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Pen Testing Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Developer

Fort George G Meade, MD ยท On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

... pen testing, and operational planning. Our open-door leadership team fosters a supportive culture, where internal growth and promotion opportunities are the norm. Don't just take our word for it ...

... pen testing, and operational planning. Our open-door leadership team fosters a supportive culture, where internal growth and promotion opportunities are the norm. Don't just take our word for it ...

New

Reverse Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

... pen testing, and operational planning. Our open-door leadership team fosters a supportive culture, where internal growth and promotion opportunities are the norm. Don't just take our word for it ...

Software Engineer Intern

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... pen testing, and operational planning. Our open-door leadership team fosters a supportive culture, where internal growth and promotion opportunities are the norm. Don't just take our word for it ...

Showing results 21-40

Pen Testing information

See Maryland salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do pen testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen testing in Maryland is $18.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

How do you become a pen tester?

To become a penetration tester, you typically need a strong foundation in computer networks, operating systems, and security principles, often gained through a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields. Gaining hands-on experience with tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, and Wireshark, along with industry certifications such as the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), can improve job prospects. Continuous learning and staying updated on emerging vulnerabilities are essential in this field.

How hard is it to get into pen testing?

Pen testing is a specialized cybersecurity role that typically requires a strong understanding of networks, operating systems, and security principles, often gained through certifications like OSCP or CEH and hands-on experience. Entry can be competitive, but building skills with practical labs, scripting, and knowledge of tools like Kali Linux can improve chances of breaking into the field.

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 job categories do people searching Pen Testing jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Pen Testing jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Pen Testing jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Pen Testing job openings:

Infographic showing various Pen Testing job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,634 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Embedded Developer

Visionist, Inc.

Fort George G Meade, MD โ€ข On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Active Top Secret (TS/SCI) clearance with polygraph is required.
Visionist has an exciting new, fully FUNDED opportunity for an Embedded Developer on our PRIME contract. Visionist software developers perform reverse engineering and low-level development to identify vulnerabilities and develop mitigations/solutions across a wide range of devices and software. This mission is supporting our most recent prime contract award. If you like rewarding work in developing tools for user interaction, then this is the place for you.
For over 15 years, Visionist has been solving the Intelligence Community's toughest software and analysis challenges. As a 100% employee-owned company, we prioritize our people-your job security is assured. We embed small engineering teams with analysts to rapidly identify and solve mission capability gaps playing a critical role in defending our nation's cyber infrastructure & providing expertise in malware analysis, attribution, mapping adversarial infrastructure, pen testing, and operational planning. Our open-door leadership team fosters a supportive culture, where internal growth and promotion opportunities are the norm. Don't just take our word for it-check out our 4.8-star review on Glassdoor. Join a company that feels like a family with regular happy hours, baseball games, activity clubs and more. Check us out atwww.visionistinc.com.
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Your contributions are...
- Design, develop, debug, and modify embedded software
- Participate in code reviews and work as part of a larger team to develop embedded software products
- Create and maintain documentation on developed software and techniques
- Develop and maintain support software for interfacing with developed embedded software
- Conduct developer testing and integration testing for all developed software
Requirements for your new career...
- Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline. (Additional 4 years of experience may substitute degree)
- 5 years of experience in embedded development (3 years with a Master's degree)
- Experience with low-level programming on Windows, Linux, or real-time operating systems (i.e. VxWorks, uC/OS, etc.)
- Proficiency in C/C++ and Python
Benefits of becoming a Visionist: Your New Career
- We are a 100% employee-owned company, so our employees see the benefit of their contributions and have a stake in our overall success!
- Competitive 15% retirement contribution! (5% 401K match & 10% ESOP)
- 4 weeks paid time off that is never "use or lose", 12 paid holidays, comp time, overtime, AND flexible work hours
- 80 hours of paid parental leave with an additional $8,000 supplemental payment upon returning from maternity
- Medical, dental, & vision benefits for both individuals and families (those who waive medical benefits will receive an additional $4,160/year)
- Annual lifestyle bonus of $600 - use it towards gyms/fitness, new tech, or your HSA!
- Annual merit increases & performance-based bonuses
- Term life insurance, short-term disability, & long-term disability
Salary range: $125,000 - $180,000
Disclaimer: Salary for this position, along with additional compensation options, will be determined on an individual basis following the interview process, considering various factors such as years of experience, skills, education/certifications, contract specifications, market conditions, etc.
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Not a good fit? Check out our other opportunities:https://jobs.jobvite.com/visionist
Next steps: Apply online and one of our recruiters will reach out to you. We have a streamlined process of phone screen with a recruiter, interview with a Visionist team at our HQ in Columbia, MD, and that is all!
Interested in learning more about Visionist and the work we do? Check out our website! https://www.visionistinc.com/what-we-do
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U.S citizenship required (green card holders and permanent residents are not eligible). Applicants selected will be required to obtain / maintain a government security clearance.
Visionist, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities employer.