Position Summary The Security Engineer, Penetration Testing is a dual-function role responsible for both executing offensive security assessments and building the defensive engineering controls that ...
Position Summary The Security Engineer, Penetration Testing is a dual-function role responsible for both executing offensive security assessments and building the defensive engineering controls that ...
Tharros is seeking a Senior Penetration Testing, Software Assurance and Vulnerability Assessment Engineer to support a DHS Intelligence and Analysis cybersecurity program in the National Capital ...
Tharros is seeking a Senior Penetration Testing, Software Assurance and Vulnerability Assessment Engineer to support a DHS Intelligence and Analysis cybersecurity program in the National Capital ...
Penetration Tester
Quantico, VA · On-site
$130K - $147K/yr
Create and maintain documentation on penetration testing methodologies, tools, and techniques. * Remediation Support: * * Provide guidance and technical assistance to system owners and developers on ...
Penetration Tester
Quantico, VA · On-site
$130K - $147K/yr
Create and maintain documentation on penetration testing methodologies, tools, and techniques. * Remediation Support: * * Provide guidance and technical assistance to system owners and developers on ...
Penetration Tester
Washington, DC · Hybrid
This role combines hands-on testing with leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across ... engineering controls. * Ensure compliance with business continuity, operations security, insider ...
Penetration Tester
Washington, DC · Hybrid
This role combines hands-on testing with leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across ... engineering controls. * Ensure compliance with business continuity, operations security, insider ...
Penetration Tester
Arlington, VA · On-site
$86K - $138K/yr
ISC2 Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP) * One of the following certifications or an alternate, verifiable certification demonstrating practical penetration testing ...
Penetration Tester
Arlington, VA · On-site
$86K - $138K/yr
ISC2 Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP) * One of the following certifications or an alternate, verifiable certification demonstrating practical penetration testing ...
Penetration Tester
Quantico, VA · Hybrid
Create and maintain documentation on penetration testing methodologies, tools, and techniques. * Remediation Support: * * Provide guidance and technical assistance to system owners and developers on ...
Penetration Tester
Quantico, VA · Hybrid
Create and maintain documentation on penetration testing methodologies, tools, and techniques. * Remediation Support: * * Provide guidance and technical assistance to system owners and developers on ...
Penetration Tester
Herndon, VA · On-site
CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist) * GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) * GXPN (GIAC Exploit Programmer) * CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator) Additional Considerations: * Familiarity with ...
Penetration Tester
Herndon, VA · On-site
CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist) * GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) * GXPN (GIAC Exploit Programmer) * CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator) Additional Considerations: * Familiarity with ...
Penetration Tester
Washington, DC · Hybrid
This role combines hands-on testing with leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across ... engineering controls. * Ensure compliance with business continuity, operations security, insider ...
Penetration Tester
Washington, DC · Hybrid
This role combines hands-on testing with leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across ... engineering controls. * Ensure compliance with business continuity, operations security, insider ...
Experience with offensive toolkits for both cloud and network penetration testing. * Programming/scripting experience in one or more of the following languages: Python, Go, Bash. * Experience ...
Experience with offensive toolkits for both cloud and network penetration testing. * Programming/scripting experience in one or more of the following languages: Python, Go, Bash. * Experience ...
Penetration Tester III
Washington, DC · On-site
... engineering, vulnerability management, and incident response teams Qualifications * Experience: * Five (5) to seven (7) years of penetration testing experience * Management or team lead experience
Penetration Tester III
Washington, DC · On-site
... engineering, vulnerability management, and incident response teams Qualifications * Experience: * Five (5) to seven (7) years of penetration testing experience * Management or team lead experience
... security engineers and client teams to verify vulnerability fixes and perform retesting. • ... years of experience in penetration testing or ethical hacking, with a strong focus on web ...
... security engineers and client teams to verify vulnerability fixes and perform retesting. • ... years of experience in penetration testing or ethical hacking, with a strong focus on web ...
Position Summary The Security Engineer, Penetration Testing is a dual-function role responsible for both executing offensive security assessments and building the defensive engineering controls that ...
Position Summary The Security Engineer, Penetration Testing is a dual-function role responsible for both executing offensive security assessments and building the defensive engineering controls that ...
Penetration Tester
Herndon, VA · On-site
CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist) * GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) * GXPN (GIAC Exploit Programmer) * CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator) Additional Considerations: * Familiarity with ...
Penetration Tester
Herndon, VA · On-site
CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist) * GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) * GXPN (GIAC Exploit Programmer) * CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator) Additional Considerations: * Familiarity with ...
Senior Penetration Tester
Arlington, VA · On-site
Responsible for conducting security testing and vulnerability assessments. Perform various types of penetration tests, including network, web application, and social engineering assessments. Use both ...
Senior Penetration Tester
Arlington, VA · On-site
Responsible for conducting security testing and vulnerability assessments. Perform various types of penetration tests, including network, web application, and social engineering assessments. Use both ...
Senior Penetration Tester
Washington, DC · On-site
Description Tharros is seeking a Senior Penetration Testing, Software Assurance and Vulnerability Assessment Engineer to support a DHS Intelligence and Analysis cybersecurity program in the National ...
Senior Penetration Tester
Washington, DC · On-site
Description Tharros is seeking a Senior Penetration Testing, Software Assurance and Vulnerability Assessment Engineer to support a DHS Intelligence and Analysis cybersecurity program in the National ...
Senior Penetration Tester
Washington, DC · On-site
$124K - $180K/yr
Represent the penetration testing function in discussions with leadership, engineering teams, and mission stakeholders as required for Key Personnel roles Qualifications * Bachelor's with 12+ years ...
Senior Penetration Tester
Washington, DC · On-site
$124K - $180K/yr
Represent the penetration testing function in discussions with leadership, engineering teams, and mission stakeholders as required for Key Personnel roles Qualifications * Bachelor's with 12+ years ...
Penetration Tester
Reston, VA · On-site
Network penetration testing and experience working with network infrastructure * An understanding ... Experience carrying out social-engineering assessments * Development/modification of exploits ...
Penetration Tester
Reston, VA · On-site
Network penetration testing and experience working with network infrastructure * An understanding ... Experience carrying out social-engineering assessments * Development/modification of exploits ...
Penetration Tester
Rensselaer, NY · On-site
$90K - $105K/yr
Experience with penetration testing tools such as Burp Suite and Metasploit. * Familiarity with Fortify on Demand SAST and DAST tools. Skills * Strong knowledge of Java programming and Java security ...
Quick apply
Penetration Tester
Rensselaer, NY · On-site
$90K - $105K/yr
Experience with penetration testing tools such as Burp Suite and Metasploit. * Familiarity with Fortify on Demand SAST and DAST tools. Skills * Strong knowledge of Java programming and Java security ...
Experience with offensive toolkits for both cloud and network penetration testing. * Programming/scripting experience in one or more of the following languages: Python, Go, Bash. * Experience ...
Quick apply
Experience with offensive toolkits for both cloud and network penetration testing. * Programming/scripting experience in one or more of the following languages: Python, Go, Bash. * Experience ...
Penetration Tester III
Washington, DC · On-site
... engineering, vulnerability management, and incident response teams Qualifications * Experience: * Five (5) to seven (7) years of penetration testing experience * Management or team lead experience
Penetration Tester III
Washington, DC · On-site
... engineering, vulnerability management, and incident response teams Qualifications * Experience: * Five (5) to seven (7) years of penetration testing experience * Management or team lead experience
Penetration Testing Engineer information
See salary details
$11K - $26.7K
0% of jobs
$26.7K - $42.4K
13% of jobs
$42.4K - $58K
0% of jobs
$58K - $73.7K
0% of jobs
$79.6K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$73.7K - $89.4K
31% of jobs
The median wage is $95.2K / yr.
$89.4K - $105.1K
15% of jobs
$105.1K - $120.8K
3% of jobs
$134.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$120.8K - $136.5K
13% of jobs
$136.5K - $152.1K
7% of jobs
$152.1K - $167.8K
8% of jobs
$167.8K - $183.5K
8% of jobs
$11K
$109.6K
$183.5K
How much do penetration testing engineer jobs pay per year?
What does a penetration testing engineer do?
What skills and qualifications are needed to be a penetration testing engineer?
What challenges does a penetration testing engineer face when working with clients?
What is the difference between Penetration Testing Engineer vs Security Analyst?
| Aspect | Penetration Testing Engineer | Security Analyst |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | OSCP, CEH, GPEN | CompTIA Security+, CISSP |
| Work Environment | Hands-on testing, simulated attacks | Monitoring, analyzing security data |
| Primary Focus | Identifying vulnerabilities through penetration tests | Monitoring security systems and incident response |
While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Penetration Testing Engineer actively tests systems for vulnerabilities, whereas a Security Analyst monitors and analyzes security data to prevent breaches. They often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities within an organization's security framework.

Full-time
Re-posted 7 days ago
Job description
Your Future. Secured. ISC2 is a force for good. As the world's leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals, our core values - Integrity, Advocacy, Commitment, Inclusion, and Excellence - drive everything we do in support of our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our globally recognized, award-winning portfolio of certifications provide an independent and globally recognized endorsement of cybersecurity knowledge, skills and experience for all career levels. Our charitable arm, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, enables ISC2 and our members to serve the public by educating the most vulnerable about cyber risks and empowering access to enter and thrive in the cyber profession. Learn more at ISC2 online and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. When you join ISC2, you'll demonstrate your commitment to an inclusive and equitable environment. Your support of the unique perspectives and experiences shared by our global cybersecurity workforce and profession will be recognized. We invite you to take an active role in helping us create a true sense of belonging across our organization - an environment of authenticity, trust, empowerment and connectedness that empowers all of our successes. Learn more.
Position SummaryThe Security Engineer, Penetration Testing is a dual-function role responsible for both executing offensive security assessments and building the defensive engineering controls that harden ISC2's environment. The role leads authorized penetration testing across ISC2's applications, networks, and cloud infrastructure while also owning security engineering work - including security architecture review, tooling, automation, and control implementation - that translates findings into lasting improvements. This position works closely with the Security and Technical Operations team and collaborates across IT, engineering, and product to continuously strengthen ISC2's security posture. The role plays a critical part in supporting ISC2's ISO/IEC 27001:2022 ISMS program, providing both evidence of technical control effectiveness and direct input into risk treatment.
**This position is not available to residents of California**.
ResponsibilitiesPenetration Testing
- Plan, execute, and document internal and external penetration tests against ISC2 applications, networks, cloud environments, and infrastructure.
- Perform vulnerability assessments and validate findings to distinguish genuine risks from false positives.
- Conduct web application, API, mobile, and network vulnerability assessments using industry-standard methodologies (OWASP, PTES, OSSTMM).
- Perform social engineering assessments, including phishing simulations and physical security testing as authorized.
- Produce clear, actionable written reports detailing findings, risk ratings, evidence, and remediation recommendations tailored to both technical and executive audiences.
- Support red team exercises and adversary simulation activities to test detection and response capabilities.
- Develop andmaintain the penetration testing program, including scope definitions, rules of engagement, and testing schedules. Move towards a continuous test mindset and method.
- Coordinate with third-party security vendors for external assessments and bug bounty program management where applicable.
Security Engineering
- Own remediation follow-through: translate pen test findings into security engineering work items,validate fixes, and track resolution to closure in Jira Service Management.
- Design and implement security controls across ISC2'scloud and on-premises environments, including hardening configurations for Azure, Okta, SentinelOne, CheckPoint, and F5 XD.
- Participate in security architecture and design reviews for new systems, integrations, and third-party products; provide security requirements and risk acceptance recommendations.
- Develop and maintain security automation scripts and tooling to improve detection coverage, reduce manual effort in assessment workflows, and support continuous monitoring.
- Support the Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC), including security requirements definition, code review support, and pre-deployment security validation.
- Maintain awareness of emerging vulnerabilities, exploits, and threat actor TTPs; operationalize threat intelligence into actionable hardening and detection improvements.
- Support ISC2's ISO/IEC 27001:2022 ISMS by providing technical evidence and input for Annex A controls spanning vulnerability management (A.8.8), secure development (A.8.25-A.8.29), and technical review (A.8.29).
- Miscellaneous duties as assigned.
- Integrity & Ethics: Operates with the highest standard of professional ethics; treats privileged access, sensitive findings, and organizational data with strict confidentiality.
- Analytical Thinking: Applies a structured, adversarial mindset to both offensive assessments and defensive design; bridges exploit research with practical engineering solutions.
- Communication: Clearly articulates complex technical vulnerabilities and risk in written reports and verbal briefings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Collaboration: Partners effectively with developers, architects, and operations staff to drive meaningful security improvements without disrupting business operations.
- Continuous Learning: Actively pursues knowledge of emerging threats, tools, and techniques; contributes insights to team knowledge sharing.
- Proficiency with penetration testing tools including Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, Nessus, Cobalt Strike, and similar offensive frameworks.
- Strong understanding of web application vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10), network protocols, Active Directory attack paths, and cloud security (Azure, AWS, GCP).
- Effective written and verbal communication with cross-functional teams is essential.
- Scripting and automation proficiency in Python, Bash, or PowerShell; ability to write or modify exploit code as well as defensive tooling.
- Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK, CVSS, CVE, NIST SP 800-115, and the CIS Benchmarks for secure configuration baselines.
- Posess AI literacy and ability to test Ai workloads and infrastructures.
- Relevant certifications strongly preferred: OSCP, GPEN or GWAPT, plus one engineering/architecture credential (CISSP, CSSLP, or equivalent).
- ISC2 membership or certifications (CISSP, CC) are a plus and demonstrate alignment with ISC2's mission.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Cybersecurity, or related field. Will consider candidates with a high school diploma and at least eight (8) years of experience in cybersecurity.
- 4+ years of experience in cybersecurity, with a demonstrable mix of offensive security (penetration testing) and defensive/engineering work (control implementation, architecture review, or SSDLC).
- Experience with IAM security, including Okta and SAML/OAuth-based environments, both for testing and hardening purposes.
- Security engineering experience implementing and hardening controls across cloud and identityplatforms (Azure, Okta, SentinelOne, endpoint security tooling).
- Experience supporting ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2, PCI-DSS, or similar compliance programs is a plus.
- Ability to travel up to 5% of the time.
- Work normal business hours and extended hours when necessary.
- Remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting, for prolonged periods.
- The role requires the ability to work at a computer for extended periods and communicate effectively through written and verbal channels.
- Regular use of office equipment such as a computer/laptop and monitor computer screens.
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other computer components.
The pay range for this position is $84,911 - $108,728/Yr.
Final pay is based on several factors including but not limited to internal equity, market data, and the applicant's education, work experience, certifications, etc.
Information regarding our comprehensive benefits package is available here.
This position will be posted for a minimum of 5 calendar days. This is a current vacancy, and the employer intends to fill this position within approximately 30 days.
Equal Employment Opportunity StatementAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic as protected by applicable law. Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process.
Employment Type: OTHER