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Professional Penetration Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Defense Technologies

SME Penetration Tester

Denver, CO · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Conducting more complex penetration tests, exploring more complex vulnerability analysis including ... Opportunities for professional development and career advancement. CDT is committed to hiring and ...

Cyber Defense Technologies

Senior Penetration Tester

Denver, CO · On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Conducting more complex penetration tests, exploring more complex vulnerability analysis including ... Opportunities for professional development and career advancement. CDT is committed to hiring and ...

Cyber Defense Technologies

Senior Penetration Tester

Denver, CO · On-site

$124 - $163/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Conducting more complex penetration tests, exploring more complex vulnerability analysis including ... Opportunities for professional development and career advancement. CDT is committed to hiring and ...

OSec

Penetration Tester

They are seeking a Penetration Tester to conduct security audits, penetration tests, and provide ... Preferred : • Candidates with at least 2-3 years of professional experience are preferred.

Cyber Defense Technologies

SME Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Conducting more complex penetration tests, exploring more complex vulnerability analysis including ... Opportunities for professional development and career advancement. CDT is committed to hiring and ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

Proven experience conducting penetration tests of web applications, networks, and other systems ... Collaborate with other cybersecurity professionals, including security architects, incident ...

VTG

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

Leads penetration tests, mentoring junior testers, and providing technical guidance to stakeholders ... professionals, and staying abreast of emerging threats. Possess extensive knowledge of ...

VTG

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA

$150K - $195K/yr

Leads penetration tests, mentoring junior testers, and providing technical guidance to stakeholders ... professionals, and staying abreast of emerging threats. Possess extensive knowledge of ...

VTG

Penetration Tester

Aurora, CO · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

Leads penetration tests, mentoring junior testers, and providing technical guidance to stakeholders ... professionals, and staying abreast of emerging threats. Possess extensive knowledge of ...

Cyber Defense Technologies

SME Penetration Tester

Denver, CO

$144K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Conducting more complex penetration tests, exploring more complex vulnerability analysis including ... Opportunities for professional development and career advancement. CDT is committed to hiring and ...

Fortreum

Penetration Tester

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our continued rapid growth creates exceptional opportunities for driven professionals to make their ... Perform project readouts with customers to notify them of the outcome of their penetration test

LV8D Solutions

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The role of Penetration Tester (Pen Tester)* is a security professional who reviews and evaluates ... Designs and conducts penetration tests, exploring more complex vulnerability analysis including ...

LV8D Solutions

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The role of Penetration Tester (Pen Tester)* is a security professional who reviews and evaluates ... Designs and conducts penetration tests, exploring more complex vulnerability analysis including ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsProfessional Penetration Test Jobs

Professional Penetration Test information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do professional penetration test jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional penetration test 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 professional penetration tester?

Professional penetration testers, often called 'pen testers,' are cybersecurity experts who simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Their job is to assess security defenses, uncover weaknesses, and provide recommendations for remediation. Penetration testers use a combination of automated tools and manual techniques, operating with permission from the organization to ensure ethical and legal compliance. Their work helps companies strengthen their security posture and protect sensitive information.

What are some common challenges professional penetration testers face when conducting assessments for clients?

Professional Penetration Testers often encounter challenges such as limited timeframes for comprehensive testing, varying levels of client preparedness, and restricted access to certain systems due to organizational policies. Additionally, clear communication with non-technical stakeholders can be essential to ensure findings are accurately understood and acted upon. Balancing thorough testing with minimal disruption to client operations is also a frequent consideration in this role.

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

To thrive as a Professional Penetration Tester, you need in-depth knowledge of networking, operating systems, security protocols, and common vulnerabilities, often supported by a degree in cybersecurity or computer science. Proficiency with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and certifications like OSCP or CEH are typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and clear communication help standout testers effectively assess systems and report findings. These skills ensure accurate vulnerability identification and effective communication with stakeholders to improve overall security posture.

What is the difference between Professional Penetration Test vs Ethical Hacker?

AspectProfessional Penetration TestEthical Hacker
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, CISSPOSCP, CEH, CISSP
Work EnvironmentConducted for organizations to identify vulnerabilitiesMay include bug bounty programs, security assessments
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies, cybersecurity firms, government agenciesSecurity firms, freelance, bug bounty platforms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, certifications, scopeSimilar skills, broader hacking activities

Both roles require similar certifications and work in cybersecurity environments, but a Professional Penetration Test typically refers to a formal, client-specific security assessment, while an Ethical Hacker may engage in broader hacking activities, including bug bounty programs. The penetration test is a structured process, whereas ethical hacking can be more exploratory.

What cities are hiring for Professional Penetration Test jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Penetration Test job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Test jobs?

The most popular types of Penetration Test jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Penetration Test jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Penetration Test jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Professional Penetration Test jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Penetration Test jobs are:

Professional Penetration Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Penetration Test job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

SME Penetration Tester

Cyber Defense Technologies

Denver, CO • On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview: CDT is looking for a SME Penetration Tester to support a government customer onsite in Denver, Colorado. 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:
  • Responsible for performing basic reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning in accordance with established testing methodologies
  • Identifies common vulnerabilities that can be potentially exploited, documents and reports findings.
  • Possess basic scripting abilities and an understanding of network fundamentals and vulnerability scanning tools.
  • Conducting more complex penetration tests, exploring more complex vulnerability analysis including misconfigurations and zero-day exploits, and developing more sophisticated exploitation techniques.
  • Leads penetration tests, mentoring junior testers, and providing technical guidance to stakeholders.
  • Possess expertise in network protocols, application security, social engineering, and advanced scripting.
  • Designing and leading complex penetration tests, developing customized tools and methodologies
  • Providing expert guidance on security best practices
  • Identifying complex vulnerabilities, providing strategic security advice, and leading remediation efforts
  • Collaborating with management to develop security policies, training other cybersecurity professionals, and staying abreast of emerging threats.
  • Possess extensive knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security tools.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher and 7 year of Pen tester experience.
  • Master's degree and 6 year of relevant work experience.
  • Experience in cyber security with a focus on red teaming, penetration testing, or threat hunting.

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: $144,000 - $187,000

Apply