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Penetration Testing Internship Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Developer Intern

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

If so, Fresh Digital Group (FRSH) has a Developer internship position that works within the ... Git, automated testing, and test penetration tools. You will work cohesively with other the ...

Developer Intern

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$21 - $27.75/hr

If so, Fresh Digital Group (FRSH) has a Developer internship position that works within the ... Git, automated testing, and test penetration tools. You will work cohesively with other the ...

Penetration Testing Internship information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$11

$20

$26

How much do penetration testing internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetration testing internship in Rutherford, NJ is $20.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs in Rutherford, NJ? The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What job categories do people searching Penetration Testing Internship jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Penetration Testing Internship jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Penetration Testing Internship jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Penetration Testing Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Internship job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,126 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Cybersecurity Assurance Testing Lead

Cybersecurity Assurance Testing Lead

Guardian Life Insurance Company

New York, NY • On-site

$118K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Guardian Life rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 260 rated insurance


Job description

Lead, Cyber Security Assurance Testing
The Lead, Cyber Security Assurance Testing is a working-lead / "player-coach role" within Guardian's Cybersecurity Assurance organization. This role includes formal people management responsibility for a small number of senior engineers, with a focus on operational and tactical planning ,execution, and reporting, contributing to strategic planning, and accountable for project and program outcomes.
The role is structured roughly as:
~60% leadership, coordination, and program execution
~40% hands-on technical contribution and research
This position leads through influence, technical credibility, and ownership. It is designed for an experienced security professional who demonstrates ambition, strong execution discipline, and the potential to grow into broader leadership over time, while remaining close to the work today. The role supports and helps evolve Guardian's Application Security Testing, Ethical Hacking (Red Team), and Third-Party Testing programs, working closely with Cyber Defense, application owners, and Guardian India Security Assurance.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate day-to-day execution of:
  • Application Security Testing
  • Ethical Hacking / Red Team activities
  • Third-party penetration testing engagements
  • Lead the Improvement and evolution of AppSec and Red Team programs, increasing consistency, structure, and measurable outcomes.
  • Own and maintain processes, procedures, playbooks, and documentation to ensure clarity, repeatability, and quality.
  • Contribute to and execute against program planning artifacts, including Roadmaps, backlogs, and quarterly and annual goals
  • Coordinate work across US And India Based assurance staff and third party testing vendors.
  • Remain actively involved in application security testing and ethical hacking, providing technical guidance and quality assurance

Participate selectively in:
  • Targeted application security testing
  • Rating & Validation of high-risk or high-impact findings
  • Red-team or adversarial exercises where appropriate

Provide technical review and direction:
  • Support security product evaluation, selection, proof-of-concepts, and implementation, ensuring tools are operationalized effectively.
  • Communicate technical findings clearly and simply to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Translate testing results into risk-based, actionable insights.
  • Collaborate closely with Cyber Defense, application teams, and security stakeholders to ensure testing results lead to defensive improvements and remediation.

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in application security testing, ethical hacking, or offensive security, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
  • Strong understanding of:
  • Application security testing techniques
  • Penetration testing vs. red team objectives
  • Secure SDLC and risk-based testing
  • Hands on technical experience validating vulnerabilities and testing application security controls.
  • Experience improving or evolving existing security programs, rather than only building from scratch.
  • Strong process orientation with proven ability to create practical, lightweight documentation.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts in simple, business relevant terms.
  • Demonstrated ambition and intent to grow into broader leadership scope over time.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience/certifications.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in financial services or other large, regulated enterprise environments.
  • Exposure to cloud-native application security and modern CI/CD environments.
  • Experience working with globally distributed teams (e.g., US and India).
  • Familiarity with AppSec and Offensive Security tools.

Location
  • Three days a week at our Guardian office in New York, NY or Bethlehem, PA

Salary Range:
$118,980.00 - $195,465.00
The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.
Our Promise
At Guardian, you'll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.
Inspire Well-Being
As part of Guardian's Purpose - to inspire well-being - we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Accommodations
Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If 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 contact MyHR@glic.com. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.
Visa Sponsorship
Guardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant. you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.
Notice Regarding Guardian's Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment
As part of Guardian's job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools ("AI Tools") to automate the sorting and filtering of information provided by applicants as part of its preliminary screening. This preliminary screening may be used to help identify applicant materials and resumes relative to their indication that the applicant meets the requirements for the specific job for which they are applying, as specified in the listing posted on Guardian's jobs website (Careers at Guardian at https://www.guardianlife.com/careers). At Guardian, we do not use AI Tools to substantially assist or replace human judgment or discretionary decision making in our hiring process. All hiring decisions will be made by Guardian colleagues.
Please be aware that if you apply for a specific position with Guardian, you will have the choice of opting out of Guardian's use of AI Tools during the job application process. If you would like to request an alternative process that does not utilize AI Tools or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, within ten business days of your position application, you must email your request to MyHR@glic.com, making sure to provide your name and job requisition identification number. Guardian will retain your applicant materials and resume and all information therefrom in accordance with Guardian's document retention policy, a copy of which you may request via MyHR@glic.com.
Additionally, at applicable times, Guardian will make public the most recent bias audit results for such AI tools, which may be found here.
Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.

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