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Physical Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Testers - Senior (Lead)

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Lead Penetration Tester will serve as the primary technical lead for all penetration ... physical security controls and the effectiveness of the agency's security awareness program.

Penetration Testers - Senior (Lead)

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Lead Penetration Tester will serve as the primary technical lead for all penetration ... physical security controls and the effectiveness of the agency's security awareness program.

Penetration Testers - Senior (Lead)

Washington, DC · On-site

$139K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Lead Penetration Tester will serve as the primary technical lead for all penetration ... physical security controls and the effectiveness of the agency's security awareness program.

ASRC Federal Technology Solutions is seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to lead advanced ... Ensure compliance with business continuity, operations security, insider threat detection, physical ...

The Cybersecurity Penetration Tester is a hands-on technical role responsible for conducting ... Work Environment and Physical Demands: * This is primarily a Telework position with a requirement ...

ASRC Federal Technology Solutions is seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to lead advanced ... Ensure compliance with business continuity, operations security, insider threat detection, physical ...

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · On-site

$130K - $147K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Cybersecurity Penetration Tester is a hands-on technical role responsible for conducting ... Work Environment and Physical Demands: * This is primarily a Telework position with a requirement ...

The Cybersecurity Penetration Tester is a hands-on technical role responsible for conducting ... Work Environment and Physical Demands: * This is primarily a Telework position with a requirement ...

Penetration Tester Location: Arlington, VA Security Clearance:Secret Duties and Responsibilities ... physical or mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or ...

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

$117K - $199K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensure compliance with business continuity, operations security, insider threat detection, physical ... Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in cybersecurity and penetration testing (or equivalent ...

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Physical Penetration Tester information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do physical penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical penetration tester 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 is a physical penetration tester?

A Physical Penetration Tester is a security professional who assesses the physical security of buildings and facilities by attempting to gain unauthorized access. They use techniques such as lock picking, tailgating, and bypassing security controls to identify vulnerabilities in physical security systems. Their goal is to help organizations strengthen their defenses by exposing weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. Physical Penetration Testers report their findings and provide recommendations for improving security measures.

What are some common challenges faced by physical penetration testers during onsite assessments?

Physical penetration testers often encounter challenges such as navigating strict access controls, adapting to unpredictable security personnel responses, and maintaining professionalism while simulating real-world intrusions. They must balance creativity with legal and ethical boundaries, ensuring they do not cause unintended disruptions. Additionally, testers frequently need to think quickly on their feet, document findings thoroughly, and communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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

To thrive as a Physical Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of security systems, physical access controls, and security protocols, often supported by certifications like OSCP or GPEN. Familiarity with lock picking tools, RFID cloning devices, and surveillance evasion technologies is typically required. Strong problem-solving, discretion, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate risk assessment, successful simulation of real-world threats, and clear reporting to improve organizational security.

What is the difference between Physical Penetration Tester vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectPhysical Penetration TesterNetwork Security Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, OSWPCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentOn-site, physical security testingOffice, network monitoring, and analysis
Employer & IndustrySecurity firms, corporate security teamsIT departments, cybersecurity firms

The Physical Penetration Tester focuses on testing physical security measures like access controls and vulnerabilities in physical infrastructure. In contrast, the Network Security Analyst monitors and protects digital networks. Both roles require security certifications and work within security-focused environments, but their core responsibilities differ—one targets physical security, the other digital security.

Are physical penetration testers in demand?

Physical penetration testers are in increasing demand as organizations seek to identify vulnerabilities in their physical security measures. The role often requires skills in security assessments, access control, and sometimes certifications like OSCP or CEH. Growing concerns over security breaches have led to more opportunities in this specialized field.
More about Physical Penetration Tester jobs

What cities are hiring for Physical Penetration Tester jobs?

Cities with the most Physical Penetration Tester job openings:

What states have the most Physical Penetration Tester jobs?

States with the most job openings for Physical Penetration Tester jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Physical Penetration Tester jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Penetration Tester jobs are:

Infographic showing various Physical Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Physical Penetration Tester

Security1stconsulting

Newport News, VA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

The Physical Penetration Tester assesses the physical access controls across NNPS facilities, testing whether unauthorized individuals could gain access to sensitive areas including server rooms, data center spaces, and administrative offices. All testing is coordinated in advance with NNPS and S1C, conducted within an approved written test plan, and timed to avoid any disruption to school operations or student safety

Responsibilities
  • Design and execute physical penetration testing scenarios to evaluate physical access controls at NNPS facilities.
  • Test badge access systems, entry point controls, tailgating vulnerabilities, and visitor management processes.
  • Assess physical security of server rooms, data center spaces, and sensitive administrative infrastructure.
  • Coordinate all physical testing timing with the S1C Project Manager and NNPS IT team before any on‑site activity.
  • Document all physical access vulnerabilities with specific locations, methods observed, and remediation steps.
  • Ensure all activities are conducted within the approved test plan scope — no unauthorized expansion of testing.
  • Certify compliance with Virginia Code §22.1-296.1 before conducting any work at NNPS facilities during school hours.
RequirementsRequired Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience conducting physical penetration tests in institutional or enterprise environments.
  • Proficiency with physical security testing techniques including badge cloning, lock assessment, and access control evaluation.
  • Strong documentation skills — findings must include specific locations, vulnerability descriptions, and remediation steps.
  • Professional discipline to operate within a defined scope in an active school environment.
  • No felony convictions; must be able to certify compliance with Virginia Code §22.1-296.1.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Physical security certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional) or PSP (Physical Security Professional).
  • Prior experience conducting physical pen tests at schools, government buildings, or critical facilities.
  • Experience coordinating physical testing alongside a concurrent cybersecurity engagement
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