ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Pen Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPen Testing JobsPen Testing Jobs in California

Pen Testing information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do pen testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen testing in California is $18.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Penetration Tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of network security, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking, often backed by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity and industry certifications like CEH or OSCP. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as various operating systems, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set top performers apart when explaining findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders. These skills ensure that vulnerabilities are thoroughly identified and addressed, helping organizations protect critical data and systems.

What are some common challenges faced by penetration testers when working on client projects?

Penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited timeframes to conduct thorough assessments, incomplete or outdated documentation from clients, and the need to clearly communicate technical findings to non-technical stakeholders. They may also face restrictions on testing certain systems due to business constraints or potential operational impact. Building trust with clients and ensuring testing activities do not disrupt critical services are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Pen Testing vs Vulnerability Assessment?

AspectPen TestingVulnerability Assessment
PurposeSimulates attacks to identify exploitable vulnerabilitiesIdentifies and prioritizes security weaknesses
DepthIn-depth, targeted testingBroad, overview of vulnerabilities
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISA, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentHands-on, technical testingAnalysis and reporting

Pen Testing involves actively exploiting vulnerabilities to assess security defenses, while Vulnerability Assessment focuses on identifying and prioritizing potential weaknesses without exploiting them. Both are essential for a comprehensive security strategy but serve different roles in cybersecurity testing.

Is pen testing a good career?

Penetration testing, or pen testing, is a cybersecurity role focused on identifying vulnerabilities in systems and networks. It requires technical skills, knowledge of security tools, and often certifications like OSCP or CEH. The field offers high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning, making it a strong career choice for those interested in cybersecurity.

What is pen testing?

Pen testing, short for penetration testing, is a cybersecurity practice where professionals simulate attacks on a computer system, network, or application to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit. The goal is to proactively find and fix security weaknesses before they can be used in real-world attacks. Pen testers use a variety of tools and techniques to mimic the methods of cybercriminals, and then provide detailed reports with recommendations for improving security. Organizations often conduct pen tests regularly as part of their overall security strategy.

How do I become a pen tester?

To become a penetration tester, you should gain a strong understanding of computer networks, operating systems, and security principles, often through a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields. Earning industry-recognized certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can improve job prospects, and practical experience with tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, and Wireshark is essential.

What qualifications do you need to be a pen tester?

To become a penetration tester, candidates typically need a strong understanding of networking, operating systems, and security principles, along with proficiency in scripting and using security tools. Relevant certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) are highly valued. Practical experience through labs, internships, or hands-on projects is also important for demonstrating skills in identifying vulnerabilities and exploiting security flaws.

How much can you make pen testing?

Penetration testers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in tools like Kali Linux or Metasploit can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand industries or regions with a strong cybersecurity market.
What are popular job titles related to Pen Testing jobs in California? For Pen Testing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pen Testing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pen Testing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pen Testing jobs? Cities in California with the most Pen Testing job openings:
Pen Testing jobs near you
Customer Engineer III, Platform, Google Cloud

Customer Engineer III, Platform, Google Cloud

Google

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

info_outline
X Applicants in San Francisco: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based employees. Benefits for this role include:
  • Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance
  • Retirement Benefits: 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per year, accruing at a rate of 6.15 hours per pay period for the first five years of employment
  • Sick Time: 40 hours/year (increased to 69 hours/year for Seattle) including 5 discretionary sick days per instance
  • Maternity Leave (Short-Term Disability Baby Bonding): 28-30 weeks
  • Baby Bonding Leave: 18 weeks
  • Holidays: 13 paid days per year

Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: San Francisco, CA, USA; Seattle, WA, USA; Sunnyvale, CA, USA.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 10 years of experience with cloud native architecture in a customer-facing or support role.
  • Experience with cloud engineering, on-premise engineering, virtualization, or containerization platforms.
  • Experience engaging with, or presenting to, technical stakeholders or executive leaders.
  • Experience in programming languages, debugging, systems design, prototyping, demos, or customer workshops.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience selling technical solutions in one or more of the following: infrastructure modernization, application modernization, data management, data analytics, cloud AI, networking, migrations, security.
  • Experience migrating applications and services to cloud platforms.
  • Experience with machine learning model development and deployment, as well as with frameworks for deep learning (e.g., TensorFlow, Jax, Ray, etc.) and using machine learning APIs.
  • Experience with platform engineering (e.g., Infrastructure-as-Code, automation, image management, or repository management), virtual machine concepts, or container concepts.
  • Experience with developing scalable architectures using API management, microservice frameworks, and PaaS.

About the job
The Google Cloud Platform team helps customers transform and build what's next for their business - all with technology built in the cloud. Our products are developed for security, reliability and scalability, running the full stack from infrastructure to applications to devices and hardware. Our teams are dedicated to helping our customers - developers, small and large businesses, educational institutions and government agencies - see the benefits of our technology come to life. As part of an entrepreneurial team in this rapidly growing business, you will play a key role in understanding the needs of our customers and help shape the future of businesses of all sizes use technology to connect with customers, employees and partners.
As a Platform Customer Engineer (CE), you will partner with technical Sales teams to differentiate Google Cloud to our customers. You will serve as the customer's primary technical partner and trusted advisor, engaging in technical-led conversations to understand their business issues. You will troubleshoot technical questions and roadblocks, engage in proofs of concepts and demos, and use your expertise to architect cross-pillar cloud solutions that solve these business issues. You will drive the technical win and define the delivery and consumption plans. You will use your presentation skills to engage with technical and business leaders, and persuasively present practical and useful solutions on Google Cloud. You will have excellent technical, communication and organizational skills.
You will focus on identifying, pursuing, and winning new business workloads and driving pen testing within existing ones. You will have a breadth of technical expertise, spanning infrastructure modernization, application modernization, data analytics and more.
Google Cloud accelerates every organization's ability to digitally transform its business and industry. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technology, and tools that help developers build more sustainably. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $152000 - $222000 (USD) 42.86% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Develop and own the technical account plan and strategy, participating in planning and supporting targeted sales motions.
  • Combine sales, programming, and solutions architecture expertise to show the value of Google Cloud Platform across the portfolio through demos, pilots and in-depth workshops.
  • Architect cross-pillar solutions, drive technical wins, and define initial delivery plans for customers; continue to lead the technical engagement in the solution phase.
  • Facilitate the post-sales transition by supporting pricing activities and transitioning the final delivery plan to implementation teams.
  • Maintain awareness of progress against the delivery plan, providing support to cross-functional teams during ramp, delivery, migration or implementation phases.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

What Google employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply