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Pen Testing Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Samprasoft

Mid Security

Washington, DC · On-site

$66.50 - $89/hr

Evaluate various application security tools including SAST, DAST, SCA, IAST, and Pen Testing and operationalize security tools for integration with CI/CD. * Explains and interprets the vulnerability ...

Nwis

Senior Network Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Forensics/Pen Testing: Encase, FTK, IDAPro, Python Forensics, Metasploit * Cloud/Security: AWS Virtualization w/ Palo Alto Direct Connects, Nessus, Web Inspect Please note, this position is ...

Nightwing

Senior Network Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Forensics/Pen Testing: Encase, FTK, IDAPro, Python Forensics, Metasploit * Cloud/Security: AWS Virtualization w/ Palo Alto Direct Connects, Nessus, Web Inspect Please note, this position is ...

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How much do pen testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen testing in Silver Spring, MD is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $19.90 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testers often encounter challenges such as limited timeframes to conduct thorough assessments, incomplete or outdated documentation from clients, and the need to clearly communicate technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.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.
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Pen Testing jobs near you
Sr. Instructional Developer

Sr. Instructional Developer

Govcio LLC

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted just now

GovCIO rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 210 rated it services

Job description

Overview:

GovCIO is currently hiring for an Instructional Developer to design and develop training materials for personnel . This position will be located in Fort Meade, MD and will be an onsite position.

Responsibilities:

The Instructional Systems Developer (ISD) designs and develops training materials that prepare USCYBERCOMMAND personnel to (1) operationally use the Horizon3.ai Node Zero autonomous pen testing platform and (2) create and curate the training datasets required to enable future AI-powered cyber tools. Working closely with the Data Scientist and technical leads, the ISD converts complex platform workflows, data strategy constructs, and dataset preparation standards into role-based curriculum, hands-on labs, job aids, and assessment instruments. The ISD ensures training content reinforces standardized data taxonomy, labeling/metadata requirements, and quality controls so that data produced during IOC and follow-on implementation is consistent, reusable, and suitable for future AI training and validation.

  • Co-develop role-based curriculum with the Data Scientist for Node Zero employment and AI training set development
  • Produce training products (lesson plans, slide decks, labs, exercises, job aids, quick-reference guides)
  • Translate the program’s data strategy into teachable standards (taxonomy, labeling, metadata, quality checks)
  • Develop practical exercises that walk learners through ingest → interpret outputs → label/contextualize → package training sets
  • Create knowledge checks and evaluation methods to verify proficiency / consistency
  • Update materials as platform workflows and data standards mature into the May implementation phase
Qualifications:

High School with 9+ years (or commensurate experience)

Required Skills and Experience

  • Clearance Required: TS/SCI CI Poly
  • 9+ years of experience developing technical training for cyber, data, or analytics systems (DoD/IC preferred)
  • Demonstrated ability to build hands-on labs and performance-based assessments
  • Familiarity with data concepts relevant to AI training (datasets, labeling, metadata, bias/quality considerations)
  • Strong collaboration skills with data scientists, engineers, and operators


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#DL

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Posted Salary Range: USD $110,000.00 - USD $120,000.00 /Yr.

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