ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hacker Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

This role requires a deep understanding of security principles, hacking techniques, and attack methodologies. The Penetration Tester will plan, execute, and document penetration tests, provide ...

Phase2 Technology

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Certified Ethical Hacker ( CEH ) , Offensive Security Certified Professional ( OSCP ) , HTB ... Penetration Tester Certification Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a security ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

This role requires a deep understanding of security principles, hacking techniques, and attack methodologies. The Penetration Tester will plan, execute, and document penetration tests, provide ...

Cymertek

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Penetration Tester LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ethical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ...

Cymertek Corporation

Penetration Tester

Reston, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Penetration Tester LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ethical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ...

Cymertek Corporation

Penetration Tester

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Penetration Tester LOCATIONHonolulu, HI 96815 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... SIMILAR CAREER TITLESEthical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ...

Cymertek Corporation

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Penetration Tester LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ethical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ...

Cymertek

Penetration Tester

Reston, VA · On-site

Penetration Tester LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ethical Hacker, Vulnerability Analyst, Security Consultant, Red Team ...

Amatriot Group, LLC

Penetration Tester

Rensselaer, NY · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Experience in penetration testing or ethical hacking with a focus on Java application security. * Experience with penetration testing tools such as Burp Suite and Metasploit. * Familiarity with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHacker Penetration Tester Jobs

Hacker Penetration Tester information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do hacker penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for hacker penetration tester 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 hacker penetration tester?

Hacker Penetration Testers, often called 'pen testers' or ethical hackers, are cybersecurity professionals who are hired to simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications. Their goal is to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit and help organizations strengthen their security. They use a variety of tools and techniques, following ethical guidelines, to uncover weaknesses and provide recommendations for improvement. This proactive approach helps organizations prevent real-world cyberattacks and protect sensitive data.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hacker penetration tester?

To excel as a Hacker Penetration Tester, you need a strong grasp of network security, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking principles, typically supported by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity and relevant certifications like CEH or OSCP. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as knowledge of operating systems and scripting languages, is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate identification of vulnerabilities, clear reporting, and effective collaboration to strengthen organizational security.

What are some common challenges faced by penetration testers during client engagements?

Penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited timeframes to assess complex systems, incomplete or outdated documentation, and varying levels of client preparedness. Gaining access to realistic testing environments without disrupting production can be difficult, and testers must balance thoroughness with business continuity. Effective communication with clients and internal teams is essential to clarify findings, ensure stakeholder understanding, and recommend actionable improvements.

What is the difference between Hacker Penetration Tester vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectHacker Penetration TesterCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISSP, Security+, CEH
Work EnvironmentSimulates attacks to identify vulnerabilitiesMonitors security systems and responds to threats
Employer & Industry UsageSecurity firms, IT departments, consultingCorporate, government, and enterprise security teams
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding offensive security rolesUnderstanding defensive security roles

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Hacker Penetration Testers actively simulate attacks to find vulnerabilities, whereas Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and defend against threats. The roles often overlap but serve different functions within security teams.

What are popular job titles related to Hacker Penetration Tester jobs?

For Hacker Penetration Tester jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hacker Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester - TS/SCI with Polygraph

Bethesda, MD • On-site

General Dynamics Information Technology
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Dynamics Information Technologyexternal

$172K - $232K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct internal penetration testing and vulnerability assessments of servers, web applications, web services, and databases.

  • Manually exploit and compromise operating systems, web applications, and databases, and report vulnerabilities identified during security assessments.

  • Write final reports, defend findings including risk or vulnerability, mitigation strategies, and references, and develop security documentation such as Rules of Engagements, Test Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures.

General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 226 rated it services

Job description

Share
REQ#: RQ227257Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to serve as a critical component of our nations safety and security. Make an impact by using your expertise to protect our country from threats.

Job Description

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career in cyber at GDIT and youll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your focus on defending and protecting what matters.

Advance how our customers operate while you advance your career. Join GDIT as an Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester Sr Principal and build an impactful career in enterprise IT, collaborating with people who are driven and resourceful like you.
MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

  • Conduct internal penetration testing and vulnerability assessment of servers, web applications, web services, and databases
  • Manually exploit and compromise operating systems, web applications, and databases
  • Examine results of web/OS scanners, scans and static source code analysis
  • Identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues
  • Write final reports, defend all findings to include the risk or vulnerability, mitigation strategies, and references
  • Ability to meet and coordinate with various audiences to include developers, system administrators, project managers, and senior government stakeholders
  • Provide security recommendations for developers, system administrators, project managers, and senior government stakeholders
  • Report vulnerabilities identified during security assessments
  • Write penetration testing Rules of Engagements (RoE), Test Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
  • Conduct security reviews, technical research, and provided reporting to increase security defense mechanisms
  • Make recommendations to the IC CISO or designee for improving TTPS for better cyber threat protection.

WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED
Bring your technology expertise and drive for innovation to GDIT. The Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester Sr Principal must have:

  • Education: Bachelors degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information systems, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a closely related discipline.
  • A Masters degree in an applicable discipline be substituted for three years of demonstrated work experience
  • Experience: 8+ years of related experience
  • Security clearance level: TS/SCI with Polygraph
  • US citizenship required

DESIRED SKILLS

  • Certifications: CEH Certified Ethical Hacker Certification, CPT Certified Penetration Tester
  • Strong writing skills
  • Experience with NIST 800-53 and Risk Management Framework
  • Knowledge of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities
  • Knowledge of network access, identity, and access management e.g. public key infrastructure (PKI).
  • Knowledge of network protocols such as Transition Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Dynamic Host Configuration, Domain Name System (DNS), and directory Services.
  • Ability to assess the robustness of security systems and designs.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and organizational requirements (relevant to confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, non-repudiation).
  • Write final reports and defend all findings, including risk or vulnerability, mitigation strategies, and references.
  • Report vulnerabilities identified during security assessments.
  • Conducted security reviews, technical research and provided reporting to increase security defense mechanisms.
  • Travel Domestic 0-25%.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

  • Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
  • Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
  • Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
  • Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

#WeAreGDIT
#JET
#VA_2026Alumni

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

8 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

Less than 10%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $172,144 - $232,900. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

Our Identity Verification Process

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What General Dynamics Information Technology employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

General Dynamics Information Technology logo

About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

View All General Dynamics Information Technology Jobs

Apply