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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 ...

Cleared Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

Bachelor's Degree or 4 years of equivalent job experience * 2+ years of professional services experience * 3+ years of web application and network penetration testing experience * Proficient in at ...

... network penetration testing experience * Proficient in at least one or more scripting languages (i.e., bash, python, PowerShell, ruby, etc.) * Strong technical acumen with regards to penetration ...

... network penetration testing experience * Proficient in at least one or more scripting languages (i.e., bash, python, PowerShell, ruby, etc.) * Strong technical acumen with regards to penetration ...

Perform penetration testing on networks, with a focus on internal networks and exploiting Active ... Network penetration testing and assessment tradecraft and methodologies * Strong working knowledge ...

New

Engagements may include external and internal network penetration testing, Active Directory attack path testing, web and API application testing, cloud and Microsoft 365 security assessments, and AI ...

$120 - $160/hr

Engagements may include external and internal network penetration testing, Active Directory attack path testing, web and API application testing, cloud and Microsoft 365 security assessments, and AI ...

New

Engagements may include external and internal network penetration testing, Active Directory attack path testing, web and API application testing, cloud and Microsoft 365 security assessments, and AI ...

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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, Senior

Navstar Inc.

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Navstar Inc. is an award-winning organization providing IT services and solutions focused on national security. They are seeking a Senior Penetration Tester to join a high-performing agile team, responsible for ensuring the security of enterprise-wide information systems through various penetration testing and security compliance activities.
Responsibilities:
• Perform internal and external pentests against systems to determine vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies.
• Perform web app pentests.
• Perform vulnerability risk assessments.
• Perform physical pentests and social engineering analysis.
• Perform cyber incident response as needed.
• Evaluate the impact of new development on the operational security posture of IT systems.
• Evaluate, review, and test critical software.
• Formulate security compliance requirements for new system features.
• Identify and remediate security issues throughout the system.
• Audit and assess system security configuration settings using common methodologies and tools.
• Work with development teams to enrich team-wide understanding of different types of vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and remediation approaches.
• Work closely with System Engineering, Test Engineering, and Integration teams to ensure hardware and software architecture and implementations meet strict security requirements.
• Propose, assess, coordinate, implement, and enforce information systems security policies, standards, and methodologies.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert in security architecture, to include providing advice to Program Managers, Customer technical experts, and internal program teams.
Qualifications:
Required:
• To be eligible for this position you must hold an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• Must have experience with penetration testing tools.
• Must have experience in web development and programming languages such as Java, XML, Perl and HTML.
• Must have experience with programming/scripting in Python, Powershell, C, JavaScript, etc.
• Must have extensive experience performing IT security risk assessments.
• Must have experience performing web app and physical pentests.
• Must have experience with or strong familiarity of the following Web Application tools; Burp Suite, Web Inspect, Appdetective.
• Must have experience with or strong familiarity of Kali.
• Must have experience with or strong familiarity of IPS/IDS solutions.
• Must have a strong understanding of the Cyber Kill Chain methodology.
• Must have experience applying Risk Management Framework.
• Must have experience with secure configurations of commonly used desktop and server operating systems.
• Must have the ability to effectively collaborate with technical staff and customers to form mitigation strategies and plan for continuous modernization and legacy integration.
• Must have experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and quickly and effectively adjusting to shifting priorities in resolving issues.
Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree in a technical/information assurance field and at least 12 years of relevant experience.
• Certifications in one or more of the following areas strongly preferred: GIAC Web Applications Penetration Tester (GWAPT), GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Web Application Defender (GWEB), Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP).
• Extensive experience developing/implementing integrated security services management processes, such as assessing and auditing network penetration testing, anti-virus planning assistance, risk analysis, and incident response.
• Extensive experience providing information assurance support for application development that includes system security certifications and project evaluations for firewalls that encompass development, design, and implementation.
Company:
Who We Are: Since 1999, Navstar has earned a reputation for excellence by listening to our customers, being easy to work with, and delivering on our commitments. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Reston, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.