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Ethical Hacker Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Red Team Penetration Tester

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

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 ...

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Ethical Hacker information

See Virginia salary details

$98.7K

$131.6K

$157.6K

How much do ethical hacker jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for ethical hacker in Virginia is $131,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,511.00 and $137,613.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an ethical hacker do?

The job duties of an ethical hacker involve testing the security of a computer system or server. In this career, you may also have the job title of penetration tester. Your responsibilities include attempting to hack a system, website, or network to assess the vulnerability. You then make a report or give suggestions based on the outcome of your tests. You may perform research on the site or network before your hacks to find potential cyber vulnerabilities. As an ethical hacker, you must continuously research hacking to keep up with the latest techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ethical hacker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ethical Hacker, you need strong knowledge of networking, operating systems, vulnerability assessment, and security protocols, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with penetration testing tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and certifications such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and strong communication are vital soft skills for identifying vulnerabilities and reporting findings effectively. These skills ensure organizations can proactively defend against cyber threats and maintain robust information security.

What are the most common challenges ethical hackers face when working with organizations?

Ethical hackers often encounter challenges such as navigating limited access to critical systems, working with incomplete or outdated documentation, and ensuring that their activities do not disrupt business operations. Communication is key, as they must clearly explain vulnerabilities and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders. Additionally, ethical hackers must stay current with evolving security threats and tools, which requires continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Ethical Hacker vs Penetration Tester?

AspectEthical HackerPenetration Tester
CertificationsCEH, OSCP, CISSPOSCP, CEH, GPEN
Work EnvironmentOften part of security teams, proactive testingFocused on simulated attacks, testing security
Employer & Industry UsageBusinesses, cybersecurity firms, government agenciesSecurity consulting firms, internal security teams

Both Ethical Hackers and Penetration Testers assess security vulnerabilities, often holding similar certifications and working in comparable environments. Ethical Hackers typically have a broader role, including proactive security measures, while Penetration Testers focus specifically on simulated attacks to identify weaknesses. The terms are often used interchangeably, but Ethical Hacker emphasizes a proactive security mindset, whereas Penetration Tester emphasizes the testing process.

How much money do ethical hackers earn?

Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior professionals with advanced skills and certifications like CEH or OSCP can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand industries or tech hubs.

Is there any job for an ethical hacker?

Yes, ethical hackers are in demand across various industries to identify and fix security vulnerabilities. They typically work for organizations, cybersecurity firms, or as freelancers, often requiring certifications like CEH or OSCP and proficiency with tools such as penetration testing software. The role involves continuous learning to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

What jobs do ethical hackers get?

Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers or security analysts, typically work in roles focused on identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. They may be employed by organizations, cybersecurity firms, or government agencies, and often use tools like Kali Linux and perform security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests to improve cybersecurity defenses.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ethical Hacker jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Ethical Hacker jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ethical Hacker jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Ethical Hacker job openings:

Infographic showing various Ethical Hacker job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,554 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Red Team Penetration Tester

SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor ✪ 4.6

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 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

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