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Junior Penetration Testing Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Tester

Virginia, MN · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Strong ability to mentor junior team members and maintain positive customer relationships throughout engagements. Highest-signal resume keywords * Penetration Testing * Web Application Testing

This role will provide team leadership to junior staff members About the Role We are seeking a ... Coordinate perform penetration testing and adversary simulations. * Provide expert guidance on ...

Delegate to junior staff or drafting staff to produce design drawings. Participate in task ... Penetration testing with Split spoons, construction oversight including pile installation ...

New

This role will provide team leadership to junior staff members About the Role We are seeking a ... Coordinate perform penetration testing and adversary simulations. * Provide expert guidance on ...

This role will provide team leadership to junior staff members About the Role We are seeking a ... Coordinate perform penetration testing and adversary simulations. * Provide expert guidance on ...

This role will provide team leadership to junior staff members About the Role We are seeking a ... Coordinate perform penetration testing and adversary simulations. * Provide expert guidance on ...

Mentor and develop junior Red Team operators while contributing to operational standards ... penetration testing, or Red Team operations. * Demonstrated experience leading Red Team engagements ...

Mentor and develop junior Red Team operators while contributing to operational standards ... penetration testing, or Red Team operations. * Demonstrated experience leading Red Team engagements ...

Junior Penetration Testing information

See Minnesota salary details

$29.3K

$68.7K

$101.5K

How much do junior penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior penetration testing in Minnesota is $68,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $80,800.00 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 in computer systems, networks, and applications. They work under the guidance of experienced penetration testers to conduct security assessments, perform vulnerability scans, and document findings. Their main goal is to help organizations strengthen their security by simulating real-world attacks and providing recommendations for remediation. Junior Penetration Testers often use a variety of tools and follow industry best practices to ensure thorough testing. This role is crucial for organizations looking to protect sensitive data and maintain robust security defenses.

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, cybersecurity fundamentals, and preferably a relevant degree or certification such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Kali Linux is typically required to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication help you convey technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are essential to effectively assess security risks and support organizations in strengthening their defenses against cyber threats.

What are some common challenges a junior penetration tester might face during client engagements, and how can they overcome them?

Junior Penetration Testers often encounter challenges such as limited access to systems, incomplete documentation, or unclear testing scopes during client engagements. Communication is key—regularly clarifying objectives with clients and senior team members helps ensure the testing process stays on track. Additionally, adapting quickly to diverse IT environments and staying current with the latest security tools and techniques are essential. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues and leveraging collaborative team structures can greatly enhance learning and confidence in overcoming these hurdles.

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

AspectJunior Penetration TestingSecurity Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH (entry-level)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level)
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacksMonitoring, incident response, policy development
Employer UsageCybersecurity firms, IT departmentsOrganizations, government agencies, corporations

Junior Penetration Testers focus on identifying vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, requiring technical certifications like OSCP or CEH. Security Analysts monitor security systems, analyze threats, and develop security policies, often holding certifications like Security+ or CISSP. While both roles are vital in cybersecurity, Junior Penetration Testers are more hands-on with testing, whereas Security Analysts focus on ongoing security monitoring and response.

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Minnesota?

For Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Junior Penetration Testing jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Junior Penetration Testing job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Penetration Testing job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,728 per year, or $33 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Virginia, MN • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

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


Job description


  • 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


Requirements

  • 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


Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in penetration testing methodologies, including web application and network testing, while effectively advising clients on vulnerabilities and compliance. Strong ability to mentor junior team members and maintain positive customer relationships throughout engagements.


Highest-signal resume keywords

  • Penetration Testing

  • Web Application Testing

  • Network Penetration Testing

  • Scripting Languages (Bash, Python, PowerShell, Ruby)

  • Top Secret Clearance


ATS Optimization Keywords
Hard Skills

  • Penetration Testing Methodologies

  • Vulnerability Assessment

  • Remediation Strategies

  • Compliance Requirements

  • Project Management


Soft Skills

  • Customer Relationship Management

  • Team Collaboration

  • Mentoring


Certifications & Qualifications

  • FedRAMP Certification


Industry Keywords

  • Professional Services

  • SCIF

  • Security Clearance


Tools & Technologies

  • OWASP

  • MITRE ATT&CK

  • OSSTMM

  • PTES

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