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Junior Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ClearFocus Technologies

MD · On-site

We are seeking a Junior Penetration Tester for a Part-time opportunity. This opportunity requires travel to throughout the DMV area and the opportunity requires an active Public Trust clearance.

New

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Manage and mentor a small team of junior penetration testers; provide technical guidance and training. * Build and lead a Purple Team to perform joint red/blue team exercises with customer sites.

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Manage and mentor a small team of junior penetration testers; provide technical guidance and training. * Build and lead a Purple Team to perform joint red/blue team exercises with customer sites.

ClearFocus Technologies

MD · On-site

Mentor junior penetration testers and review technical deliverables for quality and accuracy. Required Qualifications * 7+ years of hands-on penetration testing, red team, or offensive security ...

New

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$86K - $138K/yr

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

SkyePoint Decisions

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$95K - $112K/yr

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

Compu-Vision Consulting Inc.

Penetration Tester

Compu-Vision Consulting Inc. is seeking a Junior Penetration Tester responsible for performing authorized security testing activities under defined methodologies. This role focuses on technical ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

$117K - $199K/yr

Manage and mentor a small team of junior penetration testers; provide technical guidance and training. * Build and lead a Purple Team to perform joint red/blue team exercises with customer sites.

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$86K - $138K/yr

Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers. * U.S. citizenship required. * An active Secret security clearance. * Must have the ability to obtain a ...

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Junior Penetration Tester information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do junior penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior penetration tester?

To thrive as a Junior Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, and common security vulnerabilities, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or OSCP is highly valued. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for reporting findings and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying security weaknesses, providing actionable insights, and helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

What is a junior penetration tester?

Junior Penetration Testers are entry-level cybersecurity professionals who assist in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities within computer systems, networks, and applications. They work under the supervision of more experienced testers to simulate cyberattacks, assess security measures, and help organizations strengthen their defenses against real threats. Their responsibilities often include performing vulnerability scans, documenting findings, and learning advanced testing techniques. This role is typically a starting point for a career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.

What does a junior penetration tester do?

As a junior penetration tester, your job is to help improve the security of a computer network by attempting to find and exploit any vulnerability a threat might use. In this role, you may plan and execute evaluation tests, stay informed about current cybersecurity threats, and program software to help with penetration attempts. Junior penetration testers typically work under the supervision of senior penetration testers and may, in turn, direct entry-level employees and teach them how to use the various tools and techniques required for penetration testing. Most testers work regular hours, but employers may occasionally ask you for emergency help to address newly-identified threats.

What are some common challenges faced by junior penetration testers during their first year on the job?

Junior Penetration Testers often face the challenge of adapting to rapidly evolving security tools and methodologies while learning to effectively communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Balancing hands-on testing with thorough documentation can be demanding, especially when working under tight deadlines. Additionally, juniors may need to quickly build their knowledge of various operating systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities across diverse environments. Team collaboration and regular feedback from senior testers help ease this transition and accelerate skill development.

What is the difference between Junior Penetration Tester vs Security Analyst?

AspectJunior Penetration TesterSecurity Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (optional)
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, vulnerability assessmentsMonitoring, incident response, policy development
Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, IT departments, consultingCorporate security teams, government agencies

Junior Penetration Testers focus on actively identifying security vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, requiring technical skills and certifications like OSCP or CEH. Security Analysts monitor and analyze security systems, respond to incidents, and develop security policies. While both roles are vital in cybersecurity, they differ in daily tasks and skill sets, with penetration testers emphasizing offensive testing and analysts focusing on defense and monitoring.

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Junior Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Junior Penetration Tester

ClearFocus Technologies

MD • On-site

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

ClearFocus Technologies, a HUBZone certified company, is located in Leesburg, VA. We specialize in cybersecurity and support multiple government and commercial clients for a variety of missions. We value our clients, integrity and employees and believe a single person can make a difference!  
We are seeking a Junior Penetration Tester for a Part-time opportunity. This opportunity requires travel to throughout the DMV area and the opportunity requires an active Public Trust clearance.
Position Summary:
The Junior Penetration Tester supports cybersecurity assessments and penetration testing activities conducted on behalf of HHS OIG. The role assists senior team members with reconnaissance, vulnerability identification, security testing, reporting, and training support while continuing to build offensive security skills in a federal environment.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Support penetration testing engagements involving applications, networks, cloud services, wireless technologies, and operating systems.
  • Conduct information gathering, enumeration, and vulnerability scanning using approved security tools.
  • Assist with vulnerability validation and exploitation activities under senior tester supervision.
  • Collect and document evidence, screenshots, logs, and testing artifacts.
  • Help prepare penetration test reports and technical documentation.
  • Participate in kickoff meetings, status meetings, and results briefings.
  • Analyze scan results and help identify potential security findings.
  • Support cybersecurity training, demonstrations, and lab exercises.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques.
Required Qualifications
  • 1-3 years of cybersecurity, vulnerability management, system administration, or penetration testing experience.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Tier 4 High Risk Public Trust.
Familiarity with:
  • Linux and Windows operating systems
  • Networking fundamentals
  • Vulnerability assessment tools
  • Web application security concepts
  • Security testing methodologies
  • Strong analytical and documentation skills.