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Penetration Tester Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Validate vulnerabilities discovered through internal testing, automated scanning, third-party penetration testing, customer inquiries, bug reports, and product security reviews. * Prepare clear ...

Senior Offensive Security Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

Validate vulnerabilities discovered through internal testing, automated scanning, third-party penetration testing, customer inquiries, bug reports, and product security reviews. * Prepare clear ...

Coordinate with third-party penetration testing providers when appropriate, including scope development, test readiness, evidence review, finding validation, and remediation tracking. * Maintain ...

Coordinate with third-party penetration testing providers when appropriate, including scope development, test readiness, evidence review, finding validation, and remediation tracking. * Maintain ...

Tempus is seeking a Senior Application Security Engineer with deep expertise in penetration testing to lead efforts in identifying and remediating vulnerabilities across web, mobile, and medical ...

Tempus is seeking a Senior Application Security Engineer with deep expertise in penetration testing to lead efforts in identifying and remediating vulnerabilities across web, mobile, and medical ...

Synack's Penetration Testing as a Service platform manages customers' attack surfaces by discovering new assets, pentesting for critical vulnerabilities and gaining visibility into the root causes of ...

Wireless penetration testing * Social engineering (phishing, telephone, onsite) * Red teaming/Threat emulation * Purple teaming * Evaluate and test IT controls, application controls, security ...

New

Offensive Security Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $154K/yr

Wireless penetration testing * Social engineering (phishing, telephone, onsite) * Red teaming/Threat emulation * Purple teaming * Evaluate and test IT controls, application controls, security ...

New

Offensive Security Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $154K/yr

Wireless penetration testing * Social engineering (phishing, telephone, onsite) * Red teaming/Threat emulation * Purple teaming * Evaluate and test IT controls, application controls, security ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Penetration Tester information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$22.1K

$118K

$165.8K

How much do penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration tester in Park Ridge, IL is $117,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $138,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Penetration Tester jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Penetration Tester jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Penetration Tester jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Penetration Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Penetration Tester job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,977 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Senior Consultant, Mobile Application Security

Medium

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65 - $134/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About Coalfire

Coalfire is on a mission to make the world a safer place by solving our clients’ hardest cybersecurity challenges. We work at the cutting edge of technology to advise, assess, automate, and ultimately help companies navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. We are headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with offices across the U.S. and U.K., and we support clients around the world.

But that’s not who we are – that’s just what we do.

We are thought leaders, consultants, and cybersecurity experts, but above all else, we are a team of passionate problem-solvers who are hungry to learn, grow, and make a difference.

Position Summary

The Senior Consultant works closely with Project Managers, Delivery Directors, and other Delivery team members to lead engagements, assessing the security of various types of client applications and supporting infrastructure against security best practices. The Senior Consultant is a technical leader with broad technical skills, meeting the objectives of their engagements, collaborating with clients, mentoring teammates, and providing subject matter expertise across one or more technical domains. The Senior Consultant is a trusted advisor to clients, and through objective testing and results reporting, supports the client in making well-informed, risk-based decisions to improve overall security posture.

What You'll Do
  • Working independently and collaboratively with a team to both lead and support.
  • Perform penetration testing on applications with complex technology stacks from both a:
    • Blackbox perspective
    • Whitebox perspective
  • Dynamically flex your skills when assessing emerging or custom technologies.
  • Contextualize vulnerabilities and assess realistic impact to a client accounting for mitigating and aggravating factors.
  • Manage priorities and tasks to achieve utilization targets.
  • Operate with professionalism both internally and with clients.
  • Ensure quality reports and services are delivered efficiently and on time.
  • Maintains strong depth of knowledge in the practice area.
  • Collaborate with project managers, quality management, sales and other delivery team members to drive customer satisfaction and meet project deliverables.
What You'll Bring
  • Application penetration testing and assessment tradecraft and methodologies (including browser-based, API, mobile)
  • Working knowledge of at least two programming or scripting languages
  • Strong understanding of security principles and industry best practices.
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a consulting/professional services role
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience in Application Security and/or Software Development
  • Strong consulting skills including:
    • Time management, performing adjacent tasks while ensuring on-time delivery, escalating issues as needed.
    • Verbal communication, leading client calls for project kickoffs and debrief.
    • Written communication.
    • Report writing, for both executive audiences and technical staff.
  • Required proficiency in:
    • Web Application Penetration Testing
    • Mobile Application Penetration Testing
  • Strong overall technical skills, with additional strong expertise in at least one of the following preferred:
    • Thick Application Penetration Testing
    • Hardware Penetration Testing
    • Secure Code Review
    • Container Penetration Testing
    • Cloud Penetration Testing
    • Network Active Directory Penetration Testing
    • AI Penetration Testing
Bonus Points
  • UK CREST Certification and eligibility to be approved for and maintain UK SC level Clearance.
  • Srongly preferred CREST Certifications.
  • CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA).
  • CREST Practitioner Threat Intelligence Analyst (CPTIA)
    • AWAE, OSCP, OSCE, OSEE offensive security certifications.
    • Significant development and engineering backgrounds.
    • Cloud Service penetration testing tradecraft and methodologies across multiple service providers (e.g. AWS, GCP, etc.).
    • Mobile platform and application penetration testing tradecraft and methodologies across both iOS and Android.
    • Red/Purple Team tradecraft and methodologies.
    • Social engineering in all its forms.
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, AWS Certified Security, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator.
  • Network, Database, System administration experience and certifications.

£65,000 - £134,000 a year

The salary range listed is a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role based on national salary averages. The actual salary offer to the successful candidate will be based on job-related education, geographic location, training, licensure and certifications and other factors. You may also be eligible to participate in annual incentive, commission, and/or recognition programs.

Why You’ll Want to Join Us

At Coalfire, you’ll find the support you need to thrive personally and professionally. In many cases, we provide a flexible work model that empowers you to choose when and where you’ll work most effectively – whether you’re at home or an office.

Regardless of location, you’ll experience a company that prioritizes connection and wellbeing and be part of a team where people care about each other and our communities. You’ll have opportunities to join employee resource groups, participate in in‑person and virtual events, and more. And you’ll enjoy competitive perks and benefits to support you and your family, like paid parental leave, flexible time off, certification and training reimbursement, digital mental health and wellbeing support membership, and comprehensive insurance options.

At Coalfire, equal opportunity and pay equity is integral to the way we do business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Coalfire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, our Human Resources team at HumanResourcesMB@coalfire.com.

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