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Physical Penetration Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Execute web application penetration testing , vulnerability risk assessments, and physical/social engineering assessments . * Support cyber incident response and forensics activities as required.

Penetration Test Lead

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

Penetration Testing Lead Falls Church, Virginia. Full-time. Important Notice: This position is ... vishing, physical security). * Lead 2-4 major red team exercises annually. * Identify 100-300 ...

Penetration Test Lead

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

Penetration Testing Lead Falls Church, Virginia. Full-time. Important Notice: This position is ... vishing, physical security). * Lead 2-4 major red team exercises annually. * Identify 100-300 ...

... both physical hardware and virtual systems. In support of this mission, Tharros is seeking a ... Conduct and/or support authorized penetration testing on enterprise network assets * Maintain ...

Perform social engineering assessments, including phishing simulations and physical security ... Develop andmaintain the penetration testing program, including scope definitions, rules of ...

... both physical hardware and virtual systems. In support of this mission, Tharros is seeking a ... Conduct and/or support authorized penetration testing on enterprise network assets * Maintain ...

Perform social engineering assessments, including phishing simulations and physical security ... Develop andmaintain the penetration testing program, including scope definitions, rules of ...

Perform physical pentests and social engineering analysis. * Perform cyber incident response as ... Must have experience with penetration testing tools. * Must have experience in web development and ...

... both physical hardware and virtual systems. In support of this mission, Tharros is seeking a ... Conduct and/or support authorized penetration testing on enterprise network assets * Maintain ...

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Physical Penetration Testing information

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$11K

$109.6K

$183.5K

How much do physical penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical penetration testing in the United States is $109,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can penetration testing be physical?

Physical penetration testing involves assessing the security of a facility by attempting to bypass physical barriers such as locks, access controls, and surveillance systems. It is a common component of comprehensive security assessments conducted by penetration testers to identify vulnerabilities in physical security measures. Skills in lockpicking, social engineering, and the use of specialized tools are often required.

What is a Physical Penetration Testing job?

A Physical Penetration Testing job involves assessing the security of a facility by simulating real-world intrusion attempts. Testers use tactics like social engineering, lock picking, and bypassing security controls to identify vulnerabilities. The goal is to help organizations strengthen their physical security measures by uncovering weaknesses before malicious actors do. This role requires a combination of technical knowledge, stealth, and problem-solving skills.

Are pen testers in demand?

Yes, penetration testers are in high demand due to increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for organizations to identify vulnerabilities. The role often requires knowledge of security tools, scripting, and certifications like OSCP or CEH, and job growth is expected to remain strong as cybersecurity becomes a top priority for businesses.

How much do physical pentesters make?

Physical penetration testers typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior professionals with specialized skills or security clearances can earn higher salaries, especially when working for large organizations or government agencies.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Physical Penetration Tester?

A typical day for a Physical Penetration Tester involves planning and executing simulated intrusions to assess and test the effectiveness of an organization's physical security controls. This often includes reconnaissance of target facilities, attempting authorized entry through various methods (such as bypassing locks or circumventing access controls), and documenting discovered vulnerabilities. Testers also collaborate closely with internal security teams and may present their findings through detailed reports and debriefing sessions. The work can be both hands-on and analytical, and it frequently requires flexibility, discretion, and strict adherence to client agreements. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of security environments and play a crucial role in helping organizations improve their overall security posture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Physical Penetration Testing position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physical Penetration Tester, you need a strong background in security assessment, physical security systems, and risk analysis, often supported by relevant certifications such as Certified Red Team Professional (CRTP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP). Familiarity with lock picking tools, badge cloning devices, RFID readers, and surveillance avoidance techniques is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, discretion, and clear communication skills set successful testers apart, especially when working under pressure or conveying findings to clients. These skills ensure comprehensive and ethical testing of physical security defenses, enabling organizations to identify and remediate real-world vulnerabilities effectively.

Will pentesters be replaced by AI?

Physical penetration testers perform manual security assessments that require human judgment, creativity, and adaptability, which AI currently cannot fully replicate. While AI tools can assist in vulnerability scanning and automation, they complement rather than replace the expertise of pentesters, especially in complex or novel scenarios. Continuous learning and certification in security tools remain important for pentesters to stay effective.
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What cities are hiring for Physical Penetration Testing jobs? Cities with the most Physical Penetration Testing job openings:
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What states have the most Physical Penetration Testing jobs? States with the most job openings for Physical Penetration Testing jobs include:
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Infographic showing various Physical Penetration Testing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 92% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,565 per year, or $52.7 per hour.
Lead Penetration Tester

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Lead Penetration Tester
Ft. Meade Area, MD Government/Military
Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Polygraph
Full-Time | Fully Funded | $200K | 40 Hours/Week

Keep the Mission Running.
Helm Point Solutions is a woman-owned cybersecurity and physical security firm supporting the nation's most critical systems and infrastructure.

We are seeking a Lead Penetration Tester to join a high-performing Agile team supporting a large, complex program responsible for system engineering, software development, testing, integration, and operational support. This position is part of an elite group of cybersecurity professionals dedicated to preventing, identifying, containing, and eradicating cyber threats across enterprise information systems.

What You'll Do
In this role, you will:

  • Conduct internal and external penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable mitigation strategies.

  • Execute web application penetration testing, vulnerability risk assessments, and physical/social engineering assessments.

  • Support cyber incident response and forensics activities as required.

  • Evaluate the security impact of new development and assess critical software.

  • Formulate and validate security compliance requirements for new system features and updates.

  • Identify, document, and remediate security issues across enterprise systems.

  • Audit and assess system configuration settings using common frameworks, tools, and methodologies.

  • Collaborate with development, test, and system engineering teams to ensure secure architectures and implementations.

  • Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in security architecture, providing technical advice to program management, customers, and internal stakeholders.

  • Contribute to ongoing improvement of security policies, standards, and methodologies across the enterprise.

What You Bring
Required Qualifications:

  • Experience with penetration testing tools (Burp Suite, WebInspect, AppDetective, Kali, Metasploit, etc.).

  • Strong programming/scripting experience in Python, PowerShell, C, JavaScript, and related languages.

  • Web development background using Java, XML, Perl, HTML.

Why Helm Point?
We're not just filling seats - we're building careers. At Helm Point, every team member matters. You'll be part of a close-knit company that:

  • Listens to your career goals
  • Rewards your contributions
  • Invests in your growth

Benefits include:

  • CareFirst Gold Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Profit Sharing & Performance Bonuses
  • Annual Education & Training Allowance
  • Leave Buy-Back Program
  • Community Engagement Opportunities

Next Steps
If you're interested in this or similar opportunities, let us know in your application.
Apply now or email your resume to recruiting@helmpoint.com to start a confidential conversation.

Helm Point Solutions, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, protected veteran status, or other non-merit factor.