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Penetration Testing Government Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M9 Solutions

Penetration Tester III

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $180K/yr

Penetration Tester III Chandler, AZ or Washington, DC - Secret clearance required M9 Solutions is dedicated to providing IT services and solutions to the Federal Government by mobilizing the right ...

M9 Solutions

Penetration Tester II

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $180K/yr

Penetration Tester II Chandler, AZ or Washington, DC - Secret clearance required M9 Solutions is dedicated to providing IT services and solutions to the Federal Government by mobilizing the right ...

PingWind

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA

Assists with planning, scoping, and execution of penetration tests in coordination with Government stakeholders and senior cybersecurity personnel. Conducts technical testing activities, including ...

PingWind Inc

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA · On-site

... Government cybersecurity requirements. Responsibilities: • Supports execution of authorized penetration testing activities against MODES III systems, applications, and cloud environments to ...

PingWind

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA · On-site

... Government cybersecurity requirements. Responsibilities: • Supports execution of authorized penetration testing activities against MODES III systems, applications, and cloud environments to ...

TekSynap

Penetration Tester

Reston, VA · On-site

Under general supervision, perform penetration testing of applications, systems, and network ... Government customers. We offer our full-time employees a competitive benefits package to include ...

ECS

Penetration Tester

Fairfax, VA · On-site

... testing methodology, and adversary emulation practices applicable to government or enterprise environments. • Proficiency with industry-standard penetration testing tools such as Metasploit ...

SOSi

Penetration Tester III

Washington, DC

... and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted ... This role is responsible for conducting penetration testing and red team activities, assessing ...

TestPros

Penetration Tester (Part Time & Remote)

$50 - $85/hr

Federal Government and Commercial clients within the continental USA. TestPros is dedicated to making lives better, safer and more secure. TestPros is looking for an experienced Penetration Testers ...

SOSi

Penetration Tester III

Washington, DC

... and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted ... This role is responsible for conducting penetration testing and red team activities, assessing ...

SOSi

Penetration Tester III

Washington, DC · On-site

... and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted ... This role is responsible for conducting penetration testing and red team activities, assessing ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ... The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch ...

gTANGIBLE

Penetration Testing Team Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

gTANGIBLE Corporation (gTC), www.gtangible.com, is a C corporation and a registered Government ... Penetration Testing Team Lead Location: Arlington, VA Clearance: Secret Duties and Responsibilities ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ... The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch ...

SkyePoint Decisions

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$95K - $112K/yr

... federal government clients. Our focus is on enabling our clients to deliver their mission most ... Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ... The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$86K - $138K/yr

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ... The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch ...

SkyePoint Decisions

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$95K - $112K/yr

... federal government clients. Our focus is on enabling our clients to deliver their mission most ... Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ... The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch ...

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All JobsPenetration Testing Government Jobs

Penetration Testing Government information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do penetration testing government jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration testing government 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 penetration testing in government?

Penetration testing in government refers to authorized simulated cyberattacks on government systems, networks, or applications to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. These tests help government agencies strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, comply with regulations, and protect sensitive data. Penetration testers use a variety of tools and techniques to mimic real-world cyber threats, ensuring that security measures are effective and up to date.

What are some common challenges faced by penetration testers working in government environments?

Penetration testers in government settings often encounter unique challenges, such as navigating strict security protocols, handling sensitive or classified information, and complying with complex regulatory frameworks. They may also work within rigid change management processes, which can impact the speed and flexibility of testing activities. Collaboration with various departments is essential, as testers must communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure vulnerabilities are properly understood and remediated.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Penetration Tester in a government setting, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Penetration Tester in government, a deep understanding of network security, vulnerability assessment, and common attack methodologies is required, typically supported by a degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and certifications such as OSCP, CEH, or CISSP are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital to effectively identify security weaknesses, communicate risks, and ensure the protection of sensitive government data and infrastructure.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing Government vs Penetration Testing Private Sector?

AspectPenetration Testing GovernmentPenetration Testing Private Sector
CredentialsCertifications like OSCP, CISSP, CEH often requiredSimilar certifications widely recognized, such as OSCP, CEH, CISSP
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, secure facilities, strict protocolsCorporate offices, consulting firms, diverse environments
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, or local government agenciesPrivate companies, cybersecurity firms, consulting agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles within government cybersecurityComparing government vs private sector penetration testing roles

Penetration Testing Government professionals focus on securing government systems within strict protocols, often requiring specific certifications and working in secure environments. Private sector penetration testers work with commercial clients, offering more diverse projects and flexible settings. Both roles demand similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in work environment and employer type.

More about Penetration Testing Government jobs
What cities are hiring for Penetration Testing Government jobs? Cities with the most Penetration Testing Government job openings:
What states have the most Penetration Testing Government jobs? States with the most job openings for Penetration Testing Government jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Penetration Testing Government jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Penetration Testing Government jobs are:
Penetration Testing Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Government job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester III

M9 Solutions

Washington, DC • On-site

$60K - $180K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Penetration Tester III

Chandler, AZ or Washington, DC - Secret clearance required

M9 Solutions is dedicated to providing IT services and solutions to the Federal Government by mobilizing the right people, skills, clearance levels, and technologies to help organizations that desire improved performance and modern, sustainable change. M9 has provided quality IT services and support to more than 30 Federal Agencies and multiple commercial customers nationwide. Our capabilities include IT Talent Solutions, Data Delivery & Analytics, Cyber Security, Cloud Migration, Applications and Infrastructure, Software Development, and Finance & Accounting.

M9 Solutions is seeking a Penetration Tester III to work on-site in support of a government contract for a client located in Chandler, AZ or Washington, DC. An active Secret clearance is required.

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree.
  • At least five (5) years of pen test experience, preferably seven (7) years.
  • Experience in management or as a team leader, managing projects and tasks against tight deadlines.
  • Experience with continuous penetration testing methodologies.
  • Experience with planning and conducting Red Team engagements.
  • Experience with IoT device penetration testing methodologies.
  • Experience with Mobile Device Application penetration testing.
  • Experience with Federal and Commercial Cloud technology penetration testing.
  • Experience conducting High Value Asset Assessments.
  • Knowledge of Red, Blue, and Purple Team assessment processes.
  • Knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK frameworks.
  • Experience with OSSTMM, OWASP, NIST, PTES, and ISSAF methodologies.
  • Experience with a variety of toolsets for gathering information and conducting comprehensive penetration tests.
  • Must have at least a GPEN or GXPN certification in addition to one of the following certifications: GRTP, CRTL, OSCP, CRTP, CMWAPT, CEPT, CPT, LPT.
  • Must have or be able to obtain CISA AES HVA Assessment Lead or Technical Lead certification.
  • Secret Clearance (active).

Salary Range

$60,000 - $180,000 USD

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