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Junior Penetration Tester Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

We're seeking a seasoned Penetration Tester to join our team. Your expertise in cloud penetration ... Train and mentor junior team members * Interface with customers and other internal delivery team ...

You will engage in code reviews, penetration testing, and architectural security assessments to ... Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance to non-security staff on secure development practices.

The role will proactively identify and address security vulnerabilities, coordinate security remediation and patching activities, support penetration testing, and collaborate closely with internal ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Seattle, WA

$113K - $146K/yr

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate ... Experience with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing techniques. * Solid ...

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, Mentor Junior assessors in technical ... Experience with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing techniques * Solid ...

A multi-disciplinary architectural, engineering and construction firm is seeking a Junior Engineer ... testing. * Analyze data and prepare performance reports. * Assist in enclosure system design ...

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Junior Penetration Tester information

See Renton, WA salary details

$25.3K

$134.9K

$189.5K

How much do junior penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior penetration tester in Renton, WA is $134,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,000.00 and $158,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much does a junior penetration tester get paid?

A junior penetration tester typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Entry-level roles may start lower, but salaries tend to increase with experience and skill in tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit.

How much does a junior penetration tester make?

A junior penetration tester typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Entry-level roles may start lower, but with skills in tools like Kali Linux and scripting, salaries can increase quickly.

What are popular job titles related to Junior Penetration Tester jobs in Renton, WA?

For Junior Penetration Tester jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Penetration Tester jobs in Renton, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Penetration Tester jobs in Renton, WA are:

What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Junior Penetration Tester jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most Junior Penetration Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Penetration Tester job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,871 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Cleared Penetration Tester - Seattle

Fortreum

Seattle, WA • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Fortreum is a trusted leader in cloud and cybersecurity services, ranked among the Top 5 FedRAMP Third Party Assessment Organizations (3PAO). With the addition of Kovr.AI, we have expanded our capabilities to include advanced cyber risk quantification and analytics, enabling organizations to better understand, measure, and communicate risk. Together, we deliver independent, third-party, vendor-agnostic regulatory assessment and advisory services, alongside advanced cybersecurity offensive and compliance technical solutions. Our comprehensive service portfolio spans regulatory compliance frameworks including FedRAMP, CMMC, FISMA, SOC, PCI, ISO, and HIPAA.
Working with Fortune 500 companies and leading cloud service providers, we've built our reputation on service-delivery excellence and an unwavering commitment to client success. Our continued rapid growth creates exceptional opportunities for driven professionals to make their mark in the cybersecurity industry-guided by our core values: quality above all, a customer-driven mindset, autonomy, and personal accountability.
The Opportunity
On our team, you will have the opportunity to work with the best and brightest in the field. Fortreum team members have supported the biggest cloud providers in the world, and you will have the opportunity to learn from the best. We're seeking a seasoned Penetration Tester to join our team. Your expertise in cloud penetration testing (FedRAMP and other compliance frameworks) and security best practices will be essential in helping our customers.
Key Responsibilities
This role will be responsible for conducting network, application (API, mobile, and web), and Social Engineering penetration testing. Specifically, you would:
  • Work closely with all members of the team to conduct penetration testing of customer networks, applications (API, web, and mobile), and/or social engineering activities to achieve the customer's objectives of the engagement.
  • Advise customers on details of vulnerabilities, remediation strategies, and compliance requirements
  • Prepare final deliverables for delivery to customers within established timelines
  • Establish and maintain positive relationships with customers and stakeholders
  • Coordinate project readiness with internal teams and customers
  • Pursue continuous professional development in by achieving industry specific certifications (must be willing to meet FedRAMP certification requirements as outlined by A2LA)
  • Perform project readouts with customers to notify them of the outcome of their penetration test
  • Train and mentor junior team members
  • Interface with customers and other internal delivery team members through entire engagement, interacting will all levels of customer organizations
  • This position will work in a SCIF in Seattle, Washington.
  • Additional business travel is expected to be limited in nature; however, you may be required to travel to client locations to deliver professional services periodically when needed.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree or 4 years of equivalent job experience
  • 2+ years of professional services experience
  • 3+ years of web application and network penetration testing experience
  • Proficient in at least one or more scripting languages (i.e., bash, python, PowerShell, ruby, etc.)
  • Strong technical acumen with regards to penetration testing methodologies
  • Familiarity with best practices frameworks such as OWASP, MITRE ATT&CK, OSSTMM, and/or PTES
  • Ability to work in a SCIF in Northern Virginia or Seattle, Washington
  • Active Top Secret clearance or ability to get a Top Secret clearance
Preferred Skills
  • eCPPT, OSCP, OSCE, OSWE, or GPEN certifications
  • Ability to quickly assess new and leading-edge technologies and concepts
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Proven analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to develop technical content for website updates, whitepapers, and blog posts that can be used both internally and by our clients to assist them in evaluating/building out their security programs
  • Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with team members and clients
  • Familiarity with commonly used network architecture, network devices/services, development platforms, and software suites
  • Ability to work in a team environment with compliance specialists who conduct security control assessments in parallel
  • Comfortable supporting fast-paced team environments
  • Familiarity of penetration testing in cloud environments encompassing a variety of technology stacks
Posted Salary Range
$130,000 - $160,000 annual salary
What Fortreum Offers
We offer a competitive compensation package, where you will be rewarded based on your performance/outcomes and recognized for the value you bring to our business. Our benefits package includes medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401K plan with a 4% match, company paid short-term disability, company paid long-term disability, company paid AD&D and life insurance, flex time off, annual bonuses, training stipends, certification reimbursements, access to over 30,000 free online training courses, personal cell phone allowance, new hire and annual home office stipend, spot awards and eleven paid holidays.
An Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer
Fortreum is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the company's affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email hr@fortreum.com. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail hr@fortreum.com or call 703-594-1460. This email and phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.
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 form upon hire.