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Hardware Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Defense Technologies

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

CDT is looking for a Penetration Tester to This will be supporting a government customer onsite in ... Conduct test and evaluations of software, hardware, networks and applications. * Reviews of the ...

Analygence

Penetration Tester

San Antonio, TX · On-site

... hardware and virtual systems. In support of this mission, Tharros is seeking a Penetration Tester ... PT) to conduct assessments of threats and vulnerabilities; determine deviations from acceptable ...

Analygence

Penetration Tester

San Antonio, TX

... hardware and virtual systems. In support of this mission, Tharros is seeking a Penetration Tester (PT) to conduct assessments of threats and vulnerabilities; determine deviations from acceptable ...

Navstar, Inc.

Penetration Tester, Senior

Annapolis, MD · On-site

A Lead Penetration Tester is needed to join a high performing agile team using the Scaled Agile ... Work closely with System Engineering, Test Engineering, and Integration teams to ensure hardware ...

UL Solutions

Senior Penetration Tester

Northbrook, IL · On-site

As a Senior Penetration Tester, you will lead technical engagements responsible for evaluating and ... Experience with FPGA, signal processing, or hardware debugging tools is a strong plus. * Familiar ...

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Hardware Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do hardware penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware 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 hardware penetration tester?

Hardware penetration testers are cybersecurity professionals who specialize in evaluating and assessing the security of physical devices, such as IoT devices, embedded systems, or network equipment. They identify vulnerabilities by simulating attacks on hardware components, firmware, and communication interfaces to uncover potential security weaknesses. Their work helps manufacturers and organizations strengthen device security and protect against real-world threats. This role requires a deep understanding of electronics, embedded systems, and various attack methodologies.

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

To thrive as a Hardware Penetration Tester, you need a strong background in electronics, embedded systems, and cybersecurity principles, typically supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as OSCP or CEH. Proficiency with tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and firmware analysis platforms is essential. Analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying vulnerabilities and reporting findings clearly. These skills and qualities are vital for uncovering hardware security flaws and ensuring the protection of critical devices and systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by a hardware penetration tester during device assessment projects?

Hardware Penetration Testers often encounter challenges such as limited device documentation, proprietary components with little public information, and physically restricted access to hardware interfaces. Overcoming these obstacles requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to reverse-engineer hardware using specialized tools like logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG debuggers. Collaboration with firmware analysts and embedded software engineers is also common to fully understand and exploit vulnerabilities, making teamwork and clear communication essential in this role.

What is the difference between Hardware Penetration Tester vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectHardware Penetration TesterNetwork Security Analyst
CertificationsCEH, OSCP, CISSPCEH, CISSP, CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentTesting hardware devices, embedded systems, IoTMonitoring networks, analyzing traffic, incident response
Employer & IndustryCybersecurity firms, hardware manufacturers, government agenciesIT departments, financial institutions, telecom companies

Hardware Penetration Testers focus on identifying vulnerabilities in physical devices and embedded systems, while Network Security Analysts monitor and protect network infrastructure. Both roles require cybersecurity certifications and work within the cybersecurity industry, but their daily tasks and environments differ significantly.

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Hardware Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Principal Security Consultant (Hardware/Embedded Penetration Tester)

Minneapolis, MN

NetSPI LLC
Network Security • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about NetSPI LLCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

NetSPI® pioneered Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) and leads the industry in modern pentesting. Combining world-class security professionals with AI and automation, NetSPI delivers clarity, speed, and scale across 50+ pentest types, attack surface management, and vulnerability prioritization. The NetSPI platform streamlines workflows and accelerates remediation, enabling our experts to focus on deep dive testing that uncovers vulnerabilities others miss. Trusted by the top 10 U.S. banks and Fortune 500 companies worldwide, NetSPI has been driving security innovation since 2001.

NetSPI is on an exciting growth journey as we disrupt and improve the proactive security market. We are looking for individuals with a collaborative, innovative, and customer-first mindset to join our team. Learn more about our award-winning workplace culture and get to know our A-Team at www.netspi.com/careers.

We are seeking an experienced professional with demonstrated technical depth and breadth in embedded and hardware systems, as well as the soft skills to effectively communicate with executive and technical teams. As a Principal Hardware/Embedded Systems Penetration Tester, you will be responsible for assessing the security of various hardware and embedded systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and providing actionable recommendations for improvement. You will largely work independently, demonstrating technical excellence and a positive, proactive approach on behalf of our practice of “Hardware & Integrated Systems”.

Our Hardware & Integrated Systems Practice operates globally in some of the largest and most critically situated industries. In this role, you'll have the ability to work alongside a world-class team using top-tier custom tools. Applicants are expected to leverage strong problem-solving skills, as well as lead, collaborate, and innovate to deliver high-quality exercises and exceptional experiences for our customers.

A day in the life of a NetSPI Principal Security consultant:

  • Perform Hardware and/or firmware penetration tests.
  • Lead in threat modeling exercises related to Embedded Systems.
  • Create and deliver penetration test reports to clients.
  • Collaborate with clients to create remediation strategies that will help improve their security posture.
  • Conduct thorough penetration testing on hardware and embedded systems, including IoT devices, automotive systems, industrial control systems (ICS), and other critical infrastructure.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive testing plans, methodologies, and tools tailored to specific hardware platforms.
  • Identify, analyze, and document security vulnerabilities and exploits in hardware and firmware.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to review system architectures and design security solutions.
  • Provide detailed reports and presentations to stakeholders, outlining findings and remediation strategies.
  • Mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of best practices and testing standards.
  • Stay current with the latest security trends, tools, and technologies in the hardware and embedded systems domain.

Other important tasks you'll partake in:

  • Research and develop innovative techniques, tools, and methodologies for penetration testing services.
  • Help define and document internal, technical, and service processes and procedures.
  • Contribute to the community through the development of tools, presentations, white papers, and blogs.

The experience you'll need to be successful:

  • Experience required (one of the following):
    • 4 years of dedicated security consulting experience, with 2 of those years having a heavy concentration in embedded/hardware penetration and security designs. 
    • 5 years of dedicated hardware/embedded systems design & development, with an additional 1-2 years of hardware/embedded security consulting and penetration testing.
    • 10+ years of dedicated hardware/embedded systems design, development & fabrications, with a strong understanding of security vulnerabilities and how they may apply to hardware/embedded systems.
  • Hands-on experience with hardware penetration testing techniques, including soldering, probing chips, removing, and reworking components, and hardware debugging.
  • Knowledge of Linux, Unix, QNX and/or Windows Operating Systems.
  • Knowledge of Application and Network Protocols and design.
  • Adept in reverse engineering, firmware analysis, and exploitation techniques.
  • Strong understanding of embedded systems architectures, communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART), and hardware debugging tools. 
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively to bypass security mechanisms.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferred with a concentration in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Math, or IT - or equivalent experience.
  • Up to 25% travel

If you have any of the below, that would be a plus:

  • Designed hardware CTF or debugging tool.
  • Programming experience in one or more of the following languages: C, C++
  • Familiarity with common embedded architectures such as: x86, ARM, PPC.
  • Experience in automotive security testing and knowledge of CAN bus and related protocols.
  • Experience with industrial control systems (ICS) and SCADA security.
  • Experience testing medical devices.
  • Knowledge of cryptographic algorithms and their implementation in hardware.
  • Experience as an Embedded Hardware/Software engineer.
  • Participated, won, organized, or otherwise developed Capture-The-Flag (CTF) competitions.
  • Experience with Operating Systems design, or Compiler design.
  • Experience with secure software development practices and code review.
  • GXPN, GPEN, OSCP, CISSP, GWAPT or similar certifications.