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Freelance Network Penetration Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Penetration Tester

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$125 - $155/hr

Key Responsibilities This role will be responsible for conducting network, application (API, mobile, and web), and Social Engineering penetration testing. Specifically, you would: * Work closely with ...

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Responsibilities : • Conduct web application, API, and network penetration tests to identify and validate security vulnerabilities. • Perform grey-box and black-box testing following NIST SP 800 ...

Cleared Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Key Responsibilities This role will be responsible for conducting network, application (API, mobile, and web), and Social Engineering penetration testing. Specifically, you would: * Work closely with ...

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies ... Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) * GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) * GIAC ...

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies ... Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) * GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) * GIAC ...

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Network Penetration Testing information

What is a freelance network penetration tester?

Freelance network penetration testers are independent cybersecurity professionals who assess the security of computer networks by simulating real-world attacks. They identify vulnerabilities, exploit security weaknesses, and provide recommendations to strengthen network defenses. Unlike in-house employees, freelancers work on a contract basis for various clients, offering flexible and specialized services. Their goal is to help organizations protect sensitive data and comply with security standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance network penetration tester?

To thrive as a Freelance Network Penetration Tester, you need deep knowledge of network protocols, cybersecurity fundamentals, and vulnerability assessment, typically supported by certifications such as OSCP or CEH. Proficiency with tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark is essential for conducting effective tests and reporting findings. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and self-motivation help build client trust and deliver actionable results. These skills ensure security risks are accurately identified and remediated, protecting client assets and reputation.

What are some common challenges freelance network penetration testers face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance network penetration testers often face challenges such as managing varying client expectations, adapting to different network environments, and ensuring clear communication about findings and remediation steps. Each client may have unique security policies and varying levels of technical knowledge, which requires testers to be flexible and proactive in their approach. Additionally, juggling multiple projects can make time management and maintaining up-to-date documentation particularly important for success in this role.

What is the difference between Freelance Network Penetration Testing vs Freelance Web Application Testing?

AspectFreelance Network Penetration TestingFreelance Web Application Testing
CertificationsCEH, OSCP, GPENOSCP, GWAPT, CEH
Work EnvironmentNetwork infrastructure, servers, firewallsWeb applications, APIs, frontend/backend
Industry UsageIT, cybersecurity firms, consultingWeb development, e-commerce, finance
Common Search IntentAssess network security, identify vulnerabilitiesTest web app security, find web-specific flaws

Freelance Network Penetration Testing focuses on evaluating network infrastructure security, while Freelance Web Application Testing targets web app vulnerabilities. Both roles require cybersecurity certifications and involve testing for security flaws, but they specialize in different areas of cybersecurity testing.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Network Penetration Testing jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Network Penetration Testing job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Penetration Testing jobs?

The most popular types of Network Penetration Testing jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Network Penetration Testing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Network Penetration Testing jobs include:

Infographic showing various Freelance Network Penetration Testing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Penetration Tester

Dark Wolf Solutions

Colorado Springs, CO • Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Dark Wolf is actively seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to join our innovative team. This individual will play a critical role in assessing and enhancing the security of various products, including hardware, software, and embedded systems. This role demands a deep understanding of penetration testing methodologies and advanced exploit development, focusing on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities across a wide range of technologies. As a Junior Product and Hardware Security Penetration Tester, you will have the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the enhancement of security across a wide range of products. If you possess a strong background in penetration testing and a passion for cybersecurity, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal role. This position is set to be supported in a hybrid work environment out of the DC Metro area. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting comprehensive penetration testing on hardware, software, and network components.
  • Performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components.
  • Performing a Cybersecurity evaluation of the product under test to identify vulnerabilities that would negatively impact the Confidentiality, Integrity, or Availability of system data or functionality.
  • Analyzing software, firmware, hardware, and/or RF components within the system.
  • Opining on the impact and level of effort required to exploit the identified vulnerabilities as well as providing information on a high-level remediation strategy.
  • Developing and executing exploits and proof-of-concept (PoC) attacks to demonstrate the impact of identified vulnerabilities.
  • Analyzing and reverse engineering firmware and embedded systems to identify security weaknesses.
  • Testing and assessing the security of secure boot processes and Trusted Execution Environments (TEE).
  • Conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing.
  • Performing manual verification of vulnerabilities, assessing their risk and exploitability.
  • Engaging in wireless and RF security testing, including penetration testing on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee networks.
  • Utilizing Software Defined Radio (SDR) for protocol reverse engineering and testing.
  • Reporting detailed findings, documenting case details, and providing actionable recommendations for remediation to enhance product security based on system analysis.
  • Planning and executing full-scale, cross-domain vulnerability assessments, network penetration testing, and phishing/social engineering campaigns.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum of 2+ years' experience in three or more specific areas to include: intelligence analysis, network engineering, networking security, penetration testing, red team operations, hardware engineering, software engineering, exploit development, reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment, physical security assessments, or social engineering
  • Proficiency with cloud technology and deployments across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Proficiency in the testing and assessment of mobile operating systems, embedded systems, and/or IoT devices
  • Experience in drafting reports, documenting case details, and summarizing findings and recommendations based on system analysis
  • Experience performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components
  • Experience conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing
  • Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong understanding of NIST 800-53 frameworks
  • US Citizenship and an active security clearance at a minimum of the Secret Level
Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with NIST 800-171 Revision 2
  • Proven ability to develop and execute complex exploits and PoC attacks
  • Strong analytical skills and experience in firmware, binary exploitation, and embedded systems testing
  • Advanced knowledge of Software Defined Radio (SDR) and protocol reverse engineering
  • Active professional certifications such as CEH, OSCP, PNPT, GPEN, or similar security/pen testing certifications

The salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $145,000.00 commensurate on experience and technical skillset. 

We are open to considering a variety of levels of experience for these projects and potential for 1099 hourly opportunity. 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification from upon hire.