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Penetration Testing Internship Jobs in Minnesota

Penetration Testing Internship information

See Minnesota salary details

$10

$19

$25

How much do penetration testing internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetration testing internship in Minnesota is $19.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a penetration testing internship?

A Penetration Testing Internship is a temporary position where individuals gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity by learning how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or applications. Interns work under the guidance of experienced security professionals to simulate real-world cyberattacks and help organizations strengthen their security posture. This role typically involves tasks such as vulnerability assessments, security testing, and report writing. It is ideal for students or recent graduates looking to build practical skills in ethical hacking and information security.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a penetration testing internship?

As a Penetration Testing Intern, you will typically work on tasks such as assisting with vulnerability assessments, participating in controlled penetration tests, and helping document findings for client reports. You'll often collaborate with senior security analysts and IT teams to learn industry-standard tools and methodologies. Expect to be involved in both technical testing and the preparation of clear documentation to communicate your results. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to real-world security environments and can significantly enhance your career prospects in cybersecurity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a penetration testing intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Penetration Testing Intern, you need a foundational understanding of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles, often supported by coursework or relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and basic scripting in Python or Bash is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective written communication help interns present findings and collaborate with security teams. These skills are crucial to accurately identify vulnerabilities, document results, and contribute to an organization's security posture.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing Internship vs Cybersecurity Analyst Internship?

AspectPenetration Testing InternshipCybersecurity Analyst Internship
Required CertificationsBasic security certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Similar certifications, often including Security+ or Cisco CCNA Security
Work EnvironmentHands-on security testing, vulnerability assessmentsMonitoring security systems, analyzing threats
Industry UsageCommon in security consulting firms, tech companiesWidespread across organizations with security teams

Both roles involve cybersecurity fundamentals, but Penetration Testing Internships focus on actively testing systems for vulnerabilities, while Cybersecurity Analyst Internships emphasize monitoring and analyzing security threats. The choice depends on whether you prefer hands-on testing or security monitoring within the cybersecurity field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Penetration Testing Internship jobs in Minnesota?

For Penetration Testing Internship jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Penetration Testing Internship jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Penetration Testing Internship jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Penetration Testing Internship jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Penetration Testing Internship job openings:

Cybersecurity Engineer - PAM (Hybrid)

American Family Mutual Insurance Company Si

Hopkins, MN • Hybrid

$80K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


American Family Insurance rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

223rd of 309 rated insurance


Job description

As a Cybersecurity Engineer with American Family Insurance, you will primarily be responsible for creating PAM (Privileged Access Management) solutions. You will also develop a framework, roadmap, and program optimization. Additionally, you will work on process engineering, risk remediation, and mitigation of operational risk. To achieve this, you will introduce technology, requirements, deliverables, gaps, and systems design in a high-velocity culture. Analyze competitive strategies, cyber technologies, metrics models, and performance indicators.
You will report to the Senior Manager, Cybersecurity.
Role not eligible for sponsorship. Not open to relocation.
#LI-Hybrid

Position Compensation Range:

$80,000.00 - $131,000.00

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographic work location. Relocation support is offered for eligible candidates.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Participate in the development, integration, and testing of cyber product
  • Research, engineer, and integrate new security solution
  • Perform Cyber Identity incident triage, determine potential impact, and identify specific vulnerability
  • Participate in the development and maintenance of security system and solution
  • Build relationship with peers throughout the company through collaborative engineering operations.
  • Participate in the design and implementation of automated solution to meet security need
  • Demonstrate strong understanding of Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution
  • Collaborate with IT and business team to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risk
  • Maintain documentation, procedure, and standard related to IAM cybersecurity operation
  • Develop system-security measure to ensure PAM cybersecurity is fully integrated
  • Manage, analyze, and respond to changing system and data access needs for the company and clients

Specialized Knowledge & Skills Requirements:

  • Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solution, support, or service
  • Basic knowledge and understanding of software engineering architecture, system/software design, and system deployment
  • Basic knowledge and understanding of Cyber Security, Cyber Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering
  • Basic knowledge and understanding of security technology and application development methodology
  • Demonstrated experience performing cyber threat analysis and incident response
  • Working knowledge of penetration testing
  • Solid knowledge and understanding of directory service and identity store

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Professional certification such as CISSP, CISM, CompTIA Security+, or similar
  • Experience with cloud security and hybrid environment
  • Hands on experience with identity governance, technical script writing and automation.
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field; OR minimum 5 years professional experience in cybersecurity
  • Minimum 3 years hands-on experience in Privileged Access Management (PAM)
  • Minimum 3 years' experience in Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  • Experience in network security and infrastructure management
  • Solid understanding of security framework, best practice, and regulatory requirement.
  • Python and PowerShell.

Licenses:

Not Applicable.

Travel Requirements

Up to 10%.

Physical Requirements

Work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Working Conditions

Not Applicable.

Additional Information
  • To ensure a strong start, all employees participate in our New Employee Orientation during their first week. This experience is held in person at our Madison, WI Headquarters or one of our AmFam core locations to help you connect with our mission, meet key team members and build relationships that support your growth. At times, sessions may be delivered virtually based on scheduling and availability.
  • Offer to selected candidate will be made contingent on the results of applicable background checks
  • Offer to selected candidate is contingent on signing a non-disclosure agreement for proprietary information, trade secrets, and inventions
  • Sponsorship will not be considered for this position unless specified in the posting

In this hybrid role you will be expected to work a minimum of 10 days per month out of the Madison, WI, Boston, MA, Hopkins, MN or Englewood, CO offices.

We provide benefits that support your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. You will have access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision and wellbeing benefits that enable you to take care of your health. We also offer a competitive 401(k) contribution, a pension plan, an annual incentive, 9 paid holidays and a paid time off program (23 days accrued annually for full-time employees). In addition, our student loan repayment program and paid-family leave are available to support our employees and their families. Interns and contingent workers are not eligible for American Family Insurance Group benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws pertaining to non-discrimination, non-harassment and equal opportunity. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

American Family Insurance is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email AskHR@AmFam.com to request a reasonable accommodation.

#LI-AB1

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