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Pentest Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CEH, CFR, CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CySA+, GCIA, GCIH, GICSP, Cloud+, SCYBER, PenTest+ Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field * Minimum of 1-4 years of related ...

Penetration Testing (PENTEST) * Red Team Operations * Tool/Software Development (exploits/malware, C2, reverse engineering, bug bounties) * Python, C, C Sharp, C++, Go, Perl, Powershell * Web Dev/Web ...

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How much do pentest jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for pentest in the United States is $23.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pentest?

Pentesters, also known as penetration testers, are cybersecurity professionals who simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications. Their goal is to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit. Pentesters use a variety of tools and techniques to assess security controls and provide recommendations for improving an organization's defenses. The results of their tests help organizations understand and mitigate potential risks. Pentesting is an essential part of maintaining robust cybersecurity.

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

To thrive as a Penetration Tester, you need strong knowledge of computer networks, operating systems, cybersecurity principles, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and certifications like CEH or OSCP are commonly required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately identifying vulnerabilities and reporting findings to clients or teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for uncovering security weaknesses and helping organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.

What are some common challenges pentesters face when conducting security assessments in large organizations?

Pentesters in large organizations often encounter challenges such as navigating complex network architectures, obtaining appropriate permissions, and coordinating with multiple departments to minimize disruption. They must also balance thoroughness with tight deadlines and ensure clear communication of findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Adaptability and strong collaboration skills are crucial for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring a successful assessment.

What is the difference between Pentest vs Vulnerability Analyst?

AspectPentestVulnerability Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENOSCP, CEH, CISSP
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacksVulnerability scanning, risk assessment
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, IT departmentsSecurity teams, consulting firms

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Pentest involves actively exploiting vulnerabilities to identify security gaps, whereas a Vulnerability Analyst primarily assesses and reports on vulnerabilities without exploiting them. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in the same environments, but their core activities differ in approach and scope.

Is pentesting a good career?

Pentesting, or penetration testing, is a growing cybersecurity field that involves identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. It offers high demand for skilled professionals, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning with tools like Kali Linux and certifications such as OSCP. However, it requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and often involves working in high-pressure environments.
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What states have the most Pentest jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pentest jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pentest job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,054 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Red Team Penetration Tester

SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor ✪ 4.6

Rappahannock Academy, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Overview:

SimVentions, consistently voted one Virginia's Best Places to Work, is looking for an experienced professional to join our team!  As a Red Team Penetration Tester, you will be responsible for conducting penetration testing and conducting offensive cybersecurity operations for the U.S. Government and DoD systems. You will work collaboratively with Blue Team and Cybersecurity professionals to enhance overall cyber posture. 

Travel: Negligible Clearance:

At minimum an ACTIVE Secret Clearance is required for this position. An ACTIVE Top Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility is preferred. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. US Citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Requirements:

Five (5) years' experience in software engineering applied to program development; modeling and simulation applied to DoD or Information Technology systems.

  • Linux (firm grasp with demonstrated knowledge)
  • Windows (foundational knowledge with good understanding of enterprise networks)

Strong working knowledge of common Penetration Testing (PENTEST) tools:

    • Kali
    • Metasploit
    • NMAP
    • Cobalt Strike

Documented experience in at least one of the following:

  • Penetration Testing (PENTEST)
  • Red Team Operations
  • Tool/Software Development (exploits/malware, C2, reverse engineering, bug bounties)
  • Python, C, C Sharp, C++, Go, Perl, Powershell
  • Web Dev/Web App Dev/Web Penetration testing
    • NSX, vCenter, vRealize Suite, Horizon View (VDI) and others
    • PAN-OS
    • FirePower, Nexus, IOS, ASA
    • ONTAP, SnapMirror
    • Active-Directory
    • Active Directory, SSO, MFA, Azure application integration, Identity Federation.
    • Automation using Powershell, PowerAutomate, Logic Apps, Graph API.
    • Experience with Palo Alto, Cisco, VMWare, NetApp and Microsoft products.
    • Entra ID (Azure AD), to include:
      • Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 in a hybrid environment.
      • Extending or integrating on premises AD with Entra ID.
      • Managing identity and access in Microsoft Entra ID.
    • Experience conducting Red Team operations in an MDE environment.
    • Experience with AWS, Cloud Audit, Serverless and Microservice Architecture
    • Experience working with AWS services (such as EC2, S3, KMS, RDS) and security best practices relevant to those services
    • Experience with Web Services penetration testing (RESTful and SOAP) Web Authentication protocols (e.g. OAuth2, SAML, LDAP)
  • PHP, ASP, SQL db's, Java, HTML, No SQL
  • Minimum certification one of the following:
    • Security+
    • CCNA Security
    • CySA+
    • GICSP
    • SSCP
  • Minimum certification as penetration tester and possess one of the following certificates:
    • Offensive Security Certs:
      • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
      • Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
      • Offensive Security Exploitation Expert (OSEE)
      • Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
    • SANS Certs:
      • SEC560 - Network Penetration testing and Ethical Hacking (GPEN Certification)
      • SEC542 - Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking (GWAPT Certification)
      • SEC660 - Advance Penetration Testing. Exploit Writing, and Ethical Hacking (GXPN Certification)
      • SEC642 - Advanced Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
      • SEC564 - Red Team Operations and Threat Emulation
      • OSD Sponsored Cyber Operation Academy Course (COAC) graduates.
      • Capture the Flag (CTF) participation (DEFCON, Over-The-Wire (OTW), Hack the Box, USS Secure CTF's)
      • Security research resulting in a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)
Responsibilities:
  • Debug and reverse engineer software.
  • Analyze Windows Events and Linux syslog's, boot logs and dmesg logs.
  • Program and debug Web 2.0, Java, Perl, Ada, C++, Tool Command Language
    (tcl/tk) scripts and graphical user interfaces (GUis) using Microsoft Visual tel and
    Rational ClearCase for software configuration management.
  • Recommend software modifications to systems to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
    Operate and administrate computer systems running HP-UX, UNIX, Solaris,
    Linux and Microsoft Windows.
  • Identify security flaws in compiled and human readable source code. Understand
    code utilizing real-time VxWorks and Lynx OS operating systems, Common
    Object Resource Broker Architecture (CORBA), firewalls and networking
    protocols.
  • Understand how to implement NSA approved encryption technologies and
    devices. Apply DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
  • Apply virtual hosting and server technology in system architectures. Understand
    and apply the concept of deceptive technology such as honey pots in system
    architectures.
  • Participate in Code Reviews. Perform Static Source Code Analysis. Author
    recommendations for improving software and code design.
  • Contribute to a System Security Administrator and Operators Manual (SSAOM)
Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent Compensation:

Compensation at SimVentions is determined by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, security clearance, work location, skills, knowledge, and competencies, as well as alignment with our corporate compensation plan and contract specific requirements.

The projected annual compensation range for this position is $110,000-$150,000 (USD). This estimate reflects the standard salary range for this position and is just one component of the total compensation package that SimVentions offers. 

Benefits:

At SimVentions, we’re committed to supporting the total well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit offerings include comprehensive health and welfare plans to serve a variety of needs. 


We offer:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Competitive 401(k) programs
  • Retirement and Financial Counselors
  • Health Savings and Health Reimbursement Accounts
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life insurance, short- & long-term disability
  • Continuing Education Assistance
  • Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Leave (e.g., Maternity, Paternity, Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military)
  • Third Party Employee Assistance Program that offers emotional and lifestyle well-being services, to include free counseling
  • Supplemental Benefit Program 
Why Work for SimVentions?:

SimVentions is about more than just being a place to work with other growth-orientated technically exceptional experts. It’s also a fun place to work. Our family-friendly atmosphere encourages our employee-owners to imagine, create, explore, discover, and do great things together.

Support Our Warfighters

SimVentions is a proud supporter of the U.S. military, and we take pride in our ability to provide relevant, game-changing solutions to our armed men and women around the world.

Drive Customer Success

We deliver innovative products and solutions that go beyond the expected. This means you can expect to work with a team that will allow you to grow, have a voice, and make an impact.
Get Involved in Giving Back

We believe a well-rounded company starts with well-rounded employees, which is why we offer diverse service opportunities for our team throughout the year.

Build Innovative Technology

SimVentions takes pride in its innovative and cutting-edge technology, so you can be sure that whatever project you work on, you will be having a direct impact on our customer’s success.

Work with Brilliant People

We don’t just hire the smartest people; we seek experienced, creative individuals who are passionate about their work and thrive in our unique culture.

Create Meaningful Solutions

We are trusted partners with our customers and are provided challenging and meaningful requirements to help them solve.

Employees who join SimVentions will enjoy additional perks like:

  • Employee Ownership: Work with the best and help build YOUR company!
  • Family focus: Work for a team that recognizes the importance of family time.
  • Culture: Add to our culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
  • Dress code: Business casual, we like to be comfortable while we work.
  • Resources:  Excellent facilities, tools, and training opportunities to grow in your field.
  • Open communication: Work in an environment where your voice matters.
  • Corporate Fellowship:  Opportunities to participate in company sports teams and employee-led interest groups for personal and professional development.
  • Employee Appreciation: Multiple corporate events throughout the year, including Holiday Events, Company Picnic, Imagineering Day, and more.
  • Founding Partner of the FredNats Baseball team: Equitable distribution of tickets for every home game to be enjoyed by our employee-owners and their families from our private suite.
  • Food: We have a lot of food around here!

MWAC

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