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Freelance Offensive Security Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Spry Methods

Web Developer Security Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$135K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EC-Council Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE) * Offensive Security: * OffSec Web Expert ... Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) * Foundational Security: * Security+ * GSEC ...

Spry Methods

Application Security Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Application Security Engineer protects mission-critical web applications, application ... Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) * Foundational Security: * Security+ * GSEC ...

Geico

Staff Security Engineer - Red Team (AI)

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $260K/yr

  • Retirement

You'llexecute at the intersection of offensive security and AI, developing novel Red Team ... Outcomes will directly inform detection engineering, incident response readiness, and control ...

Range

Senior Security Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$116K - $159K/yr

Required : • 6+ years of professional security engineering experience • Deep hands-on experience with offensive security: red teaming, penetration testing, or vulnerability research • ...

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All JobsOffensive Security Engineer JobsFreelance Offensive Security Engineer JobsFreelance Offensive Security Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Freelance Offensive Security Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$15

$49

$137

How much do freelance offensive security engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance offensive security engineer in Reston, VA is $49.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $64.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance offensive security engineer?

Freelance Offensive Security Engineers are independent cybersecurity professionals who specialize in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities within computer systems, networks, and applications. They are hired by organizations on a contract basis to conduct penetration testing, red teaming, and security assessments to help improve the organization's defenses. Unlike in-house employees, freelancers work for multiple clients and often bring a diverse range of experience from different industries. Their primary goal is to simulate real-world attacks and provide detailed reports with recommendations to enhance security posture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance offensive security engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Offensive Security Engineer, you need deep expertise in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and cybersecurity best practices, often backed by certifications like OSCP or CEH. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and scripting languages like Python is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and effective client communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for identifying and mitigating security risks while maintaining client trust and delivering high-value security assessments.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance offensive security engineers when working with multiple clients?

Freelance Offensive Security Engineers often juggle multiple projects for different clients, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Each client may have unique security requirements, varying network environments, and distinct expectations for deliverables. Additionally, staying updated on the latest vulnerabilities and attack techniques is crucial, as clients rely on your expertise for thorough assessments. Clear communication and diligent documentation are essential to ensure that findings and recommendations are understood and actionable for each client.

What is the difference between Freelance Offensive Security Engineer vs Penetration Tester?

AspectFreelance Offensive Security EngineerPenetration Tester
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, OSWEOSCP, CEH, GPEN
Work EnvironmentProject-based, remote or on-site, client-specificTypically consulting, testing environments, often on-site or remote
Employer/Industry UsageFreelance, cybersecurity firms, consultingSecurity firms, internal security teams, consulting

Freelance Offensive Security Engineers and Penetration Testers both focus on identifying security vulnerabilities. However, Freelance Offensive Security Engineers often work on broader offensive security projects, including red teaming and security architecture, while Penetration Testers primarily conduct targeted vulnerability assessments. The roles overlap but differ in scope and depth of engagement.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Offensive Security Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Freelance Offensive Security Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Offensive Security Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Offensive Security Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

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Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Offensive Security Engineer job openings:

Freelance Offensive Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Offensive Security Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,235 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer / Offensive Security Lead

Apogee Global RMS

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Apogee Global RMS is seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer / Offensive Security Lead to support high‑visibility federal and IC programs. This role is designed for operators who bring hands‑on offensive tradecraft, current certifications, and recent red‑team experience in mission‑critical environments.

You will lead offensive security engagements, emulate advanced adversaries, and partner with federal stakeholders to strengthen cyber resilience across complex infrastructures.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead red‑team, adversary emulation, and offensive security operations across federal and IC environments.
  • Conduct full‑scope assessments, exploit development, and hands‑on attack simulations.
  • Deliver technical reporting, risk articulation, and executive‑level briefings.
  • Collaborate with defensive teams to validate detections and strengthen security posture.
  • Maintain currency in offensive tooling, TTPs, and emerging threat vectors

Requirements

Certifications:

  • OSCP (minimum requirement)
  • OSEP, GPEN, GWAPT, CISSP strongly preferred
  • CEH acceptable only as a baseline; CEH alone will not qualify for key personnel consideration

Required Expertise:

  • Hands‑on red‑team or offensive engagements within the last 24 months
  • Demonstrated expertise in adversary emulation, exploitation, and offensive tooling
  • Strong understanding of MITRE ATT&CK, threat modeling, and detection bypass techniques

Clearance & Location

  • Secret (minimum); TS preferred for IC/DoD work
  • Must be cleared or fully clearable
  • Primary residence in the NCR (DC/MD/VA)

Preferred Attributes

  • Experience supporting IC, DoD, or federal civilian agencies
  • Strong communication skills for both technical and executive audiences
  • Ability to operate independently in high‑trust, high‑impact environments
  • Commitment to continuous learning and offensive tradecraft evolution

Benefits

Why Apogee

Apogee operates under the prime tier engagement where your offensive skill is respected, your time isn’t wasted, and your work directly supports national‑level missions. We move fast, we value precision, and we partner with operators who take pride in their craft.

How to Apply

For any questions (OR) to apply, please contact us at careers@apogeeglobalrms.com.