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Freelance Offensive Security Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

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 • ...

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 • ...

ProducePay

Lead Offensive Secuirty Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

We're looking for a highly technical Offensive Security Engineer who thrives at the intersection of software engineering and cybersecurity. Rather than operating as a centralized security reviewer ...

New

Method Security

Security Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Role Overview As a Security Engineer at Method Security, you will be instrumental in expanding the ... Build and extend defensive and offensive security‑focused tools and workflows that enhance the ...

Range

Senior Security Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$115K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Deep hands-on experience with offensive security: red teaming, penetration testing, or ... engineering teams * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or ...

Range

Senior Security Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Deep hands-on experience with offensive security: red teaming, penetration testing, or ... engineering teams * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or ...

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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:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Offensive Security Engineer jobs?

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.

Security Software Engineer - Red Team Penetra

Imagine One Technology & Management Ltd

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. DoD clearance.

Candidates who are not U.S. citizens are not eligible for this role.

Imagine One Technology & Management, Ltd. is seeking one (1) Security Software Engineer. This position is contingent upon award of the associated work and will be performed in Dahlgren, Virginia.

The Security Software Engineer will be expected to:

  • 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).

Desired Experience:

  • Five (5) years of experience in software engineering applied to program development; modeling and simulation applied to DoD or Information Technology systems.
  • Five (5) Years experience in:
    1. Linux – firm grasp/demonstrated knowledge
    2. Associated Training: COMPTIA Linux+ or FedVTE Linux+
  • Five (5) Years experience in:
    1. Windows – foundational knowledge with good understanding of enterprise networks
    2. Associated Training: Microsoft course (MCSA; Various)
  • Strong working knowledge of common Penetration Testing (PENTEST) tools:
    1. Kali, Metasploit, NMAP, Cobalt Strike
    2. Associated Training: Certified Ethical Hacker or Offensive Security Certified Professional and;
    3. Documented experience in at least one of the following:
      1. Penetration Testing (PENTEST) (government or contractor)
      2. Red Team Operations (government or contractor)
      3. Tool/Software Development (exploits/malware, C2, reverse engineering, bug bounties)
      4. Python, C, C Sharp, C++, Go, Perl, Powershell
      5. Web Dev/Web App Dev/Web Penetration testing
    4. PHP, ASP, SQL db's, Java, HTML, No SQL[VW1]

Educational Requirements:

  • Minimum certification as IAT Level II per DoD 8570.01, or successor.
  • Minimum certification as penetration tester and possess one of the following certificates:
    1. Offensive Security Certs: Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE), Offensive Security Exploitation Expert (OSEE), Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
    2. 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
    3. OSD Sponsored Cyber Operation Academy Course (COAC) graduates.
  • Bachelor’s degree desired

Security Requirements:

  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance required

Imagine One Technology & Management, Ltd., offers a full package of benefits and competitive salary, excellent group medical, vision, and dental programs. 401K savings plan; $4K annual tuition reimbursement ($5K if pursuing master’s degree); employee training, development, and education programs; profit sharing; advancement opportunities; and much more!

ISO 9001:2015, ISO 20000-1:2018, ISO 27001:2013
CMMI Development and Services - Maturity Level 3
An Employee-Owned Business

EEO/Veterans/Disabled