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Freelance Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing Jobs

Analygence

Senior Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

Conduct penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, software assurance, and cyber supply chain risk management activities for Federal mission systems. * Perform full-scope security testing using ...

Analygence

Senior Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Tharros is seeking a Senior Penetration Testing, Software Assurance and Vulnerability Assessment Engineer to support a DHS Intelligence and Analysis cybersecurity program in the National Capital ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior Penetration Tester

$90K - $150K/yr

Minimum six (6) years proven proficiency in performing extensive vulnerability assessment and penetration testing * Minimum three (3) years of experience with testing tools, including NESSUS ...

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How much do freelance vulnerability assessment penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance vulnerability assessment penetration testing in the United States is $119,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance vulnerability assessment penetration tester?

Freelance Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testers are independent cybersecurity professionals who evaluate computer systems, networks, and applications to identify security weaknesses and vulnerabilities. They perform penetration tests (ethical hacking) to simulate cyberattacks and assess how well a system can withstand real threats. These freelancers work with various clients, including businesses and organizations, to provide detailed reports and recommendations for improving security. Their expertise helps companies proactively protect their digital assets and comply with industry regulations.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Tester, you need deep knowledge of network security, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles, often supported by certifications like OSCP or CEH. Proficiency with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark is crucial for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and clear reporting skills help communicate risks and recommendations to clients. These skills are essential for accurately assessing security posture, providing actionable insights, and maintaining client trust in a highly technical and evolving field.

What are the typical challenges faced by freelance vulnerability assessment penetration testers when working with multiple clients?

Freelance vulnerability assessment and penetration testers often encounter challenges like managing diverse client expectations, adapting to varying IT environments, and keeping up with the latest security threats and tools. Each project may require different methodologies and reporting styles, so strong organizational skills and clear communication are crucial. Additionally, freelancers must ensure they maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data securely, while also juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Freelance Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing vs Freelance Security Analyst?

AspectFreelance Vulnerability Assessment Penetration TestingFreelance Security Analyst
CertificationsCEH, OSCP, GPENCISSP, CISA, GIAC
Work EnvironmentProject-based, client sites, remoteConsulting, risk assessment, policy development
Industry UsageCybersecurity testing, penetration testing firmsSecurity consulting, compliance, threat analysis

Freelance Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing focuses on identifying and exploiting security weaknesses through hands-on testing. Freelance Security Analysts analyze security systems, assess risks, and develop security strategies. While both roles require cybersecurity certifications and involve security assessments, penetration testers are more technical and exploit-focused, whereas security analysts emphasize strategic analysis and policy development.

How much do freelance vulnerability assessment penetration testers make?

Freelance vulnerability assessment penetration testers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and project complexity. Many also charge fixed project rates or daily rates, with experienced professionals earning higher fees for specialized skills and tools like Kali Linux or Burp Suite.
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Freelance Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing Specialist - Level III

RiVidium, Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Description
The Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing Specialist - Level III serves as the senior technical expert responsible for planning, executing, and leading advanced penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, software assurance, and cyber supply chain risk management activities across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Intelligence Enterprise (DHS IE). This role performs comprehensive security assessments of enterprise networks, cloud environments, applications, operating systems, and Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) using industry-recognized methodologies and advanced manual testing techniques.
The specialist leverages frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK, OWASP, NIST, and industry best practices to identify vulnerabilities that may not be detected by automated tools. The position also supports software assurance initiatives through secure code reviews, application security testing, and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) activities to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of DHS IE systems.
Working closely with Security Operations Center (SOC) personnel, Cybersecurity Engineers, Information System Security Officers (ISSOs), Information System Security Managers (ISSMs), developers, and Government stakeholders, the Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing Specialist provides expert recommendations to reduce enterprise cyber risk while ensuring compliance with Federal, DHS, and Intelligence Community (IC) cybersecurity requirements.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and conduct comprehensive penetration testing engagements for DHS Intelligence Enterprise systems, networks, applications, cloud environments, and infrastructure.
  • Perform penetration testing using industry-recognized methodologies, including:
    • MITRE ATT&CK Framework
    • OWASP Web Security Testing Guide
    • NIST penetration testing guidance
    • PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard)
  • Plan and execute all phases of penetration testing, including:
    • Pre-engagement planning
    • Rules of Engagement (ROE)
    • Threat intelligence gathering
    • Threat modeling
    • Vulnerability identification
    • Exploitation
    • Post-exploitation analysis
    • Reporting and remediation recommendations
  • Utilize advanced manual testing techniques to identify vulnerabilities that are not detectable through automated scanning tools.
  • Perform network, web application, wireless, cloud, and infrastructure penetration testing using ethical hacking techniques while ensuring no disruption to production environments.
  • Validate Security Operations Center (SOC) detection and incident response capabilities through controlled adversary emulation and red team testing.
  • Assess logging, monitoring, detection, and response mechanisms to identify gaps in defensive capabilities.
  • Perform software assurance reviews by conducting security and compliance testing of software requests and applications prior to deployment.
  • Review Software Assurance Request Forms and provide technical adjudication and security recommendations.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments of enterprise systems and deliver comprehensive Security Assessment Reports (SARs) and Vulnerability Assessment Reports (VARs) within established service-level agreements.
  • Perform Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) and Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) assessments for software, hardware, and third-party technologies supporting DHS IE.
  • Conduct secure source code reviews using both automated and manual analysis techniques to identify software vulnerabilities and coding weaknesses.
  • Utilize static application security testing (SAST), dynamic application security testing (DAST), and software composition analysis (SCA) tools to evaluate software security.
  • Maintain the penetration testing toolkit, ensuring monthly software updates, quarterly configuration reviews, and compliance with approved security baselines.
  • Develop comprehensive penetration testing reports documenting:
    • Testing methodology
    • Attack paths
    • Exploited vulnerabilities
    • MITRE ATT&CK mappings
    • Risk ratings
    • Technical findings
    • Executive summaries
    • Remediation recommendations
  • Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) supporting penetration testing, software assurance, vulnerability assessment, and SCRM activities.
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity engineering, DevSecOps, cloud engineering, and system administration teams to remediate identified vulnerabilities.
  • Support cybersecurity audits, security assessments, authorization activities, and continuous monitoring initiatives.
  • Participate in cybersecurity working groups and provide technical guidance on emerging threats, offensive security techniques, and vulnerability management best practices.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
  • Minimum 7-10 years of experience performing penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, software assurance, and offensive cybersecurity activities within Federal Government or Intelligence Community environments.
  • Current Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification.
  • Current Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
  • Expert knowledge of:
    • MITRE ATT&CK Framework
    • OWASP Testing Methodology
    • OWASP Top 10
    • NIST Cybersecurity Framework
    • Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES)
  • Demonstrated experience with penetration testing and vulnerability assessment tools such as:
    • Burp Suite Professional
    • Nessus / ACAS
    • Nmap
    • Metasploit Framework
    • Wireshark
    • Kali Linux
    • WebInspect
    • Nikto
    • Other industry-standard offensive security tools
  • Experience performing software assurance using:
    • SonarQube
    • GitLab Security
    • Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
    • Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
    • Software Composition Analysis (SCA)
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in each of the following:
    • Software Assurance
    • Penetration Testing
    • Vulnerability Assessment
    • Patch Management
    • Secure Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Security Engineering
  • Experience performing secure code reviews and identifying application security vulnerabilities.
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification.
  • GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) certification.
  • Experience conducting penetration testing of Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) and classified information systems.
  • Experience supporting DHS Intelligence & Analysis (I&A) or other Intelligence Community cybersecurity programs.
  • Familiarity with:
    • DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
    • Container security (Docker, Kubernetes)
    • Kubernetes security
    • Serverless application security
    • Secure DevSecOps pipelines
  • Experience supporting Cloud Service Provider (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) penetration testing and cloud-native security assessments.
  • Experience performing adversary emulation, purple team, or red team exercises.
  • Familiarity with NIST SP 800-161 Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) guidance.

Required Certifications
The following current certifications are required:
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Preferred certifications include:
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)

Clearance Requirement
Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) Clearance Required
About the Organization
Established in 2008, RiVidium, Inc. (dba TripleCyber) is a VA-Verified SDVOSB and an SBA-Certified 8(a) company. To prepare our clients for the future, RiVidium has balanced all parts of our organization to attract the finest employees in order to 'Strive to be the missing element defining tomorrow's technology'. RiVidium keeps pace and surpasses its competitors by meeting challenges of advancements in Logistics, Human Capital, Cyber, Intelligence & Technology.
EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources (HR) at hr@rividium.com.
This position is currently accepting applications.

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