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Cyber Security Penetration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Holds or is working toward penetration testing and offensive security certifications appropriate ... cybersecurity certifications. Required Education: BS/BA degree Required Experience: 5 years ...

Providing intelligence, IT, cyber security, training, logistics, administrative, acquisition, and background investigation services. Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform ...

Assists with planning, scoping, and execution of penetration tests in coordination with Government stakeholders and senior cybersecurity personnel. Conducts technical testing activities, including ...

External network assessments Technical Consulting Serve as cybersecurity advisor to OIG auditors by ... Penetration test reports * Conclusions memoranda * Attack confirmation lists * Risk analyses

Providing intelligence, IT, cyber security, training, logistics, administrative, acquisition, and background investigation services. Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform ...

Providing intelligence, IT, cyber security, training, logistics, administrative, acquisition, and background investigation services. Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform ...

Penetration Tester

Springfield, VA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Penetration Tester to join our team! You will implement security measures for the ... We help federal agencies, commercial clients, and small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity ...

Senior Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

$145K - $180K/yr

Senior Penetration Tester Pay Type : SALARIED EXEMPT Location : Hybrid, Washington, DC US ... Bachelor's degree in cyber security, computer science, IT or a related field and at least 10 years ...

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Experience in cyber security with a focus on red teaming, penetration testing, or threat hunting. Desired Qualifications: * Strong understanding of network protocols and troubleshooting, server and ...

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Cyber Security Penetration information

See salary details

$40.5K

$122.9K

$180K

How much do cyber security penetration jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber security penetration 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 deep understanding of network security, vulnerability assessment, ethical hacking methodologies, and typically hold a degree in computer science or related certifications like CEH or OSCP. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nessus, as well as secure coding practices and operating systems, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for reporting findings and working with diverse teams. These skills ensure the ability to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities, protect organizational assets, and communicate risks clearly to stakeholders.

What is a Cyber Security Penetration Tester?

A Cyber Security Penetration Tester, often called a 'pen tester,' is a professional who simulates cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, and applications to identify security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. They use various tools and techniques to assess the strength of an organization’s defenses and provide recommendations to improve security. Pen testers play a crucial role in helping organizations protect sensitive data and comply with industry regulations.

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

AspectCyber Security PenetrationCyber Security Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISSP, Security+, CEH
Work EnvironmentSimulated attacks, offensive securityMonitoring, incident response, defense
Employer UsagePenetration testing firms, security consultanciesIn-house security teams, organizations

Cyber Security Penetration specialists focus on identifying vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, while Cyber Security Analysts monitor and defend against threats. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in their primary focus: offensive testing versus defensive analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by cyber security penetration testers during assessments?

Penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited access to information about target systems, strict time constraints for completing assessments, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of rapidly evolving security threats and tools. They must also navigate complex organizational networks without disrupting business operations. Effective communication with clients and collaborating with IT teams to ensure findings are accurately understood and remediated are key aspects of the role.
More about Cyber Security Penetration jobs
Infographic showing various Cyber Security Penetration job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,890 per year, or $59.1 per hour.
Penetration Tester

Penetration Tester

PingWind

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Location: Alexandria, Va
Required Clearance: Top Secret Clearance
Certifications: Holds or is working toward penetration testing and offensive security certifications appropriate for DoD environments, such as CEH, PenTest+, GPEN, OSCP, or equivalent DoD 8570/8140-approved cybersecurity certifications.
Required Education: BS/BA degree
Required Experience: 5 years relevant experience (an additional 4 years experience may be substituted in lieu of degree).
Position Description:
PingWind is seeking a Penetration Tester responsible for supporting authorized penetration testing and security assessment activities to identify, validate, and document vulnerabilities in MODES III systems and cloud-hosted environments in accordance with Government cybersecurity requirements.
Responsibilities:
• Supports execution of authorized penetration testing activities against MODES III systems, applications, and cloud environments to identify security weaknesses. (PenTest).
• Assists with planning, scoping, and execution of penetration tests in coordination with Government stakeholders and senior cybersecurity personnel.
• Conducts technical testing activities, including vulnerability exploitation, validation, and verification, in accordance with approved rules of engagement and security policies.
• Documents penetration testing results, findings, and supporting evidence, contributing to formal reports and risk documentation.
• Supports remediation validation and retesting activities to confirm closure of identified vulnerabilities and risk reduction.
• Follows established ethical hacking standards, testing methodologies, and reporting procedures to ensure compliant and repeatable execution.
Required Qualifications:
• Must hold or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret.
• Holds or is working toward penetration testing and offensive security certifications appropriate for DoD environments, such as CEH, PenTest+, GPEN, OSCP, or equivalent DoD 8570/8140-approved cybersecurity certifications.
Desired Qualifications:
• Master's Degree
About PingWind
PingWind is focused on delivering outstanding services to the federal government. We have extensive experience in the fields of cybersecurity, development, IT infrastructure, supply chain management and other professional services such as system design and continuous improvement. PingWind is an SBA certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with offices in Northern Virginia and Huntsville AL.
www.PingWind.com
Salary Range
86K- 119K
The pay range for this job is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) job responsibilities, education, certifications, experience, as well as internal equity mapping and alignment with market data, or other applicable laws.
Veterans are encouraged to apply
PingWind, Inc. does not discriminate in employment opportunities, terms, and conditions of employment, or practices on the basis of race, age, gender, religious or political beliefs, national origin or heritage, disability, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.