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Penetration Testing Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies and configurations, and deliver actionable recommendations to reduce organizational cyber risk. This ...

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies and configurations, and deliver actionable recommendations to reduce organizational cyber risk. This ...

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies and configurations, and deliver actionable recommendations to reduce organizational cyber risk. This ...

Support the Penetration Testing Lead in developing Rules of Engagement and test plans for upcoming engagements. Responsibilities may evolve over time to support team and organizational goals but will ...

This individual will serve as the technical lead for SBA's penetration testing program, providing expert guidance on adversary simulation, vulnerability exploitation, and security control validation ...

Lead Penetration Tester

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$110 - $150K/hr

Lead Penetration Tester Location: Washington, DC, Ft. Collins, CO, or Kansas City, MO (project ... The program also requires FedRAMP-qualified penetration testing support for cloud service ...

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Penetration Testing Lead information

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How much do penetration testing lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetration testing lead in the United States is $30.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing Lead vs Penetration Tester?

AspectPenetration Testing LeadPenetration Tester
CertificationsOSCP, CISSP, CEH, PMPOSCP, CEH, GPEN
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, coordinates testing effortsPerforms hands-on testing, executes security assessments
Employer & Industry UsageSecurity firms, large corporations, government agenciesSecurity firms, consulting companies, internal security teams

The Penetration Testing Lead oversees security testing projects, manages teams, and coordinates efforts, while the Penetration Tester focuses on executing security assessments hands-on. Both roles require relevant certifications and are integral to cybersecurity teams, but the Lead has additional managerial responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a penetration testing lead?

To thrive as a Penetration Testing Lead, you need deep expertise in cybersecurity principles, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing methodologies, often backed by a degree in computer science or related fields and certifications like OSCP or CISSP. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and reporting platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical thinking skills are essential for managing teams and conveying complex findings to diverse stakeholders. These competencies are critical for effectively identifying security risks, leading teams, and helping organizations strengthen their cyber defenses.

What does a penetration testing lead do?

A Penetration Testing Lead oversees and conducts simulated cyberattacks on an organization's systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. They manage a team of penetration testers, coordinate testing schedules, and ensure that all findings are documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders. Additionally, they often develop testing methodologies, provide security recommendations, and help organizations improve their overall cybersecurity posture.

How does a penetration testing lead coordinate with other IT and security teams during an assessment?

A Penetration Testing Lead regularly collaborates with system administrators, network engineers, and security operations teams to ensure assessments are thorough, minimally disruptive, and properly scoped. They often begin with planning meetings to clarify objectives and communicate timelines, and maintain clear channels for reporting findings or urgent vulnerabilities. This collaborative approach helps ensure that remediation efforts are efficient and that the organization’s security posture is strengthened holistically.
More about Penetration Testing Lead jobs
Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Lead job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,082 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Penetration Testing Lead

kgs

Leesburg, VA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Koniag IT Systems, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Penetration Testing Lead to support KITS and our government customer in Washington, DC. This position is for a Future New Business Opportunity.   
The customer may need support as needed at other locations: Warrenton, VA, Atlantic City, NJ, Melbourne, FL, Oklahoma, OK and Leesburg, VA. 
We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.

We are seeking an experienced Penetration Testing Lead to conduct advanced penetration testing activities, simulate cyberattacks, and evaluate the security posture of systems, networks, and applications. The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies and configurations, and deliver actionable recommendations to reduce organizational cyber risk. This role requires a highly technical leader with demonstrated experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations and penetration testing methodologies.

Essential Functions, Responsibilities & Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments of systems, networks, and applications.
  • Provide detailed analysis of discovered vulnerabilities, gaps, and risks, including assessment of patching and mitigation strategies.
  • Act as an ethical attacker (red team) to simulate cyber intrusions, or as defensive cybersecurity personnel (blue team) to strengthen system resilience.
  • Develop penetration testing Rules of Engagement (ROE), test plans, and reports.
  • Execute tests in alignment with specifications, requirements, and cybersecurity guidance.
  • Provide technical expertise on penetration testing tools, cyber ranges, and simulation environments.
  • Recommend remediation actions to lower overall risk exposure.
  • Lead, supervise, and coordinate penetration testing teams and activities.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics from an accredited institution.
  • Eight (8) years of experience performing penetration testing or related responsibilities described in this position.
  • At least two (2) years of relevant experience must be recent (performed within the last three years).
  • Five (5) years of management and supervisory experience within the required experience timeframe
  • Two (2) of those five (5) years must have been in a lead role.
  • At least one (1) of the following Red Teaming or Blue Teaming certifications:

Red Teaming Certifications:

  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
  • Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
  • Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • EC Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
  • CEH Practical
  • ECSA Practical
  • Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
  • GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT)
  • GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
  • GIAC Assessing and Auditing Wireless Networks (GAWN)

Blue Teaming Certifications:

  • Certified Network Defender (CND)
  • Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
  • GIAC Defending Advanced Threats (GDAT)
  • GIAC Defensible Security Architecture (GDSA)
  • GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
  • GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting federal agencies or regulated cybersecurity environments.
  • Knowledge of NIST security controls, RMF, cyber ranges, and penetration testing methodologies.
  • Strong communication, reporting, and documentation skills.

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.

The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply for a position on our website, please get in touch with Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodations.
Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352