1

Pen Testing Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Founding Security Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Run our SOC 2 certification effort (evidence, controls, auditor interface), interface with vendors for pen testing, and prep us for the next compliance lifts like CASA, FCRA, state-specific data regs ...

Warehouse Associate(s)

Boerne, TX · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Run diagnostic testing * Cosmetic Grading * Troubleshoot and diagnose faulty hardware and software ... Dexterity/Ability to utilize writing utensils (pen/pencil), calculators, small hand-held tools ...

Test key software and hardware functionality Run diagnostic testing Cosmetic Grading Troubleshoot ... Dexterity/Ability to utilize writing utensils (pen/pencil), calculators, small hand-held tools ...

... testing of all devices. • Sanitize and Reset device • Test device for functionality • ... Dexterity/Ability to utilize writing utensils (pen/pencil), calculators, small hand-held tools ...

SCA Analytic Linguist

El Paso, TX · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Testing shall have occurred no more than five years prior to the analytic linguist commencing work ... Pen-Link Lincoln Intercept System - A digital communications intercept collection system used by ...

Testing shall have occurred no more than five years prior to the analytic linguist commencing work ... Pen-Link Lincoln Intercept System - A digital communications intercept collection system used by ...

SCA Analytic Linguist (Spanish)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Testing shall have occurred no more than five years prior to the analytic linguist commencing work ... Pen-Link Lincoln Intercept System - A digital communications intercept collection system used by ...

Testing shall have occurred no more than five years prior to the analytic linguist commencing work ... Pen-Link Lincoln Intercept System - A digital communications intercept collection system used by ...

... testing of all devices. • Sanitize and Reset device • Test device for functionality • ... Dexterity/Ability to utilize writing utensils (pen/pencil), calculators, small hand-held tools ...

SCA Analytic Linguist

El Paso, TX · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Testing shall have occurred no more than five years prior to the analytic linguist commencing work ... Pen-Link Lincoln Intercept System - A digital communications intercept collection system used by ...

SCA Analytic Linguist

El Paso, TX · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Testing shall have occurred no more than five years prior to the analytic linguist commencing work ... Pen-Link Lincoln Intercept System - A digital communications intercept collection system used by ...

SCA Analytic Linguist

Houston, TX · On-site

$31.75 - $34/hr

Testing shall have occurred no more than five years prior to the analytic linguist commencing work ... Pen-Link Lincoln Intercept System - A digital communications intercept collection system used by ...

Showing results 21-40

Pen Testing information

See Texas salary details

$8

$17

$29

How much do pen testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen testing in Texas is $17.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.93 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 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. Gaining relevant skills often involves learning programming, using tools like Kali Linux, and obtaining certifications such as the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), which can be challenging but achievable with dedicated effort.
What job categories do people searching Pen Testing jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Pen Testing jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Pen Testing jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Pen Testing job openings:
Infographic showing various Pen Testing job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 58% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,086 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Security Engineer, Platform Security (Firmware, Hardware, Virtualization), AWS Security

Amazon

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,062 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Help us protect not only the Amazon Security (AmSec) cloud computing environment but all of our customers as well. Since 2006, our great team at AmSec has been enabling our customers to bring great ideas to life in ways that aren't possible in traditional IT environments. With AmSec you can flexibly harness compute, storage, security, and other services from across the globe as your business demands them.
Amazon Security is on the forefront of many security issues for a wide variety of platforms and technologies including cloud services, Internet of things (IoT), identity and access management, mobile devices, virtualization and custom hardware, all operating at massive scale

Similarly, our highly collaborative team is committed to each team member's growth as our business grows.
As a part of the Secure Hardware and Foundational Technologies group, we help Amazon launch brand new products and invest in emerging technologies securely. We are looking for a technically deep Senior Security Engineer to help secure our foundational platforms such as OS kernels, virtualization, device emulation, firmware and hardware. You will be responsible for conducting security reviews, threat modeling, developing tooling that will help detect security issues at scale and hands-on security evaluations (pen-testing).
The successful candidate must be comfortable diving into complex engineering discussions, and leveraging deep security expertise to ensure proper risk assessment and threat analysis is performed

You will provide crystal-clear technical direction and risk mitigation guidance for diverse engineering and business leaders at all levels.
By applying your hard-earned years of practical security engineering expertise in projects related to enterprise networking, hardware-rooted security, operating system hardening, and cloud-scale administrative infrastructure, you will literally shape the future of cloud computing.
You are expected to be strong in multiple domains and provide significant contributions to the IT Security team and to multiple groups throughout AmSec. Security engineers are expected to develop elegant solutions to complex business problems and apply appropriate technologies while following security engineering best practices. You are also expected to mentor more junior engineers and be a security thought leader for the organization.
You should foster constructive dialogue and seek resolution when confronted with discordant views

Engineers in this role are expected to participate fully in the planning of the IT Security team's work and constantly seek opportunities for process improvement. They should also have a deep understanding of at least one specialty for which they are a sought out resource (both within AmSec and by groups throughout Amazon), while having an understanding of the application of information security in a broad range of technical areas.
Key job responsibilities
You will need a combination of troubleshooting, technical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to handle a mix of disparate tasks which may include project and software development work. This role will provide career growth opportunities as you gain new security skills in the course of your duties.
- Security reviews for hardware including servers and devices
- Penetration testing & vulnerability research
- Threat modeling
- Security training and outreach to internal development teams
- Security guidance documentation
- Assistance with recruiting activities
About the team
Diverse Experiences
Amazon Security values diverse experiences

Even if you do not meet all of the qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.
Why Amazon Security?
At Amazon, security is central to maintaining customer trust and delivering delightful customer experiences. Our organization is responsible for creating and maintaining a high bar for security across all of Amazon's products and services

We offer talented security professionals the chance to accelerate their careers with opportunities to build experience in a wide variety of areas including cloud, devices, retail, entertainment, healthcare, operations, and physical stores.
Inclusive Team Culture
In Amazon Security, it's in our nature to learn and be curious. Ongoing DEI events and learning experiences inspire us to continue learning and to embrace our uniqueness. Addressing the toughest security challenges requires that we seek out and celebrate a diversity of ideas, perspectives, and voices.
Training & Career Growth
We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer

That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, training, and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why flexible work hours and arrangements are part of our culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there's nothing we can't achieve.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US