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Cyber Security Penetration Testing Jobs in California

Mercor

AI Safety Expert - Red Team

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$17 - $25/hr

Background in Cybersecurity : penetration testing, exploit development, reverse engineering. * Expertise in socio-technical risk: harassment/disinfo probing, abuse analysis, conversational AI testing.

RecruitTalent LLC.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

The analyst will perform vulnerability scanning and penetration testing support, provide detailed ... The Cybersecurity Analyst will also deliver security awareness training programs to reduce human ...

CNM LLP

Senior Associate - Cyber Security

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Company Description CNM LLP is a specialized boutique consulting firm looking for a Cyber Security ... Vulnerability and Penetration Testing Standards such as OWASP top 10, DoD or NSA * Some scripting ...

CNM LLP

Senior Associate - Cyber Security

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Company Description CNM LLP is a specialized boutique consulting firm looking for a Cyber Security ... Vulnerability and Penetration Testing Standards such as OWASP top 10, DoD or NSA * Some scripting ...

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Cyber Security Penetration Testing information

What is cyber security penetration testing?

Cyber security penetration testing, also known as pen testing, is a simulated cyberattack on a computer system, network, or web application to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can do so. The goal is to evaluate the security of the system by safely attempting to exploit weaknesses, such as flaws in software, hardware, or human processes. Penetration testers use a variety of tools and techniques to mimic real-world attacks and provide organizations with insights and recommendations to improve their security posture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cyber security penetration tester?

To thrive as a Cyber Security Penetration Tester, you need a strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems, application vulnerabilities, and security frameworks, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as certifications such as OSCP or CEH, is typically expected. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to accurately identify security weaknesses and convey actionable insights that protect organizational assets.

What are some common challenges faced by cyber security penetration testers when working on client engagements?

Penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited information (black-box testing), strict time constraints, and navigating complex, ever-changing IT environments. They must balance thoroughness with efficiency, ensuring they identify critical vulnerabilities without disrupting business operations. Effective communication with clients and internal teams is essential, as testers need to clearly explain findings and remediation steps to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Staying updated on the latest threats and attack techniques is also crucial for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Cyber Security Penetration Testing vs Cyber Security Analyst?

AspectCyber Security Penetration TestingCyber Security Analyst
Primary FocusSimulating attacks to identify vulnerabilitiesMonitoring, analyzing, and defending against threats
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISSP, Security+, CEH
Work EnvironmentEngaged in offensive security tasks, often in labs or client sitesSecurity operations centers, corporate environments
ResponsibilitiesConducting penetration tests, reporting vulnerabilitiesMonitoring security alerts, incident response

While both roles require cybersecurity certifications and involve understanding security threats, penetration testers focus on proactively finding vulnerabilities through simulated attacks. Analysts primarily monitor and respond to security incidents to protect organizational assets.

Is cyber security penetration testing a good career?

Cyber security penetration testing is a growing field with high demand for skilled professionals who can identify vulnerabilities in systems. It often requires knowledge of networking, scripting, and security tools, along with certifications like OSCP or CEH. The role offers opportunities for advancement and typically involves continuous learning in a dynamic environment.

What are popular job titles related to Cyber Security Penetration Testing jobs in California?

For Cyber Security Penetration Testing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cyber Security Penetration Testing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cyber Security Penetration Testing jobs in California are:

Cyber Security Penetration Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Security Penetration Testing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

AI Safety Expert - Red Team

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$17 - $25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: AI Safety Experts — English & Malay
Type: Contract
Compensation: $17–$25/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Red team conversational AI models and agents to identify jailbreaks, prompt injections, and misuse cases.
  • Generate high-quality human data by annotating failures, classifying vulnerabilities, and flagging systemic risks.
  • Apply structure by following taxonomies, benchmarks, and playbooks to ensure consistent testing.
  • Document reproducibly to produce reports, datasets, and attack cases that customers can act on.
  • Review AI outputs on sensitive topics such as bias and misinformation, with optional participation in higher-sensitivity projects.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • Fluent Language Skills Required: English & Malay
  • Prior red teaming experience in AI adversarial work, cybersecurity, or socio-technical probing.
  • Ability to explain risks clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred

  • Experience in Adversarial ML: jailbreak datasets, prompt injection, RLHF/DPO attacks, model extraction.
  • Background in Cybersecurity: penetration testing, exploit development, reverse engineering.
  • Expertise in socio-technical risk: harassment/disinfo probing, abuse analysis, conversational AI testing.
  • Creative probing skills: psychology, acting, writing for unconventional adversarial thinking.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.