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Pen Testing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Working knowledge of PEN testing. * Must exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) as the position will require engagement with a variety of partners and ...

Sr. Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Working knowledge of PEN testing * Must exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) as the position will require engagement with a variety of partners and organizations ...

Web Application Pen Testing Certifications #MSBA If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're ...

Sr. Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Working knowledge of PEN testing * Must exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) as the position will require engagement with a variety of partners and organizations ...

Senior Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Working knowledge of PEN testing. * Must exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) as the position will require engagement with a variety of partners and ...

Sr. Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Working knowledge of PEN testing * Must exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) as the position will require engagement with a variety of partners and organizations ...

Senior Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Working knowledge of PEN testing. * Must exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) as the position will require engagement with a variety of partners and ...

... pen testing, content filtering, PKI, SSL/TLS * Required: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferred in Information Technology or Computer Science * Dedicated focus to provide every customer with a ...

Experience with network security; firewalls, intrusion prevention, risk assessment, pen testing, content filtering, PKI, SSL/TLS * Experience/familiarity with managing enterprise deployments of iOS ...

... pen testing, content filtering, PKI, SSL/TLS Experience/familiarity with managing enterprise deployments of iOS, Android, and Chromebook devices Experience managing Windows Server or Red Hat Linux ...

... pen testing, content filtering, PKI, SSL/TLS • Experience/familiarity with managing enterprise deployments of iOS, Android, and Chromebook devices • Experience managing Windows Server or Red Hat ...

Showing results 41-60

Pen Testing information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do pen testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen testing in Virginia is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.09 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 Virginia look for?

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Pen Testing jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Pen Testing job openings:

Infographic showing various Pen Testing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,466 per year, or $19 per hour.

Senior Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

SAIC
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$200K - $240K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


SAIC rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job ID: 2614034

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-22

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Network Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC has an immediate opening for a Senior Network Engineer to work on an exciting program in Chantilly!  The successful candidate will bring deep network engineering and operations expertise to plan, organize, and execute operations in support of priority mission requirements. Functions include the configuration of network equipment (routers, servers, etc.), providing system administration functions, monitoring health and status of systems, and ensuring stable and consistent data transport.

Beyond the hands-on role in operations, the candidate will participate in meetings with vendors, partners, etc., where they may be called on to represent the customer in technical discussions. This requires exceptional interpersonal skills and tact to ensure that critical relationships are not only maintained, but strengthened through engagement.

The candidate will provide input for requirements affecting the current project, as well as follow-on projects, and will bring a proactiveness in researching new technologies and how they could be employed for project improvement (e.g., cloud, AI, etc.). The candidate will help manage testing and validation of technical capabilities to ensure solutions meet operational needs, may be asked to draft and coordinate correspondence, provide briefings communicating operational planning to senior leaders and other mission partners, participate in or guide technical and operational discussions, meet with a variety of organizational elements in support of the project, and potentially deploy technical equipment in the field. Optional TDY travel (up to 5–10%) may be available.

Qualifications

  • Must currently hold a TS/SCI and Poly in order to be considered for this position
  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field or relevant experience can be substituted for the degree
  • Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience providing technical operations support
  • Demonstrated deep network-engineering expertise, including hands-on experience with routing protocols (e.g., BGP), firewalls, and switches
  • Demonstrated experience with both Linux and Windows operating systems. The majority of the work will be in the Linux environment
  • Experience troubleshooting Linux networking issues with tools such as TCPDump, Wireshark, Netstat, and/or Zabbix
  • Ability to design and deploy infrastructure. This could range from upgrading equipment, to providing inputs on requirements that inform the development of next-gen systems.
  • Exhibit a curiosity for technology, always seeking ways to improve mission. Do not need to be an expert in topics beyond networking, but get smart to know how new technology might be used (e.g., Cloud; AI) for mission enhancement.
  • Working knowledge of PEN testing.
  • Must exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) as the position will require engagement with a variety of partners and organizations, both within and outside the customer organization. The reputation of the customer's organization may ride on how a candidate interacts with these partners.
  • Ability to explain technical topics and operations to a non-technical audience, and apply expertise to briefing audiences of varying technical and non-technical backgrounds.
  • Must be a team player and be able to work on a high-impact, multi-agency team to collaboratively tackle complex projects to achieve mission success.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Certifications or degrees in the CyberSecurity discipline (CISSP, GIAC GPEN, CEH, OSCP).
  • Experience working with foreign liaison.
  • Demonstrated expertise drafting and coordinating correspondence to enable mission.
  • Experience with command line coding in C, C++, and Python. Candidate will work with a dedicated software developer as needed to optimize tools for mission.
  • Understanding of penetration testing, defensive methodologies, and network intrusion response.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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