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Associate Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VTG

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA

$150K - $195K/yr

... Associates Degree + 4 Years Relevant Experience Masters or Higher + 2 Years Relevant Experience ... TS/SCI with Poly Level 2 Penetration Tester: Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND Pen Tester ...

VTG Defense

Penetration Tester

Aurora, CO

$150K - $195K/yr

Cisco Cert. Network Assoc. CyberOps (CCNA CyberOps) * CompTIA Pen Test+ * CompTIA Cybersecurity ... SCYBER Level 2 Penetration Tester: Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND Pen Tester ...

VTG

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

... Associates Degree + 4 Years Relevant Experience Masters or Higher + 2 Years Relevant Experience ... Penetration Tester: Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND Pen Tester Experience: 4 years OR ...

VTG

Penetration Tester

Aurora, CO

$150K - $195K/yr

... Associates Degree + 4 Years Relevant Experience Masters or Higher + 2 Years Relevant Experience ... TS/SCI with Poly Level 2 Penetration Tester: Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND Pen Tester ...

Syntricate Technologies

Penetration Tester

Tampa, FL

The Application Security Associate is responsible for the security testing and risk analysis of ... Perform Ethical Application Penetration Testing (EAPT) on web applications and APIs. * Coordinate ...

Schellman & Company, LLC

Senior Penetration Tester

Senior associates may supervise associates and/or senior associates when serving as a member of a project management team. Schellman created our Penetration Tester role with the goal of giving ...

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How much do associate penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate penetration tester 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 Associate Penetration Tester job?

An Associate Penetration Tester is an entry-level cybersecurity professional who helps identify security vulnerabilities in networks, applications, and systems. They conduct ethical hacking tests, analyze findings, and provide recommendations to strengthen security. Typically, they work under the guidance of senior penetration testers and use various tools and techniques to simulate cyberattacks. This role requires knowledge of networking, security fundamentals, and scripting or programming skills. It is a great starting point for a career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Associate Penetration Tester position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Penetration Tester, you need foundational knowledge in cybersecurity, network protocols, and vulnerability assessment, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and industry certifications such as CEH or OSCP is advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and clear written and verbal communication skills are also important. These skills and qualities ensure that you can effectively identify and communicate security weaknesses while working with diverse technical teams.

What typical daily responsibilities can I expect as an Associate Penetration Tester?

As an Associate Penetration Tester, your daily tasks often include researching and identifying potential security vulnerabilities, conducting controlled penetration tests on networks and applications, and documenting your findings. You will frequently collaborate with senior testers, IT teams, and clients to review results, provide feedback, and help develop remediation strategies. This role typically involves a mix of independent analysis and teamwork, offering hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to real-world cyber threats. Over time, you’ll gain valuable experience and can progress to more advanced security testing or specialized cybersecurity roles.

More about Associate Penetration Tester jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Penetration Tester jobs? Cities with the most Associate Penetration Tester job openings:
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Associate Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Full Time, 97% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 59% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.
Penetration Tester

Penetration Tester

VTG

Chantilly, VA

$150K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Overview

VTG is looking for multiple levels (Level 2, 3 & 4) of a Penetration Tester in Chantilly VA and Aurora CO. (Note: position is contingent upon program award and the postions are located in Chantilly VA & Auroro CO)

A Penetration Tester (Pen Tester) is a security professional who reviews and evaluates NRO ISs and recommends changes to the Government that can improve information confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Pen Testers are also responsible for performing security focused services to improve the security posture of NRO ISs.
 
Travel: 25% estimate for pen testers (OCONUS travel 2x per year).

What will you do?
Pen Tester, Level 2 (Intermediate) Functional Description: In addition to being responsible for performing basic reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning in accordance with established testing methodologies; identifies common vulnerabilities that can be potentially exploited, documents and reports findings. Possess basic scripting abilities and an understanding of network fundamentals and vulnerability scanning tools. the Level 2 Pen Tester is responsible for conducting more complex penetration tests, exploring more complex vulnerability analysis including misconfigurations and zero-day exploits, and developing more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Leads penetration tests, mentoring junior testers, and providing technical guidance to stakeholders. Possess expertise in network protocols, application security, social engineering, and advanced scripting.
 
Pen Tester, Level 3 (Senior) Functional Description: In addition to achieved duties described in Level 2, the Pen Tester is responsible for designing and leading complex penetration tests, develops customized tools and methodologies; providing expert guidance on security best practices; identifying complex vulnerabilities, providing strategic security advice, and leading remediation efforts; collaborating with management to develop security policies, training other cybersecurity professionals, and staying abreast of emerging threats. Possess extensive knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security tools.
 
Pen Tester, Level 4 (Subject Matter Expert) Functional Description: In addition to achieved duties described in Level 3, the Pen Tester will possess additional years of experience as described in Table A.5.5.1.
 
 

Do you have what it takes?
Requirements:
All positions require: TS/SCI with Poly
 
Level 2 Penetration Tester:
Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 3 years
OR
High School GED + 5 Years Relevant Experience
Associates Degree + 4 Years Relevant Experience
Masters or Higher + 2 Years Relevant Experience

Level 3 Penetration Tester: 

Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 4 years
OR
High School GED + 9 Years Relevant Experience
Associates Degree + 7 Years Relevant Experience
Masters or Higher + 5 Years Relevant Experience

Level 4 Penetration Tester:

Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 7 years
OR
Masters or Higher + 6 Year Relevant Experience
 

All Level Certifification Requirement: Minimum Security+
Desired: DoD 8140 - CSSP Incident Responder certification:
• CyberSec First Responder (CFR)
• Cisco Cert. Network Assoc. CyberOps (CCNA CyberOps)
• CompTIA Pen Test+
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
• Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
• CCNA Security
• GIAC Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• SCYBER
Level 2 Penetration Tester:
Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 3 years
OR
High School GED + 5 Years Relevant Experience
Associates Degree + 4 Years Relevant Experience
Masters or Higher + 2 Years Relevant Experience

Level 3 Penetration Tester: 
Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 4 years
OR
High School GED + 9 Years Relevant Experience
Associates Degree + 7 Years Relevant Experience
Masters or Higher + 5 Years Relevant Experience

Level 4 Penetration Tester:
Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 7 years
OR
Masters or Higher + 6 Year Relevant Experience

Pay Range: VTG’s estimated starting pay range is $150,000 - 195,000 annually, which is a general guideline for and depending on the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range

Qualifications:
Requirements:
All positions require: TS/SCI with Poly
 
Level 2 Penetration Tester:
Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 3 years
OR
High School GED + 5 Years Relevant Experience
Associates Degree + 4 Years Relevant Experience
Masters or Higher + 2 Years Relevant Experience

Level 3 Penetration Tester: 

Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 4 years
OR
High School GED + 9 Years Relevant Experience
Associates Degree + 7 Years Relevant Experience
Masters or Higher + 5 Years Relevant Experience

Level 4 Penetration Tester:

Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 7 years
OR
Masters or Higher + 6 Year Relevant Experience
 

All Level Certifification Requirement: Minimum Security+
Desired: DoD 8140 - CSSP Incident Responder certification:
• CyberSec First Responder (CFR)
• Cisco Cert. Network Assoc. CyberOps (CCNA CyberOps)
• CompTIA Pen Test+
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
• Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
• CCNA Security
• GIAC Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• SCYBER
Level 2 Penetration Tester:
Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 3 years
OR
High School GED + 5 Years Relevant Experience
Associates Degree + 4 Years Relevant Experience
Masters or Higher + 2 Years Relevant Experience

Level 3 Penetration Tester: 
Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 4 years
OR
High School GED + 9 Years Relevant Experience
Associates Degree + 7 Years Relevant Experience
Masters or Higher + 5 Years Relevant Experience

Level 4 Penetration Tester:
Education: Bachelor's Degree or Higher, AND
Pen Tester Experience: 7 years
OR
Masters or Higher + 6 Year Relevant Experience

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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