1

Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Tester Jobs

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Performing a Cybersecurity evaluation of the product under test to identify vulnerabilities that would negatively impact the Confidentiality, Integrity, or Availability of system data or ...

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

Performing a Cybersecurity evaluation of the product under test to identify vulnerabilities that would negatively impact the Confidentiality, Integrity, or Availability of system data or ...

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

Performing a Cybersecurity evaluation of the product under test to identify vulnerabilities that would negatively impact the Confidentiality, Integrity, or Availability of system data or ...

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related field; or equivalent experience. * At least 5 years of experience in penetration testing to include web application testing and API ...

New

Providing intelligence, IT, cyber security, training, logistics, administrative, acquisition, and background investigation services. Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform ...

Penetration Tester

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related field; or equivalent experience. * At least 5 years of experience in penetration testing to include web application testing and API ...

New

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We are looking for a cyber security professional to conduct penetration testing and ethical hacking, to target, assess, and exploit risk and vulnerabilities of information systems. This candidate is ...

Penetration Tester

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Bachelor 's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related field; or equivalent experience. At least 5 years of experience in penetration testing to include web application testing and API ...

New

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

$117K - $199K/yr

Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in cybersecurity and penetration testing (or equivalent ... combination of education and experience). * Clearance: Active DOE Q-Clearance or Top Secret (TS ...

Providing intelligence, IT, cyber security, training, logistics, administrative, acquisition, and background investigation services. Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform ...

Minimum Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information ... A minimum of five (5)+ years of hands-on penetration testing experience, including network, system ...

The role of Penetration Tester (Pen Tester)* is a security professional who reviews and evaluates ... Possess knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security tools Pen ...

Senior Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

$145K - $180K/yr

Senior Penetration Tester Pay Type : SALARIED EXEMPT Location : Hybrid, Washington, DC US ... Bachelor's degree in cyber security, computer science, IT or a related field and at least 10 years ...

Demonstrated work experience in cybersecurity or a related IT field. * Demonstrated experience with cyber penetration testing. * Demonstrated experience applying computer attack methods and system ...

Showing results 21-40

Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Tester information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do internship cybersecurity penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship cybersecurity 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 an internship cybersecurity penetration tester?

Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Testers are students or recent graduates who assist in evaluating the security of computer systems and networks by simulating cyberattacks. They work under the guidance of experienced professionals to identify vulnerabilities, document findings, and recommend improvements. This role provides hands-on experience with various penetration testing tools and methodologies, helping interns develop practical skills needed for a career in cybersecurity. Interns may also participate in reporting, research, and the development of security best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship cybersecurity penetration tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Tester, you need a basic understanding of network protocols, cybersecurity principles, and vulnerability assessment, typically supported by coursework in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nmap, and a foundational certification such as CompTIA Security+ is often expected. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you identify vulnerabilities and clearly report findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively evaluating security postures and helping organizations mitigate cyber risks.

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

AspectInternship Cybersecurity Penetration TesterCybersecurity Analyst
Required CertificationsBasic security certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Security+ or equivalent; sometimes more advanced certs
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, vulnerability assessments, simulated attacksMonitoring, analyzing security alerts, incident response
Employer & Industry UsageInternship roles in tech, finance, government sectorsFull-time roles across various industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level penetration testing rolesUnderstanding security analysis and monitoring roles

Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Testers focus on identifying vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, often as part of an internship program. Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and analyze security systems to prevent breaches. Both roles require foundational security knowledge but differ in hands-on testing versus monitoring tasks.

What types of projects and tasks can an intern expect while working as a cybersecurity penetration tester?

As an intern in Cybersecurity Penetration Testing, you can expect to assist with vulnerability assessments, participate in controlled penetration tests under supervision, and help document findings for internal or client reports. You’ll often collaborate with experienced testers, security analysts, and IT teams to learn best practices and understand real-world security challenges. Interns may also be tasked with researching the latest security threats and tools, setting up test environments, and supporting the remediation process. This hands-on experience is essential for building practical skills and understanding the workflow of a professional penetration testing team.
More about Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? Cities with the most Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? The most popular types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Dark Wolf Solutions

Washington, DC • On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Dark Wolf is actively seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to join our innovative team. This individual will play a critical role in assessing and enhancing the security of various products, including hardware, software, and embedded systems. This role demands a deep understanding of penetration testing methodologies and advanced exploit development, focusing on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities across a wide range of technologies. As a Junior Product and Hardware Security Penetration Tester, you will have the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the enhancement of security across a wide range of products. If you possess a strong background in penetration testing and a passion for cybersecurity, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal role. This position is set to be supported in a hybrid work environment out of the DC Metro area. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Conducting comprehensive penetration testing on hardware, software, and network components.
  • Performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components.
  • Performing a Cybersecurity evaluation of the product under test to identify vulnerabilities that would negatively impact the Confidentiality, Integrity, or Availability of system data or functionality.
  • Analyzing software, firmware, hardware, and/or RF components within the system.
  • Opining on the impact and level of effort required to exploit the identified vulnerabilities as well as providing information on a high-level remediation strategy.
  • Developing and executing exploits and proof-of-concept (PoC) attacks to demonstrate the impact of identified vulnerabilities.
  • Analyzing and reverse engineering firmware and embedded systems to identify security weaknesses.
  • Testing and assessing the security of secure boot processes and Trusted Execution Environments (TEE).
  • Conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing.
  • Performing manual verification of vulnerabilities, assessing their risk and exploitability.
  • Engaging in wireless and RF security testing, including penetration testing on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee networks.
  • Utilizing Software Defined Radio (SDR) for protocol reverse engineering and testing.
  • Reporting detailed findings, documenting case details, and providing actionable recommendations for remediation to enhance product security based on system analysis.
  • Planning and executing full-scale, cross-domain vulnerability assessments, network penetration testing, and phishing/social engineering campaigns.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum of 2+ years' experience in three or more specific areas to include: intelligence analysis, network engineering, networking security, penetration testing, red team operations, hardware engineering, software engineering, exploit development, reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment, physical security assessments, or social engineering
  • Proficiency with cloud technology and deployments across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Proficiency in the testing and assessment of mobile operating systems, embedded systems, and/or IoT devices
  • Experience in drafting reports, documenting case details, and summarizing findings and recommendations based on system analysis
  • Experience performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components
  • Experience conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing
  • Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong understanding of NIST 800-53 frameworks
  • US Citizenship and an active security clearance at a minimum of the Secret Level
Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with NIST 800-171 Revision 2
  • Proven ability to develop and execute complex exploits and PoC attacks
  • Strong analytical skills and experience in firmware, binary exploitation, and embedded systems testing
  • Advanced knowledge of Software Defined Radio (SDR) and protocol reverse engineering
  • Active professional certifications such as CEH, OSCP, PNPT, GPEN, or similar security/pen testing certifications

The salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $145,000.00 commensurate on experience and technical skillset.
We are open to considering a variety of levels of experience for these projects and potential for 1099 hourly opportunity.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification from upon hire.