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Freelance Network Penetration Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Red Team Penetration Tester

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

SEC560 - Network Penetration testing and Ethical Hacking (GPEN Certification) * SEC542 - Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking (GWAPT Certification) * SEC660 - Advance Penetration Testing.

Showing results 41-60

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:

What other helpful pages are available for Freelance Network Penetration Testing?

Other pages related to Freelance Network Penetration Testing:

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.

Red Team Penetration Tester

Waldorf, MD • On-site

SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor ✪ 4.6
IT Services • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 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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