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Penetration Testing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Defense Technologies

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Conduct penetration testing that uses both active and passive capabilities to expose and exploit IA vulnerabilities. * Review and evaluate information systems and recommend changes to the Government ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: * CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CEH, CFR, Cloud+, CySA ...

Cyber Defense Technologies

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Conduct penetration testing that uses both active and passive capabilities to expose and exploit IA vulnerabilities. * Review and evaluate information systems and recommend changes to the Government ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

Experience with a variety of penetration testing tools and techniques (e.g., Rapid7 Nexpose, Appspider Pro, Metasploit, Cobalt Strike and/or Burp Suite). * Active Top-Secret Clearance REQUIRED ...

SkyePoint Decisions

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$95K - $112K/yr

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: * CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CEH, CFR, Cloud+, CySA ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · On-site

$130K - $147K/yr

Experience with a variety of penetration testing tools and techniques (e.g., Rapid7 Nexpose, Appspider Pro, Metasploit, Cobalt Strike and/or Burp Suite). * Active Top-Secret Clearance REQUIRED ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

Experience with a variety of penetration testing tools and techniques (e.g., Rapid7 Nexpose, Appspider Pro, Metasploit, Cobalt Strike and/or Burp Suite). * Active Top-Secret Clearance REQUIRED ...

Phase2 Technology

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86.80 - $198/hr

Find possible vulnerabilities while using penetration testing tools and techniques to ensure security of computer systems, applications, servers, and networks. Apply advanced consult ing skills or ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: * CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CEH, CFR, Cloud+, CySA ...

Jobtailor

Senior Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

* Perform penetration testing on networks, applications (including APIs, mobile apps, and web apps) * Utilize social engineering techniques * Provide mentoring to junior staff * Support Red Team ...

Rippling

Penetration Tester

Reston, VA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Perform web application, network, API and AI penetration testing. * Conduct red teaming engagements and emulate attacker techniques to surface vulnerabilities. * Develop actionable recommendations to ...

PingWind

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Holds or is working toward penetration testing and offensive security certifications appropriate for DoD environments, such as CEH, PenTest+, GPEN, OSCP, or equivalent DoD 8570/8140-approved ...

OCH Technologies LLC

Penetration Tester

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Document all testing activities, findings, and exploitation paths in Penetration Test Reports (PTRs). * Perform regression penetration tests to validate remediation of previously identified ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$86K - $138K/yr

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: * CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CEH, CFR, Cloud+, CySA ...

gTANGIBLE

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

Occasional off-hours testing and periodic travel required. Duties include the following: * Conducts penetration testing activities on TSA network. * Engages with TSA stakeholders to tailor the Rules ...

Eliassen Group

Penetration Tester

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Perform testing and detection activities including red teaming, blue teaming, penetration testing, adversary emulation, purple teaming, and breach and attack simulation to improve SOC operations and ...

Fortreum

Penetration Tester

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$125 - $155/hr

Your expertise in cloud penetration testing (FedRAMP and other compliance frameworks) and security best practices will be essential in helping our customers. Key Responsibilities This role will be ...

Orison

Penetration Tester

Reston, VA · On-site

Network penetration testing and experience working with network infrastructure * An understanding of network protocols and their use for command-and-control channels * Experience carrying out social ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPenetration Testing JobsPenetration Testing Jobs in Virginia

Penetration Testing information

See Virginia salary details

$22.3K

$118.9K

$167.1K

How much do penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration testing in Virginia is $118,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $139,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking, is a security practice where professionals simulate cyberattacks on a computer system, network, or application to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. The goal is to find and safely exploit weaknesses, assess the impact of potential attacks, and provide recommendations to improve security. Penetration testers use a variety of tools and techniques, often mirroring real-world attack methods, to thoroughly evaluate an organization’s defenses. It is a proactive approach to improving an organization's cybersecurity posture.

What are some common challenges faced by penetration testers during client engagements?

Penetration testers often encounter challenges such as limited access to information, time constraints, and complex network environments that can hinder thorough assessments. Additionally, balancing the need to simulate real-world attacks while ensuring no disruption to client operations requires careful planning and communication. Collaborating effectively with IT teams and clearly documenting findings are crucial for ensuring that vulnerabilities are properly understood and addressed.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing vs Vulnerability Assessment?

AspectPenetration TestingVulnerability Assessment
PurposeSimulate cyberattacks to identify exploitable vulnerabilitiesIdentify and prioritize security weaknesses
DepthIn-depth, targeted testingBroad, comprehensive scanning
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENOSCP, CEH, Security+
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacksAutomated scans, reports

While both roles focus on security weaknesses, Penetration Testing involves actively exploiting vulnerabilities to assess real-world impact, whereas Vulnerability Assessment identifies potential issues for prioritization. Penetration Testing provides a deeper, more targeted security evaluation, making it essential for comprehensive security testing.

Are penetration testers high in demand?

Penetration testers are in high demand due to increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for organizations to identify vulnerabilities. The role often requires skills in tools like Kali Linux and certifications such as OSCP, with job growth expected to remain strong in the cybersecurity field.

Is penetration testing a good career?

Penetration testing is a growing cybersecurity field that involves identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. It requires technical skills, knowledge of security tools, and often certifications like OSCP or CEH. The role offers high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning, making it a viable career choice for those interested in cybersecurity.

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Penetration Testing jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Penetration Testing job openings:

Penetration Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penetration Testing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,866 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Cyber Defense Technologies

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Overview: CDT is looking for a Penetration Tester to This will be supporting a government customer onsite in Chantilly, VA. Candidates with OSCP certification are highly recommended to apply.
Clearance: An active Top Secret/SCI with CI poly is required.Candidates who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct penetration testing that uses both active and passive capabilities to expose and exploit IA vulnerabilities.
  • Review and evaluate information systems and recommend changes to the Government that can improve information confidentiality, integrity and availability.
  • Responsible for performing security focused services to improve security posture.
  • Conduct test and evaluations of software, hardware, networks and applications.
  • Reviews of the documents to ensure completeness and compliance with the RMF process, ICD 503 requirements, and/or other applicable regulations.
Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/GED, Associates Degree and 5 years of relevant work experience.
  • Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience in cyber security with a focus on red teaming, penetration testing, or threat hunting.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Strong understanding of network protocols and troubleshooting, server and workstation operating systems, exploits and vulnerabilities.
  • Strong working knowledge of common penetration tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
  • Experience with cloud environments.
  • Strong understanding of penetration testing methodologies (MITRE ATT&CK, OWASP).
  • Ability to incorporate threat intelligence data into attached or penetration testing scenarios.
  • Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills with a strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to read/write code using interpreted languages (Python, PHP, Ruby, etc.).
  • Experience with simulated/emulated environments and/or virtualization technologies.
  • Experience with orchestration tools and virtualization environments (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).
  • Experience with industrial control systems deployment, security best practices, vulnerabilities, and penetration testing.
  • ICD 503 and the Government's certification and accreditation process.
  • Networks, computer components, system protocols, and COTS technology.
  • System methodologies including: client/server, web hosting, web content servers, policy servers, directory servers, firewalls, WAN, MAN, LAN, switches, and routers.
  • Software integration of COTS and Government Off-the-Shelf (GOTS) products.
  • Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac OS X administration.
  • VMware, Xen, Hyper V and other virtualization platforms.
  • Configuring and supporting Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS, and other operating systems, VMware, Xen, Hyper V and other virtualization platforms.
  • Experience in Software engineering, program design and implementation, configuration management, system maintenance, integration testing, Information system engineering.
  • System certification activities and efforts related to system certification and accreditation.
  • Research, develop, and maintain knowledge of penetration testing tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
  • Research, development, integration, and distribution of information systems security tools and associated documentation
  • Security procedures for systems and software within area of expertise to ensure consistent security policy implementation.
  • Experience in technical project management.
  • Education relevant to computer engineering, information security, information management, cyber security, and/or computer science

Why Join Cyber Defense Technologies?
At CDT, we offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your expertise in Penetration Testing will help shape the future of cybersecurity and engineering solutions.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

CDT is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
Apply Now:
If you are a proactive Penetration Tester and thrive in dynamic environments, we encourage you to apply and join the CDT team!
Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000

Apply