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Penetration Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Experience with continuous penetration testing methodologies. * Experience with planning and conducting Red Team engagements. * Experience with IoT device penetration testing methodologies.

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

$126.30K - $243.10K/yr

This role will unify penetration-testing activities across network, application, and cloud environments, ensuring consistent execution, standardized reporting, and alignment with enterprise security ...

This role is responsible for conducting penetration testing and red team activities, assessing security posture across enterprise environments, and supporting identification, validation, and ...

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 ...

Experience with continuous penetration testing methodologies. * Experience with planning and conducting Red Team engagements. * Experience with IoT device penetration testing methodologies.

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

This role demands a deep understanding of penetration testing methodologies and advanced exploit development, focusing on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities across a wide range of ...

New

Performs application and network penetration testing and wireless security assessments. * Applies offensive cybersecurity testing techniques, coordinate testing projects with internal and external ...

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 ...

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 ...

This role is responsible for conducting penetration testing and red team activities, assessing security posture across enterprise environments, and supporting identification, validation, and ...

Penetration Tester

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$173.90K/yr

Professional experience in penetration testing or threat hunting * Proven experience in grey and black box penetration testing * Proficiency with popular penetration testing tools such as nmap ...

Responsibilities : • Execute penetration testing activities per CDAP mission plans: reconnaissance, exploitation attempts, post-exploitation validation, and evidence collection. • Conduct network ...

... and penetration testing. The role involves analyzing systems for vulnerabilities and providing remediation strategies, while also developing custom tools and conducting assessments for federal ...

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

This role demands a deep understanding of penetration testing methodologies and advanced exploit development, focusing on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities across a wide range of ...

New

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Penetration Testing information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for penetration testing 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 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 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 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.

What cities are hiring for Penetration Testing jobs? Cities with the most Penetration Testing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs? The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs are:
What states have the most Penetration Testing jobs? States with the most job openings for Penetration Testing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Penetration Testing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 12% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.
Penetration Tester

$86K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 203 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking an experienced Cyber Penetration Tester to become part of Peratons' Federal Strategic Cyber programs. 

Location: Northern VA; Hybrid - flex as long as person can come on-site as/when needed. 

In this role, you will:

  • Support the Red Cell Team by performing and leading penetration tests to assess the security of customer systems.
  • Identify vulnerabilities and develop recommended remediations to satisfy mandated NIST 800-53 security controls.
  • Report and demonstrate findings to system owners and engineers.
  • Maintain Red Cell infrastructure.
  • Develop or modify tools to automate discovery or exploitation.
Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science and 5 years of relevant experience in Cyber/IT, or a Master's of Science and 3 years of relevant experience in Cyber/IT. In lieu of a degree, 4 years of additional IT security or penetration testing experience may be considered.
  • 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+, GCIA, GCIH, GICSP, SCYBER, Security+ CE, SSCP
  • Demonstrated experience with Kali Linux.
  • Demonstrated penetration testing tools experience with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.
  • Demonstrated ability in evaluating vulnerabilities, performing root cause analysis, and reporting findings utilizing assessment methodologies such as NIST SP 800-115, Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), Information Systems Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF), OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WTG), etc.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers.
  • U.S. citizenship required. 
  • An active Secret security clearance. 
    • Must have the ability to obtain a final Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred:

  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
  • One of the following certifications or an alternate, verifiable certification demonstrating IT security competence:
    • CompTIA CASP+
    • ISC2 Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP)
    • ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
    • ISC2 Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP)
  • One of the following certifications or an alternate, verifiable certification demonstrating practical penetration testing competence:
    • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
    • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
    • Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS)
    • TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT)
    • GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
    • Zero Point Security Red Team Ops II
  • Advanced understanding of the following:
    • NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) and the Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process.
    • Security principles such as CIA, IAAAA, access control models, risk management, etc.
    • Networking principles and technologies such as IP routing, TCP/UDP, VPNs, firewalls, NAT, etc.
    • Common network protocols such as SSH, FTP, SMTP, SMB, HTTP, etc.
    • Operating system principles such as process management, device management, user management, file systems, etc.
    • Data processing principles such as encoding, hashing, encryption, etc.
    • Scripting and programming languages such as Bash, Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, etc.
    • Common application vulnerabilities and exploits such as outdated components,
    • permissions misconfigurations, lack of input validation, logging/monitoring failures, etc.
    • Common web application vulnerabilities and exploits such as XSS, SQLi, LFI, file uploads, broken authentication mechanisms, etc.
    • Active Directory (AD) enumeration and attacks such as kerberoasting, AS-REP roasting, abusing misconfigured privileges, crafting golden tickets, etc.
    • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and navigating IT environments implementing multifactor authentication.
    • Cloud technologies and platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), etc.
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017