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Junior Penetration Testing Jobs in Riverside, CA

Junior Penetration Testing information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.9K

$74.9K

$114.2K

How much do junior penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior penetration testing in Riverside, CA is $74,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,600.00 and $83,500.00 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, and why are they important?

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 Junior Penetration Testers?

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 popular job titles related to Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Riverside, CA? For Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Penetration Testing jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Junior Penetration Testing jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Junior Penetration Testing job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Penetration Testing job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $74,906 per year, or $36 per hour.
School of Cyber and Decision Sciences Part-time Lecturer Pool

School of Cyber and Decision Sciences Part-time Lecturer Pool

California State University

San Bernardino, CA

Other

Posted 5 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 539 rated colleges and universities


Job description

School of Cyber and Decision Sciences Part-time Lecturer Pool

Apply now Job no: 548769
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Bernardino - San Bernardino Campus
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time, Faculty - Business/Management

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino mountains, the university serves approximately 19,000 students. CSUSB is a federally recognized minority-serving and Hispanic-serving institution that reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire: 74 percent of its students are members of underrepresented groups, 80 percent are first-generation, and 56 percent are Pell eligible. For more information on the campus, please visit the CSUSB website.

CSUSB employs 467 full-time faculty and offers 48 undergraduate, 35 graduate, and one doctoral degree programs and 14 academic programs with national accreditation. At CSUSB, diversity, equity and inclusion are values central to our mission. We recognize that diversity and inclusion in all its forms are necessary for our institutional success. By fully leveraging our diverse experiences, backgrounds and insights, we inspire innovation, challenge the status quo and create better outcomes for our students and community. As part of CSUSB's commitment to hire, develop and retain a diverse faculty, we offer a variety of networking, mentoring and development programs for our junior faculty. We are committed to building and sustaining a CSUSB community that is supportive and inclusive of all individuals. Qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings and/or who demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse student populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

JOB SUMMARY

The School of Cyber and Decision Sciences, San Bernardino (CSUSB)** offers a range of lower-division and upper-division courses to our students in areas such as cybersecurity, penetration testing and ethical hacking, incident handling and cyber investigations, business intelligence and analytics, supply chain management, database management, project management, problem solving, application development, iCloud, information assurance, systems analysis & design, application development, artificial intelligence, and management of information systems. These courses are taught by tenure-line faculty, full-time, and part-time lecturers with expertise in business communication, organizational behavior, strategy, international business, and human resource management.

TYPICAL ACTIVITIES

Qualified candidates must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring a diverse student population and to working effectively with faculty, staff, and students across a wide range of disciplines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in Information Science, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management     or a related field, Doctoral degree preferred (in hand by time of appointment).
Relevant work experience in the field of Information Systems Management, Supply Chain Management, Information Security or               business intelligence and analytics are preferred.

Evidence of scholarly activity, publication, and innovation is valued. Evidence of exemplary graduate-level teaching and leadership experience at the program level is preferred and should be noted in the application.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with CSUSB. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: CSUSB cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that CSUSB has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to CSUSB or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, CSUSB is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF CYBER AND DECISION SCIENCES

To find out more about the School of Cyber and Decision Sciences at CSUSB please visit:
Website: https://www.csusb.edu/cyber-decision-sciences
Phone: (909)537-5723
For more information regarding the position, please contact:
Recruitment Director:
Dr. Conrad Shayo
(909)537-5798
CShayo@csusb.edu 
Administrative Support:
Lisa Nazario
(909)537-3400
Lisa.Pena@csusb.edu 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit

1) Curriculum Vitae or Resume
2) Cover Letter that includes:
    a) A brief statement of your teaching interest/philosophy
    b) A listing of any courses previously taught
    c) Whether you can teach at the Palm Desert, San Bernardino, or both campuses and your availability
    d) A listing of potential courses you would be interested in teaching
3) If available, evidence of teaching effectiveness such as teaching portfolios, reports on teaching observations, and/or student                              evaluations of teaching.
4) Unofficial copies of all postsecondary degree transcripts (official transcripts will be required prior to appointment).
5) Reference List - names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three (3) referees whom we may contact to obtain letters of                        recommendation. Confidential letters of recommendation will be solicited from those listed as references on the application if the                        applicant is moved forward in the recruitment process.

Formal review of applications will be as needed.

If you are interested in this opportunity, we invite you to apply by using this CSU Recruit Hyperlink at:

https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/873/gateway/Default.aspx?c=apply&sJobIDs=548769&SourceTypeID=803&sLanguage=en-us&lApplicationSubSourceID=11243

Please Note: CSUSB is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the "Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

(Actual Salary will be in accordance with percentage of time appointed) 

Lecturer A                           (Range 2) - $5,507 - $6,677

Lecturer B                           (Range 3) - $6,221 - $13,224

Lecturer C                           (Range 4) - $6,825 - $14,523

Lecturer D                           (Range 5) - $8,593 - $15,211

CSU Salary Schedule: https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/compensation/Pages/salary-schedule.aspx

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

California State University, San Bernardino is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. This position adheres to CSU policies against Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence, including Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking. This requires completion of Sexual Violence Prevention Training within 6 months of assuming employment and on a two-year basis thereafter. (Executive Order 1096)

This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter. Visit the Human Resources Conflict of Interest webpage link for additional information:
https://www.csusb.edu/human-resources/current-employees/employee-relations/conflict-interest

Advertised: 27 May 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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