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Penetration Testing Government Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Penetration Testing Analyst

Alexandria, VA

$107K - $138.10K/yr

In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates ... Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments across applications, infrastructure, and ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

This role is in support of a pending government opportunity. Candidates in the Chandler, AZ area ... Experience with continuous penetration testing methodologies * Experience with planning and ...

Penetration Tester

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$173.90K/yr

Professional experience in penetration testing or threat hunting * Proven experience in grey and ... Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work ...

... varied testing efforts against applications and networks for the federal government. Candidates may also be placed on a larger Red Team and be expected to develop a continuous campaign-based ...

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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 May 31, 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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Government job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.
Senior Penetration Testing Analyst

Senior Penetration Testing Analyst

Leidos

Alexandria, VA

$107K - $138.10K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 425 rated business services


Job description

This Department of War enterprise data and analytics program delivers mission-critical capabilities that enable leaders across the Department to make faster, better-informed decisions using trusted data at scale. Leidos Digital Modernization sector is seeking an experienced Senior Penetration Testing Analyst Lead to support the delivery, enhancement, and adoption of enterprise data and analytics products used across multiple DoD organizations.

In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates to translate operational and strategic requirements into scalable, production-ready solutions. You will contribute directly to product planning, execution, and continuous improvement-helping ensure capabilities are delivered efficiently, aligned to mission priorities, and positioned for sustained success.

This position offers the opportunity to work on a high-visibility, enterprise program at the intersection of data, analytics, and emerging AI technologies. Ideal candidates are motivated by mission impact, comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments, and interested in building deep domain expertise while delivering capabilities with real-world national security outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments across applications, infrastructure, and cloud environments.
  • Support planning and execution of penetration testing events in coordination with Government and authorized testing organizations.
  • Identify, analyze, and document vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and security weaknesses.
  • Develop detailed findings, including risk assessments and recommended remediation actions.
  • Support validation of remediation efforts and closure of identified vulnerabilities.
  • Assist in integrating penetration testing findings into RMF processes, including updates to SSPs, POA&Ms, and BOE artifacts.
  • Support continuous monitoring activities by identifying recurring vulnerabilities and systemic risks.
  • Utilize security tools (e.g., Nessus, Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, or similar) to conduct testing and analysis.
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity engineers, DevSecOps teams, system engineers, and ISSOs to improve system security.
  • Contribute to cybersecurity reporting, dashboards, and documentation for Government stakeholders.
  • Support audit and inspection activities by providing penetration testing results and supporting documentation.
  • Participate in SAFe ceremonies including PI Planning, backlog refinement, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Active Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility.
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Assurance, Engineering, or related technical discipline OR equivalent training/experience aligned to DoD 8140 pathways.
  • At least one of the following foundational qualification pathways consistent with DoD 8140 requirements:]
    • Current DoD 8570/8140 baseline certification appropriate for Intermediate Cyber Defense Analyst roles (e.g., CySA+, GCDA, GCIH, or equivalent),
    • Offerings listed in the DoD 8140 Training Repository,
    • Demonstrated equivalent training and experience qualifying under DoD 8140 foundational qualification alternatives.
  • 8-12 years of relevant experience in cybersecurity, penetration testing, or vulnerability assessment.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in penetration testing or related cybersecurity roles.
  • At least 2 years of experience in one or more of the following:
    • Incident detection and response
    • Malware analysis
    • Cyber forensics
  • Proficiency with at least three of the following tools:
    • Kali Linux
    • Metasploit
    • Burp Suite
    • Cobalt Strike
    • Tenable Nessus
    • WebInspect
    • Scuba
    • AppDetective
  • Proven experience in planning, coordinating, and conducting penetration tests.
  • Strong understanding of penetration testing tools, techniques, and methodologies.
  • Experience working with DoD or Government penetration testing organizations.
  • Ability to interpret and communicate penetration test results to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experience in scheduling and managing remediation actions based on penetration test findings.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance.
  • Advanced certifications such as OSCP, CEH, CISSP, or similar.
  • Experience with the System or similar DoD data, analytics, and AI platforms.
  • Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity policies, standards, and guidelines.
  • Experience in a systems engineering or software development environment.
  • Knowledge of cloud-based data, analytics, and AI capabilities.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Experience in a customer-facing role, with a focus on customer success and outreach.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:April 15, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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