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Penetration Tester Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

Security Researcher

Redmond, WA · On-site

$102K - $202K/yr

Penetration testing qualifications; GPEN/GXPN, GWAPT, OSCP/OSCE, CRT/CCT/CCSAS * Participation in bug bounties/CTFs * Experience of using common penetration testing tools; Kali Linux, Burpsuite, Nmap ...

Security Researcher

Redmond, WA · On-site

$102K - $202K/yr

Penetration testing qualifications; GPEN/GXPN, GWAPT, OSCP/OSCE, CRT/CCT/CCSAS * Participation in bug bounties/CTFs * Experience of using common penetration testing tools; Kali Linux, Burpsuite, Nmap ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Seattle, WA · On-site

$113K - $146K/yr

Experience with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing techniques. * Solid programming/debugging skills, development frameworks, CVE and CWE research/reproduction * Threat Analysis ...

You willbe responsible forthe testing/evaluation of AI applications and agents as well as the leveraging of agentic AI to gain efficiencies for Red Team and penetration testing efforts. Success in ...

Sr. Security Analyst

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$120 - $130/hr

Conduct vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and security assessments across applications, systems, cloud environments, and infrastructure. * Use tools including Tenable Nessus, Burp Suite, and ...

New

Sr. Security Analyst

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Conduct vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and security assessments across applications, systems, cloud environments, and infrastructure. * Use tools including Tenable Nessus, Burp Suite, and ...

Senior Security Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

Lead security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing across cloud, infrastructure, and application layers * Test web applications and APIs for authentication and authorization ...

Perform threat modeling and penetration testing across applications, infrastructure, and corporate environments * Develop scripts and tools to support and automate security testing activities

Experience with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing techniques * Solid programming/debugging skills * Experience of using a variety of tools, included, but not limited to, IBM ...

Promote security best practices through documentation, tooling, and collaboration Requirements * 8-10 years of experience in network security engineering, network penetration testing, or security ...

WAF Adversarial Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$56.34 - $70.42/hr

Proven web application penetration testing track record with WAF-specific scope; tool-running alone does not qualify. * Certifications or demonstrated outputs such as OSCP, BSCP, OSWE, or a portfolio ...

Conduct regular security assessments, code reviews, and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in applications and software. * Develop and Implement Security Tools : Design, develop, and ...

Sr. Security Delivery Expert

Redmond, WA · On-site

$160K - $261K/yr

Knowledge of kill-chain model, ATT&CK framework, and modern penetration testing techniques. * Knowledge of major cloud and productivity platforms as well as identity systems and related security ...

Showing results 21-40

Penetration Tester information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$25.2K

$134K

$188.4K

How much do penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration tester in Bothell, WA is $134,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,300.00 and $157,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a penetration tester?

Penetration Testers, also known as ethical hackers, are cybersecurity professionals who simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications to identify and address security vulnerabilities. Their work helps organizations discover weak points before malicious hackers can exploit them. Penetration testers use a variety of tools and techniques to mimic real-world threats and provide detailed reports with recommendations for improving security. They play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and integrity of an organization’s digital assets.

What does a penetration tester do?

As a penetration tester, your job is to test the security of a network by attempting to hack into an application, system, or computer. Penetration testing can occur in a variety of ways, from physical interaction with the machine you’re trying to hack to attacks sent over the web. Aside from helping clients test for vulnerabilities, your job also includes explaining how you got in and providing recommendations for stopping others from repeating your actions. In some cases, you may be asked to help investigate cyber crimes or explain methods and techniques in criminal trials. Success in this job is often measured by how many security holes you find and close.

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 networking, operating systems, cybersecurity principles, and typically hold certifications like OSCP or CEH. Proficiency with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark is crucial for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help Penetration Testers effectively document findings and convey risks to clients. These skills and qualities are vital for uncovering security weaknesses and helping organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.

What are some common challenges penetration testers face during client engagements?

Penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited access to information, strict time constraints, and navigating complex or legacy systems. Additionally, they must balance thorough testing with minimizing disruptions to client operations. Effective communication is crucial, as testers need to clearly document findings and explain technical vulnerabilities to non-technical stakeholders to ensure remediation efforts are understood and prioritized.

What is the difference between Penetration Tester vs Vulnerability Analyst?

AspectPenetration TesterVulnerability Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCVE, CISSP, GIAC
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacksVulnerability scanning, risk assessment
Employer & IndustryCybersecurity firms, IT departmentsSecurity teams, compliance agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding testing roles, skillsIdentifying vulnerabilities, analysis methods

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Penetration Tester actively exploits vulnerabilities to test security defenses, whereas a Vulnerability Analyst identifies and assesses weaknesses without exploiting them. Penetration Testers typically perform simulated attacks, requiring hands-on skills and certifications like OSCP or CEH. Vulnerability Analysts focus on scanning and reporting vulnerabilities, often working with tools like Nessus or Qualys. Both roles are essential for a comprehensive security strategy but differ in approach and responsibilities.

How much do penetration testers make?

Penetration testers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior professionals with advanced skills and certifications like OSCP or CISSP can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand markets.

Is penetration testing a hard job?

Penetration testing can be challenging as it requires strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of security vulnerabilities. The job often involves staying updated on new threats and using tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit, which can be complex for beginners. Success in this role depends on continuous learning and practical experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Tester jobs in Bothell, WA?

The most popular types of Penetration Tester jobs in Bothell, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Penetration Tester jobs in Bothell, WA?

For Penetration Tester jobs in Bothell, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for Penetration Tester jobs?

Cities near Bothell, WA with the most Penetration Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Penetration Tester job openings in Bothell, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,029 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Security Researcher

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

$102K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Are you a red teamer who is looking to break into the AI field? Do you want to find AI failures in Microsoft's largest AI systems and models impacting millions of users? Join Microsoft's AI Red Team where you'll emulate work alongside security experts to test for security and safety failures. We are looking for a Security Researcher with demonstrated cybersecurity and agents testing experience for our team. Our mission is to innovate cutting edge AI testing techniques while stress testing the highest risk AI models, products, and systems. We help our customers, AI makers, expand and strengthen AI security defenses by red teaming prior to launch, coaching developers on how to mitigate when we find in testing environments to make AI safer for all. This work is sprint based, working with AI Safety, Security, and Product Development teams, to run operations that aim to find safety and security risks that inform internal key business decisions. In this role, you will red team AI frontier and foundational models plus applications across Microsoft's AI portfolio including Bing Copilot, Security Copilot, Github Copilot, Office Copilot and Windows Copilot. Our team is an interdisciplinary group of red teamers, adversarial Machine Learning (ML) researchers, Safety & Responsible AI experts and software developers. Our scope is high visibility, with customers ranging from the Office of the CTO to lead AI model builders. We look for creative problem solvers, customer-obsessed coaches, high adaptability, task oriented applied researchers, who like to explore AI question with hands on experimentation. More about our approach to AI Red Teaming:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/08/07/microsoft-ai-red-team-building-future-of-safer-ai/
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
  • Discover and exploit GenAI security vulnerabilities end-to-end in order to assess AI systems and models
  • Manage product group stakeholders as priority recipients and collaborators for operational sprints
  • Drive clarity on communication and reporting for red teaming peers when working with product groups
  • Develop methodologies and techniques to scale and accelerate AI Red Teaming in new and emerging threat areas
  • Work alongside traditional offensive security engineers, adversarial ML experts, developers to land responsible AI operations

Embody our culture and values
Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 2+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field OR equivalent experience.
Other Requirements
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check:
- This position will be required to pass the Microsoft background and Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
Additional or preferred qualifications
  • Doctorate in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 3+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection OR Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 5+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection OR equivalent experience.
  • Penetration testing qualifications; GPEN/GXPN, GWAPT, OSCP/OSCE, CRT/CCT/CCSAS
  • Participation in bug bounties/CTFs
  • Experience of using common penetration testing tools; Kali Linux, Burpsuite, Nmap, Nessus, etc
  • Familiarity with one or more programming languages from: Python, C#, C/C++, PowerShell
  • Prior knowledge of Generative AI not required, though experience testing agents is preferred, while basic familiarity with AI or willingness to learn is desired

Applied Sciences IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $133,800 - $219,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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