ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Penetration Tester Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

All JobsPenetration Tester JobsEntry Level Penetration Tester JobsEntry Level Penetration Tester Jobs in Michigan

Entry Level Penetration Tester information

See Michigan salary details

$19.6K

$104.5K

$146.9K

How much do entry level penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level penetration tester in Michigan is $104,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,700.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level penetration tester?

Entry level penetration testers are cybersecurity professionals who are responsible for identifying and evaluating security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. They use a variety of tools and techniques to simulate cyberattacks, helping organizations strengthen their defenses. Typically, entry level penetration testers work under the guidance of more experienced team members and are involved in tasks such as vulnerability scanning, basic exploitation, and reporting findings. This role often serves as a starting point for a career in ethical hacking or cybersecurity consulting.

What does an entry level penetration tester do?

As an entry-level penetration tester, your job is to help a company test its network security by attempting to break into it. To accomplish this, you may assist with pre-designed penetration attempts, conduct a vulnerability scan to search for any obvious points of entry, and configure attack tools for the system you are targeting. You may also help troubleshoot security issues and otherwise develop your cyber intrusion skills. This is an entry-level role, so your primary job is studying penetration techniques and documenting your activities to help software designers understand how you breached the system and what they can do to repair it.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level penetration tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals, often backed by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH, is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for identifying vulnerabilities, reporting findings clearly, and contributing to an organization's security posture.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level penetration testers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level penetration testers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving security tools and methodologies, learning to communicate technical findings in clear, actionable reports, and managing time effectively across multiple projects. Additionally, they may need to quickly become familiar with diverse IT environments and collaborate with experienced team members and clients to address vulnerabilities. Overcoming these challenges is a valuable part of the learning curve and helps build a strong foundation for future growth in cybersecurity.

What is the difference between Entry Level Penetration Tester vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Penetration TesterCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level roles)
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacks, security assessmentsMonitoring, analyzing security systems, incident response
Industry UsageSecurity firms, IT departments, consultingCorporate, government, financial sectors

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, an Entry Level Penetration Tester primarily conducts simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities, requiring certifications like CEH. A Cybersecurity Analyst monitors security systems and responds to threats, often with certifications like Security+ or CISSP. The roles differ in daily tasks but share foundational security knowledge and certifications.

More about Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Tester jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Penetration Tester jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs in Michigan?

For Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs in Michigan are:

Entry Level Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Penetration Tester job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,500 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Systems Engineer, Cybersecurity

Torc Robotics

Ann Arbor, MI

$56 - $68.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About the Company 

At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. 
A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a decade commercializing our solutions with experienced partners.Now a part of the Daimler family, we are focused solely on developing software for automated trucks to transform how the world moves freight. 
Join us and catapult your career with the company that helped pioneer autonomous technology and the first AV software company with the vision to partner directly with a truck manufacturer. 


Position Overview:
  • We are seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Entry-Level Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer to join our Base Hardware Cybersecurity team. In this role, you will help design, test, and implement secure architectures for next-generation Electronic Control Units (ECUs).
  • You will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams and leading Tier-1 automotive suppliers to ensure our vehicle systems satisfy rigorous automotive security standards (e.g., ISO/SAE 21434, UN R155) throughout the system development lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
  • ECU Security Architecture & Implementation: Assist in defining security requirements for hardware and embedded software on automotive ECUs (including Secure Boot, Hardware Security Modules (HSM), cryptographic key management, and secure communication protocols).
  • Supplier Collaboration: Coordinate directly with Tier-1 suppliers to communicate cybersecurity technical requirements, review supplier deliverables, analyze security concepts, and track resolution of technical issues.
  • Threat Analysis & Risk Assessment (TARA): Participate in performing TARAs on vehicle systems and components to identify potential attack vectors, threat scenarios, and risk levels.
  • Protocol & Bus Security: Evaluate and support implementation of security controls on in-vehicle networks, including CAN / CAN-FD, Automotive Ethernet, and LIN (e.g., SecOC / Secure On-Board Communication).
  • Testing & Validation: Perform hands-on security verification, static/dynamic code analysis reviews, and assist with penetration testing or vulnerability scans on bench environments and target hardware.
  • Compliance & Process Support: Ensure engineering activities align with industry cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE regulations (UN R155 / R156).
Qualifications & Skills
Required Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on project/internship experience).
  • 0 to 2 years of professional or academic/internship experience in cybersecurity, embedded systems, or automotive engineering.
Technical Competencies:
  • Embedded Fundamentals: Basic understanding of embedded systems architecture, microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and C/C++ programming.
  • In-Vehicle Networks: Familiarity with automotive communications protocols such as CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, or Automotive Ethernet.
  • Core Security Concepts: Solid understanding of symmetric/asymmetric cryptography, hashing, public key infrastructure (PKI), and secure boot mechanisms.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate technical requirements to Tier-1 suppliers and cross-functional teams.
Preferred / Bonus Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with automotive security standards (ISO/SAE 21434, AUTOSAR SecOC, UN R155/R156).
  • Hands-on experience with hardware/firmware debugging tools (e.g., Vector CANoe, logic analyzers, oscilloscope, or JTAG debuggers).
  • Relevant entry-level certifications or training (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CEH, or coursework/certifications specific to embedded or automotive security).

Apply