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Penetration Tester Intern Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Penetration Tester Intern information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$10

$19

$24

How much do penetration tester intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetration tester intern in Decatur, AL is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a penetration tester intern do?

A Penetration Tester Intern assists cybersecurity teams by identifying and evaluating security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. They use various tools and techniques to simulate cyberattacks under supervision, helping organizations find and fix weaknesses before real hackers can exploit them. Interns often work on tasks like vulnerability scanning, documentation, and reporting their findings to senior team members. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in ethical hacking and cybersecurity best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a penetration tester intern?

To thrive as a Penetration Tester Intern, you need a solid understanding of networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, and operating systems, often supported by coursework or entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and Kali Linux is typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure interns can identify vulnerabilities, document findings clearly, and collaborate effectively with security teams to improve organizational defenses.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a penetration tester intern expect during their internship?

As a Penetration Tester Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects, such as vulnerability assessments, network scanning, and assisting with simulated cyberattacks under supervision. Typical responsibilities include documenting findings, writing reports, and collaborating with full-time security analysts to remediate vulnerabilities. Interns often have opportunities to learn industry-standard tools and methodologies, and may participate in team meetings or debriefs. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world security challenges and offers a collaborative environment where interns can ask questions and develop technical skills.

What is the difference between Penetration Tester Intern vs Penetration Tester?

AspectPenetration Tester InternPenetration Tester
CertificationsBasic cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Advanced certifications (e.g., OSCP, CEH)
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, supervised projectsFull-time professional role, independent testing
Experience LevelEntry-level, learning-focusedExperienced, skilled in penetration testing
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with testing, learning toolsConducting security assessments, reporting vulnerabilities

The main difference between a Penetration Tester Intern and a Penetration Tester is experience and responsibility level. Interns are typically entry-level, learning the ropes under supervision, while Penetration Testers are experienced professionals conducting independent security assessments. Certifications and work environment also differ accordingly.

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Penetration Tester Intern jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Penetration Tester Intern job openings:

Penetration Tester Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penetration Tester Intern job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,658 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Spring & Summer 2027 Intern - Security & GRC

Workiva

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$40/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Workiva rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 247 rated software companies

Job description

The Security Intern is an integral part of the Information Security team at Workiva. You will help solve security issues, develop tools to assist with security threats, and assist with vulnerability testing of web applications. This role may involve making recommendations on security controls and collaborating with internal stakeholders.

What You'll Do

  • Provide Incident Response support when an actionable incident is confirmed
  • Document, investigate, and report on information security issues and emerging trends
  • Manage and configure tools and devices to expand our security monitoring infrastructure
  • Develop tools to assist with security and compliance tasks
  • Assist with continual vulnerability testing of web applications to identify weaknesses
  • Research and identify potential security controls to fix active vulnerabilities
  • Collaborate with other teams to create remediation strategies and timelines for vulnerabilities
  • Develop queries and visualizations to assist with security and compliance tasks
  • Help solve security issues identified in the production application
  • Provide analysis and trending of security log data from a large number of various security devices
  • Collaborate with other teams to gather information regarding security problems, issues, and ideas

What You'll Need

Minimum Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program, preferably in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a similar degree

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong ethical and discretionary ability to handle sensitive information and data
  • Strong communication and networking skills (written, verbal, listening)
  • Basic competency in one or more programming languages (Python, Java, SQL, Go, and/or Dart)
  • Familiarity with vulnerability scanning tools and/or penetration testing techniques
  • Familiarity with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and/or Google App Engine (GAE)
  • Working knowledge of Linux/Unix operating systems
  • If Security Engineering focused: Ability to analyze problems and devise creative solutions within business constraints; good understanding of HTTP and common web application vulnerabilities
  • If Security Operations focused: Self-motivation and initiative skills to search for and resolve security issues; initiative and social skills to network with technical individuals to gather information on projects

Travel Requirements & Working Conditions

  • Minimal travel
  • Reliable internet access for any period of time working remotely and not in a Workiva office

Location: This internship is primarily a remote opportunity. However, if you are located near one of our office hubs, you are welcome to work in a hybrid capacity and utilize our office spaces. Check out our article on Workplace Flexibility to learn more.

When can you expect to hear back?

We are committed to attending all career fairs and recruitment events before closing our positions. That means, this position might be open without updates for a few weeks to give us time to connect with all potential candidates before wrapping up the recruitment season. Check out our tentative timeline below to see when you can expect to hear from us!

Postings close: September 27, 2026

Engineering postings close: October 2, 2026

Interviews: Early to mid October

Offers: Late October

2027 Start Dates:

This position has opportunities to start in the Spring or Summer. Please see our start dates below and let us know your availability in your application.

  • Spring 2027 Internships: Monday, January 4, 2027 (15-20 hours per week max)
  • Summer 2027 Internships: Monday, May 17, 2027 (40/hours per week max)

How You’ll Be Rewarded

Salary range in the US: $40.00 - $40.00 401(k) participation and match Paid sick leave A unique opportunity to further your learning experience through additional internship seasons

Why Join Workiva

Workiva is the platform designed to bring confidence, control, and a competitive edge to the world’s most complex organizations. Our AI-powered platform unifies finance, risk, and sustainability on a single, secure foundation-ensuring data is trusted, traceable, and ready to act on. With an unbroken path from source to output, leaders gain confidence in their numbers, visibility into current and emerging risks, and the ability to move with speed and precision in a constantly changing world.

At Workiva, you’ll bring technology to market that executives, boards, and regulators depend on. The work you do here helps organizations navigate uncertainty, maintain trust, and make decisions that stand up to scrutiny. If you’re energized by meaningful challenges, inspired by collaborative teams, and motivated to help organizations turn uncertainty into advantage, we’d love to meet you.

Employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other protected characteristic.

Workiva is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request assistance with the application process, please email earlycareer@workiva.com.

Workiva employees are required to undergo comprehensive security and privacy training tailored to their roles, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory standards.

Workiva supports employees in working where they work best - either from an office or remotely from any location within their country of employment.

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