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Penetration Tester Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aftermarket Services Intern

Houston, TX

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Support Factory Acceptance Team performing Factory Testing. * Tracking procurement items against ... penetration and financial goals. More information is available on the company website at: www.tas ...

Aftermarket Services Intern

Houston, TX

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Support Factory Acceptance Team performing Factory Testing. * Tracking procurement items against ... penetration and financial goals. More information is available on the company website at: www.tas ...

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Penetration Tester Intern information

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How much do penetration tester intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetration tester intern in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Penetration Tester Intern, and why are they important?

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 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.
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Job description

 

Idaho National Laboratory University/College Internships-CyberSecurity

Typical Degree Programs Sought Include: (Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Network Security, Digital Industrial, Embedded Control, Threat Analysis, and Software Engineering )
 
Please note that if you are interested in other INL internship categories in addition to this one, you will need to complete the application for each of those categories as well. Most of the information you provide while completing the initial application carries over to your new applications. You will have to review your previously submitted information in each step, ensure it is complete and then click the submit button on the final step.
 

The Opportunity:

 

Internships at Idaho National Laboratory  

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) hosts over 300 undergraduate and graduate students each year to support INL's mission.  Opportunities for interns at INL range from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and include non-scientific positions in various operations and business disciplines.

Join INL's team and find your exceptional educational experience in a real-world work environment.  INL offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, innovate and conduct research with top researchers and professionals.

The Deliverables:

Interns will spend the first week of their assignment working with their mentor to outline their work scope and to secure resources for a successful internship.  For the next several weeks, the mentor will provide considerable program assistance and guidance to the intern.  In addition to regular activities, interns are invited to attend weekly seminars, tours and community events designed with career development in mind.  Completion of a final project is highly recommended and can be completed through a variety of mediums - a traditional poster, electronic presentation or video.

The Process:

Through this single application, you are considered for all internship projects related to INL Cybersecurity (Cyber Security). Simply complete the application questions which will help us identify what knowledge and experience you already have that may be related to the preferred qualifications for each individual internship project. It is common for applicants to receive consideration for multiple projects at varying times throughout the process. Mentors will make direct contact with applicants who meet their project qualifications to share the specific details of the project. On average, INL plans for approximately 300 internships each year.  Most internships provide flexibility with start and end dates to account for varying university term schedules.  We encourage early applications to increase the number of opportunities available to you.

The Projects:

Internship projects will focus on critical infrastructure protection through anticipating national technology trends and research. INL uses full-scale testing capabilities, unique facilities, advanced tools and technology to collaborate on real world solutions to cyber issues. Below are examples of the type of projects a student may work on:

--Support the planning and development of software and firmware code to cause desired effects in embedded components to be used for critical infrastructure research.  Perform research into emerging tools and capabilities which can be used for embedded device forensics, disassembly and embedded firmware analysis

--Participate in the development of an assessment methodology for research reactors, including specific methodologies for interdependency risk management.  In addition develop preliminary recommendations for how INL's domestic and international nuclear cybersecurity programs can incorporate the use of a simulator to enhance their research efforts.

--Assist in documenting topologies for intricate security relationships, and developing security architecture recommendations that will improve security programs/posture. Assist in the development and maintenance of customer code used to analyze network traffic and proprietary protocols. Assists development of technical solutions for information operations and analysis related to national security topics. Works with senior engineers to support identification of security issues for existing platforms and applications. Assist with the development of algorithms and methods for detecting and preventing network attacks. Assists in the development and maintenance of code used to find weaknesses in systems and to verify patch effectiveness. Assist and/or conducts penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. Performs analysis and/or reverse engineering of suspect source code.

--Research and development of advanced intrusion detection. This will include the development of machine learning techniques, physical effects correlation to cyber causes, and cyber-physical fusion. As part of the cyber-physical effort, protocol development and packet analysis methods will also be included.

Required Qualifications:
All Internship Candidates Must:
  • Have the ability to pass a background check
  • Possess a minimum overall 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Complete this application, which is used to place students based on their academic interests, coursework, knowledge and communication skills
  • Enrolled full time student status at an accredited college or university (undergraduate, graduate, PhD).
Note:  Many INL community college interns are hired through the U.S. Department of Energy's Community College Internship Program. We recommend you also apply to DOE's Internship Program at http://science.energy.gov/wdts/cci/
 
Helpful Tips to Prepare You for Your INL Internship Application:
  1. Current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
  3. Current class schedule and number of credits
Recommendations:
  • Work with your career center to develop a resume or CV that is functional (this is your opportunity for a first impression)
  • Review the INL website and learn more about our business and research programs and how they could enrich your degree plan https://www.inl.gov/
  • Ask your professors if they have collaborated on INL research programs and seek their permission to list them as a reference
  • Review the INL Academic Partnerships web site for valuable information on our internship programs  https://www.inl.gov/inl-initiatives/education/
Internship Programs Specialists: 
 Ali Josephson (ali.josephson@inl.gov)         Brian Rucks (brian.rucks@inl.gov)
Delisa Rogers (delisa.rogers@inl.gov)          Myken Johnson (myken.johnson@inl.gov)      Thomas Steele (thomas.steele@inl.gov)
 
Equal Employment Opportunity
 
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.  It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
 
 
 
 
 
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