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Penetration Testing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Create and maintain documentation on penetration testing methodologies, tools, and techniques. * Remediation Support: * * Provide guidance and technical assistance to system owners and developers on ...

CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist) * GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) * GXPN (GIAC Exploit Programmer) * CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator) Additional Considerations: * Familiarity with ...

This role combines hands-on testing with leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across ... engineering controls. * Ensure compliance with business continuity, operations security, insider ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist) * GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) * GXPN (GIAC Exploit Programmer) * CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator) Additional Considerations: * Familiarity with ...

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 ...

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 ...

... engineering, vulnerability management, and incident response teams Qualifications * Experience: * Five (5) to seven (7) years of penetration testing experience * Management or team lead experience

Showing results 41-60

Penetration Testing Engineer information

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$11K

$109.6K

$183.5K

How much do penetration testing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration testing engineer in the United States is $109,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a penetration testing engineer do?

A Penetration Testing Engineer, also known as a 'pen tester' or ethical hacker, is responsible for evaluating the security of computer systems, networks, and applications by simulating attacks. Their primary goal is to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit and to provide recommendations for strengthening defenses. Penetration Testing Engineers use a variety of tools and techniques to mimic real-world cyber threats, document their findings, and work with organizations to improve their security posture.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a penetration testing engineer?

To thrive as a Penetration Testing Engineer, you need a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, network protocols, operating systems, and vulnerability assessment, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with penetration testing tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and industry certifications such as OSCP or CEH are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you identify vulnerabilities and clearly report findings to stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for uncovering security weaknesses and helping organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.

What challenges does a penetration testing engineer face when working with clients?

Penetration Testing Engineers often encounter challenges such as limited information or access during assessments, varying levels of client security maturity, and tight project deadlines. Communicating technical findings to non-technical stakeholders can also be challenging, as it requires translating complex vulnerabilities into actionable business risks. Building trust with clients and ensuring that testing activities do not disrupt their operations are critical skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectPenetration Testing EngineerSecurity Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCompTIA Security+, CISSP
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacksMonitoring, analyzing security data
Primary FocusIdentifying vulnerabilities through penetration testsMonitoring 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.

Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,565 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Overview

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 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 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**.

Responsibilities

Penetration 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.
Behavioral Competencies
  • 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.
Qualifications
  • 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. 
Education and Work Experience
  • 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.
Physical and Mental Demands
  • 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.
Total Rewards

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 Statement

All 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