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Penetration Tester Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Chandler, AZ · On-site

They are seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to conduct advanced offensive security ... S. citizenship is required. • Active Secret security clearance. Company : Peraton Fearlessly ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire an experienced Penetration Tester for its ... Active Secret security clearance. Peraton Overview Peraton is a next-generation national security ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Washington, DC · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire an experienced Penetration Tester for its ... Active Secret security clearance. Peraton Overview Peraton is a next-generation national security ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire an experienced Penetration Tester for its ... Active Secret security clearance. Peraton Overview Peraton is a next-generation national security ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Washington, DC · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire an experienced Penetration Tester for its ... Active Secret security clearance. Peraton Overview Peraton is a next-generation national security ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester / Secret

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire an experienced Penetration Tester for its ... Active Secret security clearance. Peraton Overview Peraton is a next-generation national security ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior Penetration Tester

$90K - $150K/yr

Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform penetration testing of ... Required to possess a DOD SECRET Clearance and be eligible for an IT-I Critical Sensitive security ...

Xcelerate Solutions

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Clearance: Active Secret Location: Alexandria, VA Responsibilities * Conduct Government-selected penetration-testing assessments and threat-hunting exercises in accordance with CSD-SOP-054 and NIST ...

Judge Group, Inc.

Penetration Tester

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

The Judge Group is currently seeking a Penetration Tester with an active secret clearance to support a classified customer in Beltsville, MD. This position is onsite five days per week. Core ...

VMD Corp

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Clearance: Active Secret Location: Alexandria, VA Responsibilities * Conduct Government-selected penetration-testing assessments and threat-hunting exercises in accordance with CSD-SOP-054 and NIST ...

Xcelerate-Solutions-5

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Clearance: Active Secret Responsibilities * Conduct Government-selected penetration-testing assessments and threat-hunting exercises in accordance with CSD-SOP-054 and NIST SP 800-115. * Develop test ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

Senior Penetration Tester

$90K - $150K/yr

Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform penetration testing of ... Required to possess a DOD SECRET Clearance and be eligible for an IT-I Critical Sensitive security ...

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Penetration Tester Secret Clearance information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do penetration tester secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration tester secret clearance in the United States is $119,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a penetration tester with Secret Clearance?

A Penetration Tester with Secret Clearance is a cybersecurity professional who is authorized to conduct simulated cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, and applications for organizations that handle sensitive government information. The Secret Clearance indicates that the tester has been vetted and approved to access classified information at the 'Secret' level, as defined by the U.S. government. This clearance is typically required for penetration testers working with federal agencies or defense contractors. Their role is crucial in identifying vulnerabilities and helping to secure systems against cyber threats while adhering to strict security protocols.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a penetration tester with Secret Clearance?

To thrive as a Penetration Tester with Secret Clearance, you need expertise in cybersecurity principles, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking, supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications like CEH, OSCP, or CISSP, along with an active Secret security clearance. Proficiency with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as familiarity with secure networking protocols and compliance frameworks, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and discretion are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure you can identify vulnerabilities, communicate risks, and maintain security standards, especially in sensitive environments requiring confidentiality and trust.

What are common challenges faced by penetration testers working on projects requiring Secret Clearance?

Penetration testers with Secret clearance often work on highly sensitive systems, which means they must carefully balance thorough testing with strict adherence to security protocols and documentation requirements. A common challenge is navigating the additional layers of approval and restricted access that come with classified environments, which can impact testing timelines and methodologies. Additionally, collaboration with other cleared team members and stakeholders is essential, as clear communication ensures that findings are accurately reported and remediation steps are implemented without compromising classified information.

What is the difference between Penetration Tester Secret Clearance vs Cybersecurity Analyst Secret Clearance?

AspectPenetration Tester Secret ClearanceCybersecurity Analyst Secret Clearance
CredentialsCertifications like CEH, OSCP, CISSP often preferredCertifications like Security+, CISSP, CEH common
Work EnvironmentConducts simulated attacks, tests security systemsMonitors security, analyzes threats, responds to incidents
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, defense contractors, cybersecurity firmsGovernment agencies, private sector, IT departments

Both roles require a Secret Clearance and involve cybersecurity work, but Penetration Testers focus on offensive security testing, while Cybersecurity Analysts primarily monitor and defend networks. The clearance level enables access to sensitive information in both roles, with certifications overlapping but job functions differing significantly.

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Penetration Tester Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penetration Tester Secret Clearance job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester / Secret

Peraton

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 226 rated it services

Job description

Job Summary:
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence globally. They are seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to conduct advanced offensive security operations, identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening cyber capabilities across various systems.
Responsibilities:
• Conduct full-spectrum penetration testing across enterprise, cloud, mobile, IoT, and HVA environments.
• Lead and execute adversary emulation and red team operations to validate SOC detection and response capabilities.
• Serve as technical or team lead for offensive security engagements, including scoping, planning, execution, and reporting.
• Identify exploitable vulnerabilities, develop proof-of-concepts, and deliver actionable, risk-prioritized findings.
• Coordinate results and collaborate with SOC, IR, and engineering teams to support remediation and strengthen defensive posture.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, IT, or related field and 5 years of relevant experience. An additional 4 years will be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on penetration testing experience.
• Experience with Red Team, IoT, Mobile, Cloud, and HVA testing.
• Team lead, supervisory, or management experience.
• Certification: GPEN or GXPN
• One or more of the following: GRTP, CRTL, OSCP, CRTP, CMWAPT, CEPT, CPT, or LPT
• CISA AES HVA Assessment Lead or Technical Lead certification
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Active Secret security clearance.
Company:
Peraton Fearlessly solving the toughest national security challenges. Founded in 1992, the company is headquartered in Woodbridge, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What Peraton employees say

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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