ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Dod Penetration Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsTechnology JobsNetworking JobsCyber Security Engineer JobsDod Penetration Testing Jobs

Dod Penetration Testing information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do dod penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for dod penetration testing 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 DoD penetration testing?

DoD penetration testing refers to security assessments conducted for the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems, networks, or applications. These tests simulate real-world cyberattacks to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards, such as those outlined in the Risk Management Framework (RMF). The goal is to proactively discover and remediate weaknesses before they can be exploited by adversaries, helping to protect sensitive military information and maintain operational readiness.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a DoD penetration tester?

To thrive as a DoD Penetration Tester, you need a deep understanding of cybersecurity concepts, network protocols, and ethical hacking, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field and relevant security clearances. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nessus, and certifications such as CEH, OSCP, or CISSP are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you identify vulnerabilities and clearly report findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders. These skills are crucial for protecting sensitive military systems and ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity standards.

What challenges do DoD penetration testers face when working on classified networks?

DoD Penetration Testers often encounter challenges such as navigating strict security protocols, obtaining necessary clearances, and adhering to rigorous documentation requirements. Working on classified networks means testers must follow specific guidelines for handling sensitive information, which can limit the use of certain tools or techniques. Collaboration with other security professionals and stakeholders is essential, but communication must always comply with operational security standards. These factors make thorough preparation and adaptability key to success in the role.

What is the difference between Dod Penetration Testing vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectDod Penetration TestingCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, CISSPCISSP, Security+, CEH
Work EnvironmentConducts simulated attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilitiesMonitors security systems, analyzes threats, and implements defenses
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in defense, government, and security firmsAcross various industries including finance, healthcare, and tech

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Dod Penetration Testing specializes in offensive security by simulating attacks to find vulnerabilities, often within government or defense sectors. Cybersecurity Analysts focus on defending systems through monitoring and threat analysis across diverse industries. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right security roles based on their needs.

Is penetration testing a good career?

Penetration testing is a valuable cybersecurity role that involves identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. It requires technical skills, knowledge of security tools, and often certifications like OSCP or CEH. The field offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning.

What are popular job titles related to Dod Penetration Testing jobs?

For Dod Penetration Testing jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Dod Penetration Testing job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Red Team Penetration Tester

SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor ✪ 4.6

Spotsylvania, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview:

SimVentions, consistently voted one Virginia's Best Places to Work, is looking for an experienced professional to join our team!  As a Red Team Penetration Tester, you will be responsible for conducting penetration testing and conducting offensive cybersecurity operations for the U.S. Government and DoD systems. You will work collaboratively with Blue Team and Cybersecurity professionals to enhance overall cyber posture. 

Travel: Negligible Clearance:

At minimum an ACTIVE Secret Clearance is required for this position. An ACTIVE Top Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility is preferred. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. US Citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Requirements:

Five (5) years' experience in software engineering applied to program development; modeling and simulation applied to DoD or Information Technology systems.

  • Linux (firm grasp with demonstrated knowledge)
  • Windows (foundational knowledge with good understanding of enterprise networks)

Strong working knowledge of common Penetration Testing (PENTEST) tools:

    • Kali
    • Metasploit
    • NMAP
    • Cobalt Strike

Documented experience in at least one of the following:

  • Penetration Testing (PENTEST)
  • Red Team Operations
  • Tool/Software Development (exploits/malware, C2, reverse engineering, bug bounties)
  • Python, C, C Sharp, C++, Go, Perl, Powershell
  • Web Dev/Web App Dev/Web Penetration testing
    • NSX, vCenter, vRealize Suite, Horizon View (VDI) and others
    • PAN-OS
    • FirePower, Nexus, IOS, ASA
    • ONTAP, SnapMirror
    • Active-Directory
    • Active Directory, SSO, MFA, Azure application integration, Identity Federation.
    • Automation using Powershell, PowerAutomate, Logic Apps, Graph API.
    • Experience with Palo Alto, Cisco, VMWare, NetApp and Microsoft products.
    • Entra ID (Azure AD), to include:
      • Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 in a hybrid environment.
      • Extending or integrating on premises AD with Entra ID.
      • Managing identity and access in Microsoft Entra ID.
    • Experience conducting Red Team operations in an MDE environment.
    • Experience with AWS, Cloud Audit, Serverless and Microservice Architecture
    • Experience working with AWS services (such as EC2, S3, KMS, RDS) and security best practices relevant to those services
    • Experience with Web Services penetration testing (RESTful and SOAP) Web Authentication protocols (e.g. OAuth2, SAML, LDAP)
  • PHP, ASP, SQL db's, Java, HTML, No SQL
  • Minimum certification one of the following:
    • Security+
    • CCNA Security
    • CySA+
    • GICSP
    • SSCP
  • Minimum certification as penetration tester and possess one of the following certificates:
    • Offensive Security Certs:
      • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
      • Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
      • Offensive Security Exploitation Expert (OSEE)
      • Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
    • SANS Certs:
      • SEC560 - Network Penetration testing and Ethical Hacking (GPEN Certification)
      • SEC542 - Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking (GWAPT Certification)
      • SEC660 - Advance Penetration Testing. Exploit Writing, and Ethical Hacking (GXPN Certification)
      • SEC642 - Advanced Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
      • SEC564 - Red Team Operations and Threat Emulation
      • OSD Sponsored Cyber Operation Academy Course (COAC) graduates.
      • Capture the Flag (CTF) participation (DEFCON, Over-The-Wire (OTW), Hack the Box, USS Secure CTF's)
      • Security research resulting in a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)
Responsibilities:
  • Debug and reverse engineer software.
  • Analyze Windows Events and Linux syslog's, boot logs and dmesg logs.
  • Program and debug Web 2.0, Java, Perl, Ada, C++, Tool Command Language
    (tcl/tk) scripts and graphical user interfaces (GUis) using Microsoft Visual tel and
    Rational ClearCase for software configuration management.
  • Recommend software modifications to systems to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
    Operate and administrate computer systems running HP-UX, UNIX, Solaris,
    Linux and Microsoft Windows.
  • Identify security flaws in compiled and human readable source code. Understand
    code utilizing real-time VxWorks and Lynx OS operating systems, Common
    Object Resource Broker Architecture (CORBA), firewalls and networking
    protocols.
  • Understand how to implement NSA approved encryption technologies and
    devices. Apply DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
  • Apply virtual hosting and server technology in system architectures. Understand
    and apply the concept of deceptive technology such as honey pots in system
    architectures.
  • Participate in Code Reviews. Perform Static Source Code Analysis. Author
    recommendations for improving software and code design.
  • Contribute to a System Security Administrator and Operators Manual (SSAOM)
Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent Compensation:

Compensation at SimVentions is determined by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, security clearance, work location, skills, knowledge, and competencies, as well as alignment with our corporate compensation plan and contract specific requirements.

The projected annual compensation range for this position is $110,000-$150,000 (USD). This estimate reflects the standard salary range for this position and is just one component of the total compensation package that SimVentions offers. 

Benefits:

At SimVentions, we’re committed to supporting the total well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit offerings include comprehensive health and welfare plans to serve a variety of needs. 


We offer:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Competitive 401(k) programs
  • Retirement and Financial Counselors
  • Health Savings and Health Reimbursement Accounts
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life insurance, short- & long-term disability
  • Continuing Education Assistance
  • Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Leave (e.g., Maternity, Paternity, Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military)
  • Third Party Employee Assistance Program that offers emotional and lifestyle well-being services, to include free counseling
  • Supplemental Benefit Program 
Why Work for SimVentions?:

SimVentions is about more than just being a place to work with other growth-orientated technically exceptional experts. It’s also a fun place to work. Our family-friendly atmosphere encourages our employee-owners to imagine, create, explore, discover, and do great things together.

Support Our Warfighters

SimVentions is a proud supporter of the U.S. military, and we take pride in our ability to provide relevant, game-changing solutions to our armed men and women around the world.

Drive Customer Success

We deliver innovative products and solutions that go beyond the expected. This means you can expect to work with a team that will allow you to grow, have a voice, and make an impact.
Get Involved in Giving Back

We believe a well-rounded company starts with well-rounded employees, which is why we offer diverse service opportunities for our team throughout the year.

Build Innovative Technology

SimVentions takes pride in its innovative and cutting-edge technology, so you can be sure that whatever project you work on, you will be having a direct impact on our customer’s success.

Work with Brilliant People

We don’t just hire the smartest people; we seek experienced, creative individuals who are passionate about their work and thrive in our unique culture.

Create Meaningful Solutions

We are trusted partners with our customers and are provided challenging and meaningful requirements to help them solve.

Employees who join SimVentions will enjoy additional perks like:

  • Employee Ownership: Work with the best and help build YOUR company!
  • Family focus: Work for a team that recognizes the importance of family time.
  • Culture: Add to our culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
  • Dress code: Business casual, we like to be comfortable while we work.
  • Resources:  Excellent facilities, tools, and training opportunities to grow in your field.
  • Open communication: Work in an environment where your voice matters.
  • Corporate Fellowship:  Opportunities to participate in company sports teams and employee-led interest groups for personal and professional development.
  • Employee Appreciation: Multiple corporate events throughout the year, including Holiday Events, Company Picnic, Imagineering Day, and more.
  • Founding Partner of the FredNats Baseball team: Equitable distribution of tickets for every home game to be enjoyed by our employee-owners and their families from our private suite.
  • Food: We have a lot of food around here!

MWAC

-

Apply