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Cyber Security Penetration Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

kgs

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC

This role requires a highly technical leader with demonstrated experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations and penetration testing methodologies. Essential Functions ...

Koniag

Penetration Testing Lead

Leesburg, VA

This role requires a highly technical leader with demonstrated experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations and penetration testing methodologies. Essential Functions ...

kgs

Penetration Testing Lead

Atlantic City, NJ · On-site

This role requires a highly technical leader with demonstrated experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations and penetration testing methodologies. Essential Functions ...

Koniag

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC

This role requires a highly technical leader with demonstrated experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations and penetration testing methodologies. Essential Functions ...

ClifyX

AI Penetration testing

Detroit, MI · On-site

Penetration Tester For AI/ML Systems 7+ years of experience in penetration testing with a focus on ... Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related field required; advanced ...

CLS-Group

Director, Penetration Testing

Iselin, NJ · Hybrid

$170K - $210K/yr

Department - Cyber Security * Corporate level - Director * Report to - Director, Application ... Summary As the Director of Penetration Testing, you will be responsible for the design, delivery ...

TekSynap

Penetration Tester

Reston, VA · On-site

Apply offensive cybersecurity testing techniques, including manual and automated testing methods. * Coordinate penetration testing activities and schedules with internal stakeholders, system owners ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior Penetration Tester

$90K - $150K/yr

Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform penetration testing of ... Applies offensive cybersecurity testing techniques, coordinate testing projects with internal and ...

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Cyber Security Penetration Testing information

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$40.5K

$122.9K

$180K

How much do cyber security penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber security penetration testing in the United States is $122,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cyber Security Penetration Tester, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 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.
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Cyber Security Penetration Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Security Penetration Testing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,890 per year, or $59.1 per hour.
Cybersecurity Penetration Tester

Cybersecurity Penetration Tester

Idaho National Laboratory

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

$95K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Idaho National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Job Description
Idaho National Laboratory needs Cybersecurity Penetration Tester to protect cutting-edge nuclear and critical infrastructure systems by identifying specific vulnerabilities and recommending expeditious remediation. You'll correlate incident data to pinpoint weaknesses, develop reverse engineering tools to detect vulnerabilities, recommend cost-effective security controls to mitigate risk, and analyze organizational cyber defense policies for compliance. Your responsibilities include conducting or supporting authorized penetration testing on enterprise network assets, maintaining deployable cyber defense audit toolkits, preparing audit reports with technical and procedural findings and recommended remediation strategies, conducting technical and nontechnical risk and vulnerability assessments of technology environments, and implementing Risk Management Framework and Security Assessment and Authorization requirements for cyber defense systems. Your expertise will protect the infrastructure supporting naval propulsion systems, electric grid modernization, and breakthrough research that secures the nation's energy independence and technological advancement.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Correlate incident data to identify specific vulnerabilities and recommend expeditious remediation.
  • Develop reverse engineering tools to detect vulnerabilities.
  • Recommend cost-effective security controls to mitigate risk.
  • Analyze and evaluate organizational cyber defense policies for compliance.
  • Conduct or support authorized penetration testing on enterprise network assets.
  • Maintain deployable cyber defense audit toolkit.
  • Prepare audit reports with technical and procedural findings and recommended remediation strategies.
  • Conduct technical and nontechnical risk and vulnerability assessments.
  • Proactively identify, exploit and help remediate security vulnerabilities across our infrastructure, applications and cloud environments.
  • In addition to independent offensive operations, you will work closely with our defensive teams in Purple team exercises to stress our detection and response capabilities.

Required:
  • Level 3: Bachelor's degree in a related technical field such as computer science or computer engineering and 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in a related technical field such as computer science or computer engineering and 2 years or relevant experience; or in lieu of a degree, 11 years of relevant experience.
  • Level 4: Bachelor's degree in a related technical field such as computer science or computer engineering and 9 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in a related technical field such as computer science or computer engineering and 6 years or relevant experience; or in lieu of a degree, 15 years of relevant experience.
  • Must be a US Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a DOE "L" clearance.

The ideal candidate will possess:
  • CISSP certification.
  • Experience with ICS/SCADA/PIT Systems, Security+, and Splunk.
  • Direct technical experience in Enhanced Security Environments.

Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Job Information:
Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Cybersecurity PenTester to work on our Architecture, Engineering, and Operations team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our REC facility with every other Friday off.
  • The pay range for this position is: Level 3 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 4 ($95,256 - $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
  • Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
  • TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

About Us
Benefits and Relocation
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
  • Paid time off (personal leave)
  • Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
  • Comprehensive Relocation Package
  • Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.
INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
INL Mission:
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.
INL Vision:
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
Selective Service Requirements:
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Reasonable Accommodation:
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Other Information:
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.
INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.

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About Idaho National Laboratory

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Idaho National Laboratory is a leading multi-disciplinary national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's missions in nuclear and energy research, science, and national defence. Located in Idaho Falls, ID, US, it operates under the management of Battelle Energy Alliance. Since its inception in 1949, the lab has remained at the forefront of nuclear energy innovations and advancements, providing critical scientific and technological inputs to support national priorities. Guided by its commitment to excellence, innovative research, collaborative partnerships, and integrity, the lab continues to play a vital role in driving America's nuclear and energy future.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Idaho Falls, ID, US

Year founded

1949

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