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Junior Penetration Testing Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Security Engineer - Penetration Tester

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform peer reviews of penetration testing reports and deliverables. * Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior security professionals. * Collaborate effectively across security ...

Senior Product Security Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$168K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Cloud Service penetration testing tradecraft and methodologies across multiple service providers ... A developing or established leader who matures security practices and mentors junior teammates.

Senior Product Security Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$168K - $210K/yr

  • Retirement

Cloud Service penetration testing tradecraft and methodologies across multiple service providers ... A developing or established leader who matures security practices and mentors junior teammates.

Senior Product Security Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$168K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Cloud Service penetration testing tradecraft and methodologies across multiple service providers ... A developing or established leader who matures security practices and mentors junior teammates.

Senior IT Auditor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

... of junior audit team members, deeping individual knowledge of the organization, operations ... management, penetration testing, data loss prevention, batch processing, business continuity ...

Senior IT Auditor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

... of junior audit team members, deeping individual knowledge of the organization, operations ... management, penetration testing, data loss prevention, batch processing, business continuity ...

Product Specialist

Apex, NC · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Product Specialist is a junior level position responsible for working closely with Product ... Provides in-house product testing and evaluation * Provides on-site software/hardware installations ...

Junior Penetration Testing information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$32.6K

$69.8K

$106.4K

How much do junior penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior penetration testing in Raleigh, NC is $69,795.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $77,800.00 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.

How much do junior penetration testers make?

Junior penetration testers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Entry-level roles often require knowledge of security tools, scripting, and vulnerability assessment techniques.

How much does a junior penetration tester get paid?

A junior penetration tester typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Entry-level roles may start lower, but salaries tend to increase with skills in tools like Kali Linux and knowledge of network vulnerabilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Junior Penetration Testing jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Junior Penetration Testing job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Penetration Testing job openings in Raleigh, NC 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 $69,795 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Senior Security Engineer - Penetration Tester

Habitat For Humanity Of Durham

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Language Fluency: English (Required)

Work Shift: 1st shift (United States of America)

Regular or Temporary:

Regular

If you have a disability and need assistance with the application, you can request a reasonable accommodation. Send an email to Accessibility (accommodation requests only; other inquiries won't receive a response).

Please review the following job description:

This is not a role for someone looking to sit on the sidelines.

We're looking for builders, problem-solvers, and security professionals who thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift, new challenges emerge daily, and your skills directly influence the security posture of a major enterprise. If you enjoy finding vulnerabilities before adversaries do, proposing better ways to test, helping shape new security capabilities, and working alongside a high-performing team that continuously raises the bar, we want to hear from you.

Our team tests a wide variety of technologies including AI, Mainframe, Active Directory, APIs, Web Applications, Infrastructure, Mobile, IoT, Cloud Platforms, Thick Client Applications, Physical Security, and others. We are specifically seeking candidates with experience in AI security testing and/or Mainframe security testing. Expertise in additional testing disciplines is highly valued but not required.

This team operates like a championship organization. The work is meaningful, visible, and impactful. You'll have the opportunity to influence testing methodologies, shape emerging security capabilities, and help protect critical business operations. The pace is demanding, the expectations are high, and the opportunity for growth is significant.

For this opportunity, Truist will not sponsor an applicant for work visa status or employment authorization, nor will we offer any immigration-related support for this position (including, but not limited to H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN-1 or TN-2, E-3, O-1, or future sponsorship for U.S. lawful permanent residence status.)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following represents the primary responsibilities for this position. Additional duties may be assigned based on business needs and individual expertise.

Penetration Testing
  • Conduct penetration tests against enterprise applications, infrastructure, cloud platforms, AI systems, APIs, mobile applications, Active Directory environments, and other technology assets.
  • Simulate real-world attack techniques to identify vulnerabilities, attack paths, misconfigurations, and security weaknesses.
  • Perform validation and retesting activities to verify remediation efforts and confirm risk reduction.
  • Document technical findings with clear reproduction steps, supporting evidence, business impact, and remediation recommendations.
  • Maintain testing artifacts and evidence to support regulatory, audit, and compliance requirements.
Offensive Security Expertise
  • Defend findings during discussions with application teams, technology leaders, and other stakeholders.
  • Participate in escalation calls involving disputed findings, risk discussions, and remediation planning.
  • Exercise sound judgment when assessing vulnerability severity and exploitability.
  • Collaborate with internal and external testing teams to improve testing coverage and effectiveness.
  • Stay current with emerging attack techniques, technologies, and industry trends.
AI Security and Capability Development
  • Contribute to AI security testing initiatives and emerging offensive security capabilities.
  • Support AI model evaluation, testing, training, and security validation efforts.
  • Provide feedback that improves testing methodologies, automation, tooling, and operational processes.
  • Identify opportunities to increase testing efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability.
Quality and Collaboration
  • Perform peer reviews of penetration testing reports and deliverables.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior security professionals.
  • Collaborate effectively across security, engineering, development, infrastructure teams, app teams, and various levels of management.
  • Assist with standards, procedures, playbooks, and testing documentation.
  • Support special projects and security initiatives aligned to individual expertise.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, training, and work-related experience.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in security engineering or related cybersecurity roles.
  • Deep specialized knowledge in cybersecurity principles, theories, and concepts.
  • Proven experience in software development lifecycle security practices.
  • Deep knowledge of threat modeling, security testing, and penetration testing.
  • Experience implementing and managing complex information security technologies.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years of penetration testing, red teaming, offensive security, vulnerability research, or related cybersecurity experience.
  • Strong technical writing and communication skills.
  • Ability to clearly articulate technical risks to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to independently manage multiple engagements in a dynamic environment.
  • Experience defending technical findings and participating in challenging stakeholder discussions.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, technologies, and business needs.
  • Experience with AI Security Testing and/or Mainframe Security Testing.
  • Experience performing assessments in one or more of the following are:
  • Experience conducting penetration testing, red team, and security assessments across a variety of environments and technologies, including Active Directory, APIs, web applications, infrastructure, cloud platforms, mobile applications, thick/client-server applications, IoT devices, wireless networks, network security, social engineering, and physical security controls.
  • Banking, financial services, or highly regulated industry experience.
  • Experience supporting red team, purple team, or adversary emulation activities.
  • Experience with scripting, automation, and offensive security tool development.
Desired Characteristics
  • Is a self-starter who requires minimal supervision.
  • Takes ownership and drives work to completion.
  • Performs well under demanding workloads and changing priorities.
  • Remains professional and effective during conflict and difficult conversations.
  • Is comfortable challenging assumptions and presenting evidence-based findings.
  • Continuously invests in improving technical and professional skills.
  • Demonstrates resilience, accountability, and a strong bias for action.
  • Balances individual execution with team success.
  • Helps elevate the performance of those around them.
Relevant Certifications

Candidates may hold one or more of the following industry‑recognized certifications:

  • Offensive Security (OffSec): OSCP+, OSEP, OSED, OSEE, OSWE, OSWA, OSAI
  • GIAC: GPEN, GWAPT, GXPN, GRTP, GCFA
  • ISC2: CISSP, CRIS
  • Hack The Box: CPTS, Active Directory Penetration Tester, Web Exploitation Specialist, Web Exploitation Expert, Offensive AI Expert

* Equivalent offensive security, penetration testing, red team, exploit development, web application security, or digital forensics certifications will also be considered.

Why Join Us?

You’ll work alongside highly skilled security professionals tackling real-world challenges across diverse technologies. Every engagement is an opportunity to learn, improve, and strengthen enterprise defenses. If you're energized by continuous growth, technical excellence, meaningful impact, and the opportunity to help shape the future of offensive security, this is the place to do it.

To comply with the Illinois pay transparency statute and for work locations in Illinois only, the annual base salary for this position is $120,000-$170,000. Additional incentive pay is available for this position.

General Description of Available Benefits for Eligible Employees of Truist Financial Corporation:

All regular teammates (not temporary or contingent workers) working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits, though eligibility for specific benefits may be determined by the division of Truist offering the position. Truist offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, tax‑preferred savings accounts, and a 401k plan to teammates. Teammates also receive no less than 10 days of vacation (prorated based on date of hire and by full‑time or part‑time status) during their first year of employment, along with 10 sick days (also prorated), and paid holidays. For more details on Truist’s generous benefit plans, please visit our Benefits site. Depending on the position and division, this job may also be eligible for Truist’s defined benefit pension plan, restricted stock units, and/or a deferred compensation plan. As you advance through the hiring process, you will also learn more about the specific benefits available for any non‑temporary position for which you apply, based on full‑time or part‑time status, position, and division of work.

Truist is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, citizenship or national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law. Truist is a Drug Free Workplace.

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