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Network Penetration Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Penetration Tester

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$125 - $155/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities This role will be responsible for conducting network, application (API, mobile, and web), and Social Engineering penetration testing. Specifically, you would: * Work closely with ...

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Serve as primary technical POC for all penetration testing activities, including network, system, application, aircraft cyber, and specialized assessments. * Develop Rules of Engagement (ROE) with ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Serve as primary technical POC for all penetration testing activities, including network, system, application, aircraft cyber, and specialized assessments. * Develop Rules of Engagement (ROE) with ...

Responsibilities : • Conduct web application, API, and network penetration tests to identify and validate security vulnerabilities. • Perform grey-box and black-box testing following NIST SP 800 ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Serve as primary technical POC for all penetration testing activities, including network, system, application, aircraft cyber, and specialized assessments. * Develop Rules of Engagement (ROE) with ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies ... Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) * GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) * GIAC ...

Cleared Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities This role will be responsible for conducting network, application (API, mobile, and web), and Social Engineering penetration testing. Specifically, you would: * Work closely with ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies ... Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) * GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) * GIAC ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Leesburg, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies ... Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) * GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) * GIAC ...

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Penetration Tester with Security Clearance

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

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Network Penetration Testing information

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$124.9K

$167K

How much do network penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for network penetration testing in the United States is $124,948.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,000.00 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.

More about Network Penetration Testing jobs

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

The most popular types of Network Penetration Testing jobs are:

What states have the most Network Penetration Testing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Network Penetration Testing jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Network Penetration Testing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,948 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Dark Wolf Solutions

Colorado Springs, CO • Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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.