with senior testers and clients is key to overcoming these challenges and building confidence in real-world scenarios.

What is the difference between Apprentice Penetration Tester Ethical Hacker vs Junior Security Analyst?

AspectApprentice Penetration Tester Ethical HackerJunior Security Analyst
CertificationsBasic ethical hacking or security certifications (e.g., CEH, OSCP)Security+ or equivalent
Work EnvironmentHands-on penetration testing, vulnerability assessmentsMonitoring security alerts, analyzing threats
Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, IT departments, consultingIT departments, security operations centers

While both roles support cybersecurity efforts, an Apprentice Penetration Tester Ethical Hacker focuses on testing system vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, whereas a Junior Security Analyst primarily monitors and analyzes security data to identify threats. The former involves active testing, the latter emphasizes ongoing security monitoring and analysis.

Are apprentice penetration testers ethical hackers?

Yes, apprentice penetration testers are considered ethical hackers as they perform authorized security testing to identify vulnerabilities in systems. They typically work under supervision, use tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit, and often pursue certifications such as OSCP or CEH to validate their skills.
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Cities with the most Apprentice Penetration Tester Ethical Hacker job openings:

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States with the most job openings for Apprentice Penetration Tester Ethical Hacker jobs include:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Penetration Tester Ethical Hacker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Testing Lead

kgs

Leesburg, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Koniag IT Systems, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Penetration Testing Lead to support KITS and our government customer in Washington, DC. This position is for a Future New Business Opportunity.   
The customer may need support as needed at other locations: Warrenton, VA, Atlantic City, NJ, Melbourne, FL, Oklahoma, OK and Leesburg, VA. 
We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.

We are seeking an experienced Penetration Testing Lead to conduct advanced penetration testing activities, simulate cyberattacks, and evaluate the security posture of systems, networks, and applications. The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies and configurations, and deliver actionable recommendations to reduce organizational cyber risk. This role requires a highly technical leader with demonstrated experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations and penetration testing methodologies.

Essential Functions, Responsibilities & Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments of systems, networks, and applications.
  • Provide detailed analysis of discovered vulnerabilities, gaps, and risks, including assessment of patching and mitigation strategies.
  • Act as an ethical attacker (red team) to simulate cyber intrusions, or as defensive cybersecurity personnel (blue team) to strengthen system resilience.
  • Develop penetration testing Rules of Engagement (ROE), test plans, and reports.
  • Execute tests in alignment with specifications, requirements, and cybersecurity guidance.
  • Provide technical expertise on penetration testing tools, cyber ranges, and simulation environments.
  • Recommend remediation actions to lower overall risk exposure.
  • Lead, supervise, and coordinate penetration testing teams and activities.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics from an accredited institution.
  • Eight (8) years of experience performing penetration testing or related responsibilities described in this position.
  • At least two (2) years of relevant experience must be recent (performed within the last three years).
  • Five (5) years of management and supervisory experience within the required experience timeframe
  • Two (2) of those five (5) years must have been in a lead role.
  • At least one (1) of the following Red Teaming or Blue Teaming certifications:

Red Teaming Certifications:

  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
  • Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
  • Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • EC Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
  • CEH Practical
  • ECSA Practical
  • Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
  • GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT)
  • GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
  • GIAC Assessing and Auditing Wireless Networks (GAWN)

Blue Teaming Certifications:

  • Certified Network Defender (CND)
  • Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
  • GIAC Defending Advanced Threats (GDAT)
  • GIAC Defensible Security Architecture (GDSA)
  • GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
  • GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting federal agencies or regulated cybersecurity environments.
  • Knowledge of NIST security controls, RMF, cyber ranges, and penetration testing methodologies.
  • Strong communication, reporting, and documentation skills.

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.

The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply for a position on our website, please get in touch with Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodations.
Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.
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