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Ethical Penetration Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Koniag, Inc.

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

Act as an ethical attacker (red team) to simulate cyber intrusions, or as defensive cybersecurity personnel (blue team) to strengthen system resilience. * Develop penetration testing Rules of ...

kgs

Penetration Testing Lead

Warrenton, VA

Act as an ethical attacker (red team) to simulate cyber intrusions, or as defensive cybersecurity personnel (blue team) to strengthen system resilience. * Develop penetration testing Rules of ...

kgs

Penetration Testing Lead

Atlantic City, NJ

Act as an ethical attacker (red team) to simulate cyber intrusions, or as defensive cybersecurity personnel (blue team) to strengthen system resilience. * Develop penetration testing Rules of ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

This role combines hands-on testing with leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across ... CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) * CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional ...

PingWind

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Supports execution of authorized penetration testing activities against ... ethical hacking standards, testing methodologies, and reporting procedures to ensure compliant and ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

Ethical Hacking: * * Conduct all penetration testing activities in a legal and ethical manner, adhering to established rules of engagement. * Protect the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior Penetration Tester

$90K - $150K/yr

Possess a certification in penetration testing, such as: * Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) * Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT) * Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * Global Information ...

Leidos

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We are looking for a cyber security professional to conduct penetration testing and ethical hacking, to target, assess, and exploit risk and vulnerabilities of information systems. This candidate is ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

Ethical Hacking: * * Conduct all penetration testing activities in a legal and ethical manner, adhering to established rules of engagement. * Protect the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

This role combines hands-on testing with leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across ... CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) * CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · On-site

Ethical Hacking: * * Conduct all penetration testing activities in a legal and ethical manner, adhering to established rules of engagement. * Protect the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior Penetration Tester

$90K - $150K/yr

Possess a certification in penetration testing, such as: * Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) * Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT) * Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * Global Information ...

Leidos

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA

$131K - $237K/yr

We are looking for a cyber security professional to conduct penetration testing and ethical hacking, to target, assess, and exploit risk and vulnerabilities of information systems. This candidate is ...

PingWind

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA · On-site

... ethical hacking standards, testing methodologies, and reporting procedures to ensure compliant and ... working toward penetration testing and offensive security certifications appropriate for DoD ...

Bespoke Technologies, Inc

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

... testing and ethical hacking, to target, assess, and exploit risk and vulnerabilities of information systems. Mandatory Skills: * Demonstrates work experience in cyber security or related IT field * ...

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Ethical Penetration Testing information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do ethical penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for ethical 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 are some common challenges faced by ethical penetration testers during client engagements?

Ethical penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited timeframes to conduct thorough assessments, incomplete or ambiguous scope definitions from clients, and the need to balance effective testing with minimal disruption to live systems. Communication is key—testers must clearly report findings and collaborate with IT teams to remediate vulnerabilities. Additionally, staying current with emerging threats and tools is essential to deliver valuable insights and maintain industry standards.

Will pentesters be replaced by AI?

Ethical penetration testers use their expertise to identify security vulnerabilities that AI tools cannot fully replicate, such as understanding complex systems and social engineering. While AI can assist in automating certain tasks, human judgment, creativity, and experience remain essential for effective security assessments and ethical hacking. Continuous learning and certification are important for pentesters to stay relevant as technology evolves.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Ethical penetration testers can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications like OSCP or CISSP, and specialization in high-demand areas. Achieving this level often requires working for top firms, consulting, or holding senior leadership roles in cybersecurity. Income varies based on skills, location, and the complexity of engagements.

How much money do ethical hackers make?

Ethical penetration testers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior professionals with advanced skills and certifications like OSCP or CISSP can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand environments or consulting roles.

What is the difference between Ethical Penetration Testing vs Vulnerability Analyst?

AspectEthical Penetration TestingVulnerability Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentSimulated attacks on systems to identify security gapsAnalyzing vulnerabilities and assessing risk levels
Industry UsageSecurity firms, IT departments, consultingSecurity teams, risk management, compliance

Ethical Penetration Testers actively simulate cyberattacks to find exploitable weaknesses, while Vulnerability Analysts focus on identifying and prioritizing security flaws through assessments. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industry sectors, but their core activities differ: testing versus analysis.

What is ethical penetration testing?

Ethical penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking, is the practice of simulating cyberattacks on a computer system, network, or application with the permission of its owner. The goal is to identify security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Ethical penetration testers use the same tools and techniques as cybercriminals but report findings so they can be fixed, helping organizations strengthen their security. This process is a critical part of a comprehensive cybersecurity program and helps ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Is penetration testing ethical?

Ethical penetration testing involves authorized security assessments to identify vulnerabilities in systems, helping organizations improve their security. It is conducted with permission, following legal and professional standards, and often requires certifications like CEH or OSCP. When performed responsibly, it is considered an ethical practice in cybersecurity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ethical Penetration Tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ethical Penetration Tester, you need strong knowledge of network security, operating systems, and common vulnerabilities, typically backed by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity and relevant certifications like CEH or OSCP. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap is essential for simulating and assessing security threats. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills for identifying risks and clearly reporting findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders. These competencies ensure that security assessments are thorough, actionable, and help organizations strengthen their defenses against real-world cyber threats.
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What cities are hiring for Ethical Penetration Testing jobs? Cities with the most Ethical Penetration Testing job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Ethical Penetration Testing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ethical Penetration Testing jobs are:
Ethical Penetration Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ethical Penetration Testing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Testing Lead

Koniag, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Koniag IT Systems, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Penetration Testing Lead to support KITS and our government customer in Washington, DC. This position is for a Future New Business Opportunity.
The customer may need support as needed at other locations: Warrenton, VA, Atlantic City, NJ, Melbourne, FL, Oklahoma, OK and Leesburg, VA.
We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.
We are seeking an experienced Penetration Testing Lead to conduct advanced penetration testing activities, simulate cyberattacks, and evaluate the security posture of systems, networks, and applications. The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies and configurations, and deliver actionable recommendations to reduce organizational cyber risk. This role requires a highly technical leader with demonstrated experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations and penetration testing methodologies.
Essential Functions, Responsibilities & Duties may include, but are not limited to:
  • Perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments of systems, networks, and applications.
  • Provide detailed analysis of discovered vulnerabilities, gaps, and risks, including assessment of patching and mitigation strategies.
  • Act as an ethical attacker (red team) to simulate cyber intrusions, or as defensive cybersecurity personnel (blue team) to strengthen system resilience.
  • Develop penetration testing Rules of Engagement (ROE), test plans, and reports.
  • Execute tests in alignment with specifications, requirements, and cybersecurity guidance.
  • Provide technical expertise on penetration testing tools, cyber ranges, and simulation environments.
  • Recommend remediation actions to lower overall risk exposure.
  • Lead, supervise, and coordinate penetration testing teams and activities.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics from an accredited institution.
  • Eight (8) years of experience performing penetration testing or related responsibilities described in this position.
  • At least two (2) years of relevant experience must be recent (performed within the last three years).
  • Five (5) years of management and supervisory experience within the required experience timeframe
  • Two (2) of those five (5) years must have been in a lead role.
  • At least one (1) of the following Red Teaming or Blue Teaming certifications:

Red Teaming Certifications:
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
  • Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
  • Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • EC Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
  • CEH Practical
  • ECSA Practical
  • Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
  • GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT)
  • GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
  • GIAC Assessing and Auditing Wireless Networks (GAWN)

Blue Teaming Certifications:
  • Certified Network Defender (CND)
  • Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
  • GIAC Defending Advanced Threats (GDAT)
  • GIAC Defensible Security Architecture (GDSA)
  • GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
  • GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting federal agencies or regulated cybersecurity environments.
  • Knowledge of NIST security controls, RMF, cyber ranges, and penetration testing methodologies.
  • Strong communication, reporting, and documentation skills.

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.
The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply for a position on our website, please get in touch with Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodations.
Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352
Koniag logo

About Koniag

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Investment management and consulting services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kodiak, AK, US

Year founded

1972

Social media

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