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Red Team Cyber Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Background The DTRA Cyber Red Team is an applicant DoD Cyber Red Team looking for motivated, self ... Red Cyber Operators (RCO) emulate a potential adversary's offensive cyberspace operations and ...

Must pass the DTRA Cyber Assessment Red Team (DCART) operator aptitude test before joining DCART as an Operator. * 2+ years Offensive Cyber experience, DoD Cyber Red Team Experience, or corporate Red ...

Must pass the DTRA Cyber Assessment Red Team (DCART) operator aptitude test before joining DCART as an Operator. * 2+ years Offensive Cyber experience, DoD Cyber Red Team Experience, or corporate Red ...

Must pass the DTRA Cyber Assessment Red Team (DCART) operator aptitude test before joining DCART as an Operator. 2+ years Offensive Cyber experience, DoD Cyber Red Team Experience, or corporate Red ...

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Red Team Cyber Operator information

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$44.5K

$107.5K

$151K

How much do red team cyber operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for red team cyber operator in the United States is $107,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Red Team Cyber Operator?

Red Team Cyber Operators are cybersecurity professionals who simulate real-world cyberattacks on organizations to test and improve their security defenses. They use a variety of tactics, techniques, and procedures to identify vulnerabilities, assess security posture, and help organizations strengthen their systems. Unlike traditional security testers, Red Team operators often mimic advanced threat actors, focusing on stealth, persistence, and achieving specific objectives within an agreed scope. Their work helps organizations prepare for and defend against actual cyber threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Red Team Cyber Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Red Team Cyber Operator, you need advanced knowledge of penetration testing, threat emulation, network security, and a background in cybersecurity or computer science. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Cobalt Strike, Burp Suite, and relevant certifications such as OSCP or CEH is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication skills set standout operators apart when reporting findings and collaborating with blue teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively identifying security gaps and helping organizations enhance their cyber defense strategies.

What are some common challenges Red Team Cyber Operators face during simulated attacks, and how can they overcome them?

Red Team Cyber Operators often encounter challenges such as limited access to internal systems, evolving security controls, and the need to remain undetected by blue teams. To overcome these obstacles, operators must continuously update their knowledge of attack techniques, collaborate closely with team members to brainstorm creative approaches, and leverage automation tools for efficiency. Regular debriefings and sharing lessons learned with the broader security team also help improve future engagements and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Red Team Cyber Operator vs Penetration Tester?

AspectRed Team Cyber OperatorPenetration Tester
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, CISSPOSCP, CEH, GPEN
Work EnvironmentSimulated attack scenarios, adversary emulationVulnerability assessment, controlled testing
Employer & IndustryMilitary, government, cybersecurity firmsSecurity consulting firms, IT companies

Red Team Cyber Operators focus on emulating real-world adversaries to test defenses, often working in simulated attack environments. Penetration Testers identify vulnerabilities through controlled testing. While both roles require similar certifications and work in cybersecurity, Red Team Cyber Operators typically engage in more advanced, adversary-based scenarios, whereas Penetration Testers focus on identifying security flaws.

What cities are hiring for Red Team Cyber Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Red Team Cyber Operator job openings:

What states have the most Red Team Cyber Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Red Team Cyber Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Red Team Cyber Operator jobs?

For Red Team Cyber Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Red Team Cyber Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,522 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Red Team Cyber Operator

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Oak Grove Technologies LLC
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description:

Oak Grove Technologies, LLC, a dynamic and fast-growing federal contractor, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Red Cyber Operator to support advanced Red Cyber operations through the execution of red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, and penetration testing. 


Oak Grove Technologies is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business based in Raleigh, NC, with a Test and Training Center located near Fort Bragg and Camp Mackall. With over 20 years of expertise in training, consulting, technology, and operational support, the company provides services to the military, government, and law enforcement. Committed to excellence, innovation, and national security, Oak Grove Technologies fulfills federal defense contracts and actively supports veterans through sponsorships and events. Driven by its mission-focused approach, the company seeks top talent to develop impactful solutions. 

Oak Grove Technologies offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. 

Requirements:

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Cyber Red Team Assessments, Penetration Testing, Offensive Cyber Operations.
  • Performing penetration testing / red team operations to help validate the security of our nation's most critical systems.
  • Sharing your expertise and insight to direct the activities of mid-level operators to guide the team in accomplishing their mission objectives.
  • Antivirus evasion, EDR evasion, offensive infrastructure, phishing and social engineering
  • Leveraging your expertise with tools like Cobalt Strike to discover vulnerabilities and exploit them to achieve mission objectives.
  • Quickly crafting new scripts and capabilities on-the-fly during operations to ensure you have the capabilities you need for mission success.
  • Working hand-in-hand with our expert development team to ensure design and development of long-term capabilities to enable your mission success.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

  • Offensive Cyber experience, DoD Cyber Red Team Experience, or corporate Red Team experience.
  • Expertise in antivirus evasion, EDR evasion, offensive infrastructure, phishing and social engineering campaigns, and/or penetration testing of critical infrastructure, networking, IoT, and wireless devices.
  • Red Team Apprentice Course (RTAC), Red Team Journeyman Course (RTJC), Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO) certification, Rogue Ops- Red Team 1 (ROPS), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Global Information Assurance Certification, (GIAC) Exploit Researcher & Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN), GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), and/or GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAP) or equivalent red team / penetration testing certifications.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

  • U.S. Citizenship and an active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position. 
  • Must pass the DCART Operator Aptitude Test using Cobalt Strike before joining DCART as an Operator.
  • Experience as an operator conducting red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, or penetration testing.
  • Mid-Level Operators: 1 year of experience conducting red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, or penetration testing, with 3+ years desired.
  • Senior Level Operators: 3+ years' experience in conducting red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, or penetration testing and ability to direct the activities of mid-level operators, with 5+ years desired.
  • Must hold an IAT Level III certification as defined and described in DoDD 8570.01, 8570.01-M, 8140.01-03, and as amended.
  • Willingness and ability to travel 15% (CONUS/OCONUS).

Security Clearance Requirements: 

U.S. Citizenship and an active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position. 


Compensation and Benefits: 

Competitive Salary, PTO, Health Benefits.


If you are a highly motivated Red Team Cyber Operator and ready to apply your expertise in a high-impact role, we encourage you to join our mission in supporting national security efforts while working with cutting-edge technologies.  


Oak Grove Technologies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Oak Grove Technologies, LLC participates in E-Verify to determine an individual's identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is a service of DHS and SSA.