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Associate Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Team Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

High School Diploma/GED, Associates Degree and 5 years of relevant work experience. * Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of relevant work experience. * Experience in penetration testing and/or red teaming.

... associates globally. This role requires skills in penetration testing, security controls, vulnerability management, cyber security, and secure coding. What you'll do: * Conduct comprehensive ...

... associates globally. This role requires skills in penetration testing, security controls, vulnerability management, cyber security, and secure coding. What you'll do: * Conduct comprehensive ...

... associates globally. This role requires skills in penetration testing, security controls, vulnerability management, cyber security, and secure coding. What you'll do: * Conduct comprehensive ...

... associates globally. This role requires skills in penetration testing, security controls, vulnerability management, cyber security, and secure coding. What you'll do: * Conduct comprehensive ...

... associates globally. This role requires skills in penetration testing, security controls, vulnerability management, cyber security, and secure coding. What you'll do: * Conduct comprehensive ...

... associates globally. This role requires skills in penetration testing, security controls, vulnerability management, cyber security, and secure coding. What you'll do: * Conduct comprehensive ...

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Associate Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do associate penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 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:
What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Tester jobs? The most popular types of Penetration Tester jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Penetration Tester jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Penetration Tester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 40% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.
Application Penetration Testing Specialist (Remote)

Application Penetration Testing Specialist (Remote)

First Citizens Bank

Raleigh, NC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


First Citizens Bank rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 144 rated banks


Job description

Overview

This is a remote role that may only be hired in the following location(s): Arizona, Texas, or North Carolina.

This position ensures the technological and digital security of the Bank. The tester will identify exposure to cyber threats, security risks, and unauthorized access and assist with mitigation guidance. The tester will assess organizational networks, applications, or systems for potential vulnerabilities. The tester will maintain knowledge of industry practices, technology, and evolving threats to enhance defenses for the Bank's information systems and resources.

The Pentester must be able to plan, coordinate, communicate, track, and conduct penetration testing assessments on the organization’s applications, aid in the coordination of additional testing through third-party vendors, and may lead other associates in the work group acting as lead tester. The selected candidate is welcome to work remotely and/or from a corporate office location.


Responsibilities
  • Plan and conduct application penetration tests of complex computer systems from a remote testing location
  • Coordinate third-party vendor testing
  • Analyze and document test results in the format and level of detail dictated by current procedures
  • Can convey highly technical information in a manner that can be understood and appreciated by Application Owners and other stakeholders
  • Track vulnerabilities and metrics
  • Coordinate multiple projects/assignments simultaneously and accurately, and deliver results in a timely manner
  • Stay current on new tools, TTPs, vulnerabilities, and emerging threats
  • Aid in defining and documenting Pentest Processes

#LI-IK1 


Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and 4 years of experience in Systems Engineering, Network, or Information Security OR High School Diploma or GED and 8 years of experience in Systems Engineering, Network, or Information Security

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and 4 or more years of experience in systems engineering, network security, or information security OR High School Diploma or GED and 6 years of experience in application penetration testing, systems engineering, network security, or information security
  • Expertise in application penetration testing techniques with and without scanners
  • Demonstrated expertise in:
    • Testing web applications and databases
    • System development life cycle
    • Network administration
    • Cloud penetration testing
    • Linux and Windows
    • Kali Linux tools, Burp Suite, and other pentest tools
    • Experience with pentesting frameworks such as OWASP and PTES
    • Jira and Confluence
    • Analysis and development of professional reports
    • Knowledge of the Secure System Development Lifecycle
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively balance and manage multiple priorities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Preferred but not required: OSWE, GPEN, GWAPT, or other equal certifications

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree and 4 years of experience in Systems Engineering, Network, or Information Security OR High School Diploma or GED and 8 years of experience in Systems Engineering, Network, or Information Security

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and 4 or more years of experience in systems engineering, network security, or information security OR High School Diploma or GED and 6 years of experience in application penetration testing, systems engineering, network security, or information security
  • Expertise in application penetration testing techniques with and without scanners
  • Demonstrated expertise in:
    • Testing web applications and databases
    • System development life cycle
    • Network administration
    • Cloud penetration testing
    • Linux and Windows
    • Kali Linux tools, Burp Suite, and other pentest tools
    • Experience with pentesting frameworks such as OWASP and PTES
    • Jira and Confluence
    • Analysis and development of professional reports
    • Knowledge of the Secure System Development Lifecycle
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively balance and manage multiple priorities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Preferred but not required: OSWE, GPEN, GWAPT, or other equal certifications

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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