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

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 ...

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

Leads penetration tests, mentoring junior testers, and providing technical guidance to stakeholders. Possess expertise in network protocols, application security, social engineering, and advanced ...

Leads penetration tests, mentoring junior testers, and providing technical guidance to stakeholders. Possess expertise in network protocols, application security, social engineering, and advanced ...

... Level 1 (Junior) Functional Description: Responsible for performing basic reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning in accordance with established testing methodologies; identifies common ...

... Level 1 (Junior) Functional Description: Responsible for performing basic reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning in accordance with established testing methodologies; identifies common ...

Offensive Security Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Experience conducting peer reviews of penetration test reports and mentoring junior testers. * Continuous learner who keeps up with the latest offensive security trends, tools, and techniques.

Exploitation Engineer Lead IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

... junior engineers, and supporting compliance with federal cybersecurity standards. The Exploitation ... Lead vulnerability assessment and penetration testing activities against enterprise infrastructure ...

Exploitation Engineer Lead IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

... junior engineers, and supporting compliance with federal cybersecurity standards. The Exploitation ... Lead vulnerability assessment and penetration testing activities against enterprise infrastructure ...

Exploitation Engineer Lead IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

... junior engineers, and supporting compliance with federal cybersecurity standards. The Exploitation ... Lead vulnerability assessment and penetration testing activities against enterprise infrastructure ...

Showing results 41-60

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs in Reston, VA are:
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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.

Senior Penetration Testing Engineer

Concurrent Technologies Corporation

Washington, DC • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Senior Penetration Testing Engineer
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
On-Site Washington, DC (Metro Area)
Minimum Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with FRD/RD/NATO eligibility or access required
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Maintain: TS/SCI with FRD/RD/NATO eligibility or access required
This position is contingent upon contract award. Any offer of employment is dependent upon CTC's successful contract award and funding authorization. Candidates may be contacted for interviews and pre-employment processing prior to award notification
Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) is seeking a highly experienced Senior Penetration Testing Engineer (Key Personnel) to support a mission-critical Department of Defense cybersecurity program. The selected candidate will serve as a senior technical Subject Matter Expert (SME), leading advanced penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, software assurance activities, and secure systems engineering efforts across complex classified environments. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks across enterprise networks, cloud environments, cross-domain solutions (CDS), and mission-critical systems. This individual will collaborate closely with government stakeholders, engineers, and cybersecurity teams to improve system resilience while ensuring compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements and best practices.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and perform advanced penetration testing against enterprise applications, operating systems, networks, and cloud-hosted environments.
  • Conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments and provide technical recommendations for remediation and risk reduction.
  • Evaluate software security throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), ensuring secure coding practices and software assurance methodologies are implemented.
  • Assess and validate secure cloud architectures, configurations, and security controls.
  • Support Cross Domain Solution (CDS) security assessments, testing, and accreditation activities.
  • Develop technical reports documenting findings, exploit paths, risk assessments, and recommended corrective actions.
  • Validate vulnerability remediation efforts through retesting and verification activities.
  • Support patch management strategies by identifying security deficiencies and verifying remediation effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with system engineers, software developers, ISSOs, and government personnel to strengthen overall cybersecurity posture.
  • Provide technical guidance on emerging cyber threats, attack methodologies, and defensive countermeasures.
  • Assist with cybersecurity engineering efforts supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) compliance and continuous monitoring initiatives.
  • Mentor junior cybersecurity personnel and provide subject matter expertise during technical reviews and assessments.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
  • 10+ years of overall cybersecurity, information assurance, or cyber engineering experience.
  • At least 2 years of recent hands-on experience in each of the following areas:
    • Software Assurance
    • Penetration Testing
    • Vulnerability Assessment
    • Patch Management
    • Secure Cloud Technologies
    • Cross Domain Solutions (CDS)
  • Demonstrated experience performing penetration testing using industry-standard methodologies and tools.
  • Strong understanding of network security, operating systems, application security, and cybersecurity architectures.
  • Experience preparing technical assessment reports and presenting findings to technical and executive stakeholders.
  • Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense or Intelligence Community cybersecurity programs.
  • Familiarity with NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), NIST 800-53, DISA STIGs, and DoD cybersecurity policies.
  • Experience supporting classified cloud environments.
  • Knowledge of secure software development practices and DevSecOps methodologies.
  • Experience with automated vulnerability management and enterprise security assessment tools.
  • Ability to lead technical teams and interface directly with Government leadership.

Benefits:
  • The starting salary range for this position has been established as $150,000 - $170,000
  • Medical Insurance and Prescription
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement Assistance
  • Paid Leave
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Retirement Plan

Why CTC?
  • Our teams at CTC are passionate and thrive on collaboration in a team environment
  • When we encounter a difficult problem, we have a variety of talented and diverse employees that work together to solve the toughest challenges
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Although our work at CTC is extremely important, we also recognize the need for our employees to maintain a proper mix of work and personal life.
  • Visit www.ctc.com to learn more.

Join us! CTC offers exceptional career growth, cutting edge technology, educational opportunities, and recognition for quality work.
https://concurrent-technologies-corporation.breezy.hr/
Staffing Requisition: SR# 2026-0094
"We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law."