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Network Penetration Testing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Perform penetration testing on networks, with a focus on internal networks and exploiting Active ... Network penetration testing and assessment tradecraft and methodologies * Strong working knowledge ...

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Engagements may include external and internal network penetration testing, Active Directory attack path testing, web and API application testing, cloud and Microsoft 365 security assessments, and AI ...

Engagements may include external and internal network penetration testing, Active Directory attack path testing, web and API application testing, cloud and Microsoft 365 security assessments, and AI ...

Conduct web application penetration testing (covering OWASP Top 10, API security, authentication ... network security, container/Kubernetes security, serverless architectures, storage security, and ...

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Network Penetration Testing information

See Illinois salary details

$20.4K

$121.1K

$161.8K

How much do network penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for network penetration testing in Illinois is $121,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,300.00 and $138,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network penetration testing?

A Network Penetration Testing job involves identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities in an organization's networks, systems, and applications to assess their security posture. Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, simulate cyberattacks to uncover weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. They use various tools and techniques to conduct reconnaissance, exploit vulnerabilities, and provide recommendations for improving security. Their work helps organizations strengthen cybersecurity defenses, comply with regulations, and protect sensitive data from potential threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in network penetration testing?

To thrive in Network Penetration Testing, you need strong technical knowledge of network protocols, cybersecurity fundamentals, vulnerability assessment, and hands-on experience with operating systems, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and relevant certifications such as CEH, OSCP, or CompTIA Security+ are typically expected. Excellent problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to work independently or in teams set standout professionals apart. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively identify vulnerabilities, communicate risks, and help organizations safeguard their digital infrastructure.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for someone in a network penetration testing role?

Professionals in Network Penetration Testing often progress to more senior roles such as Senior Penetration Tester, Security Consultant, or Security Architect, depending on experience and additional certifications. There are also opportunities to specialize further—such as focusing on application security, red teaming, or threat intelligence—or to move into management positions overseeing security teams. Continuous learning and staying current with evolving cyber threats are key to advancing in this dynamic field. Many employers also offer support for professional development through training and certification reimbursement, enabling penetration testers to expand their expertise and take on greater responsibilities.

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

The most popular types of Network Penetration Testing jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Network Penetration Testing jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Network Penetration Testing jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Network Penetration Testing job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,078 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Senior Consultant, Network Security

Socket.dev

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

About Coalfire

Coalfire is on a mission to make the world a safer place by solving our clients’ hardest cybersecurity challenges. We work at the cutting edge of technology to advise, assess, automate, and ultimately help companies navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. We are headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with offices across the U.S. and U.K., and we support clients around the world.

But that’s not who we are – that’s just what we do.

We are thought leaders, consultants, and cybersecurity experts, but above all else, we are a team of passionate problem-solvers who are hungry to learn, grow, and make a difference.

Position Summary:

The Senior Consultant works closely with Project Managers, Delivery Directors, and other Delivery team members to lead engagements, assessing the security of various types of client applications and supporting infrastructure against security best practices. The Senior Consultant is a technical leader with broad and deep technical skills, meeting the objectives of their engagements, collaborating with clients, mentoring teammates, and providing subject matter expertise across one or more technical domains. The Senior Consultant is a trusted advisor to clients, and through objective testing and results reporting, supports the client in making well-informed, risk-based decisions to improve overall security posture.

What You'll Do
  • Working independently and collaboratively with a team to both lead and support
  • Perform penetration testing on networks, with a focus on internal networks and exploiting Active Directory vulnerabilities
  • Dynamically flex your skills when assessing emerging or custom technologies.
  • Lead complex engagements to provide a technical consistency approach across multiple tests.
  • Contextualize vulnerabilities and assess realistic impact to a client accounting for mitigating and aggravating factors.
  • Manage priorities and tasks to achieve utilization targets
  • Operate with professionalism both internally and with clients
  • Ensure quality reports and services are delivered efficiently and on time
  • Support sales and business growth by scoping out potential opportunities
  • Maintains strong depth of knowledge in the practice area
  • Collaborate with project managers, quality management, sales and other delivery team members to drive customer satisfaction and meet project deliverables
What You'll Bring
  • Network penetration testing and assessment tradecraft and methodologies
  • Strong working knowledge of at least one programming or scripting languages
  • Strong understanding of security principles and industry best practices.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a consulting/professional services role
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Network Security
  • Excellent consulting skills including:
    • Time management, performing adjacent tasks while ensuring on-time delivery, escalating issues as needed
    • Verbal communication, leading client calls for project kickoffs and debrief
    • Written communication
    • Report writing, for both executive audiences and technical staff.
  • Expert proficiency in Network Penetration Testing, including internal network testing and exploiting Active Directory vulnerabilities
  • Excellent overall technical skills, with strong expertise in at least one of the following:
    • Social Engineering (both vishing & phishing)
    • Physical Penetration Testing
    • Mobile Application Penetration Testing
    • Thick Application Penetration Testing
    • Hardware Penetration Testing
    • Secure Code Review
    • Container Penetration Testing
    • Cloud Penetration Testing
    • Network Active Directory Penetration Testing
    • AI Penetration Testing
Bonus Points
  • OSCP, OSCE, OSEE offensive security certifications
  • Significant development and engineering backgrounds
  • Cloud Service penetration testing tradecraft and methodologies across multiple service providers (e.g. AWS, GCP, etc.).
  • Mobile platform and application penetration testing tradecraft and methodologies across both iOS and Android.
  • Red/Purple Team tradecraft and methodologies.
  • Social engineering in all its forms.
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, AWS Certified Security, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
  • Network, Database, System administration experience and certifications
Why You'll Want to Join Us

At Coalfire, you’ll find the support you need to thrive personally and professionally. In many cases, we provide a flexible work model that empowers you to choose when and where you’ll work most effectively – whether you’re at home or an office.

Regardless of location, you’ll experience a company that prioritizes connection and wellbeing and be part of a team where people care about each other and our communities. You’ll have opportunities to join employee resource groups, participate in in-person and virtual events, and more. And you’ll enjoy competitive perks and benefits to support you and your family, like paid parental leave, flexible time off, certification and training reimbursement, digital mental health and wellbeing support membership, and comprehensive insurance options.

At Coalfire, equal opportunity and pay equity is integral to the way we do business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Coalfire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact our Human Resources team at HumanResourcesMB@coalfire.com.

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