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Junior Penetration Testing Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Dark Wolf Solutions

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

... 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 ...

Fortreum

Penetration Tester

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Your expertise in cloud penetration testing (FedRAMP and other compliance frameworks) and security ... Train and mentor junior team members * Interface with customers and other internal delivery team ...

Fortreum

Cleared Senior Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Mentor junior members of the penetration testing team, providing guidance, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on training to support their professional development and growth * Interface with customers and ...

Fortreum

Cleared Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Your expertise in cloud penetration testing (FedRAMP and other compliance frameworks) and security ... Train and mentor junior team members * Interface with customers and other internal delivery team ...

Peraton

Jr. Cyber Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$66K - $106K/yr

Support the Penetration Testing (Red Cell) Team. * Assess the current state of the customer's system security by identifying all vulnerabilities and security measures. * Help customer perform ...

Peraton

Jr. Cyber Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$66K - $106K/yr

Support the Penetration Testing (Red Cell) Team. * Assess the current state of the customer's system security by identifying all vulnerabilities and security measures. * Help customer perform ...

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All JobsPenetration Testing JobsJunior Penetration Testing JobsJunior Penetration Testing Jobs in Reston, VA

Junior Penetration Testing information

See Reston, VA salary details

$34.9K

$74.7K

$113.9K

How much do junior penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior penetration testing in Reston, VA is $74,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.
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Junior Penetration Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Penetration Testing job openings in Reston, VA 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 $74,697 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Dark Wolf Solutions

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 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.

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