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Red Team Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Team Operator

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Red Team Operators to join our team! Are you looking for an opportunity to make the most of your red team operator skills, while continuing to hone them ...

Red Team Operator

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Red Team Operators to join our team! Are you looking for an opportunity to make the most of your red team operator skills, while continuing to hone them ...

Parsons is looking for a talented Red Team Operator to join our growing team! What You'll Be Doing: * Performing penetration testing / red team operations to help validate the security of our nation ...

Red Team Operator

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Parsons is looking for a talented Red Team Operator to join our growing team! What You'll Be Doing: * Performing penetration testing / red team operations to help validate the security of our nation ...

Red Team Operator

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$18.25 - $24/hr

Red Team Operator Job Type: Full-time Location: Sterling or Reston, VA (Hybrid) Clearance Requirements: Active TS/SCI required Experience: 8+ years WHAT YOU'LL DO We are seeking a skilled and ...

Red Team Operator Job Type: Full-time Location: Sterling or Reston, VA (Hybrid) Clearance Requirements: Active TS/SCI required Experience: 8+ years WHAT YOU'LL DO We are seeking a skilled and ...

Red Team Operator

Culpeper, VA · Hybrid

$99K - $127K/yr

Certified Red Team Operator Level I (CRTO II) or equivalent advanced adversary simulation certifications * GIAC Red Team Professional (GRTP), where available * SANS GXPN (SEC660) * Cloud exploitation ...

Red Team Operator

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$99K - $127K/yr

Certified Red Team Operator Level I (CRTO II) or equivalent advanced adversary simulation certifications * GIAC Red Team Professional (GRTP), where available * SANS GXPN (SEC660) * Cloud exploitation ...

Red Team Operator

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$100K - $129K/yr

Certified Red Team Operator Level I (CRTO II) or equivalent advanced adversary simulation certifications * GIAC Red Team Professional (GRTP), where available * SANS GXPN (SEC660) * Cloud exploitation ...

Red Team Operator

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$100K - $129K/yr

Certified Red Team Operator Level I (CRTO II) or equivalent advanced adversary simulation certifications * GIAC Red Team Professional (GRTP), where available * SANS GXPN (SEC660) * Cloud exploitation ...

Red Team Operator

Culpeper, VA · Hybrid

$99K - $127K/yr

Certified Red Team Operator Level I (CRTO II) or equivalent advanced adversary simulation certifications * GIAC Red Team Professional (GRTP), where available * SANS GXPN (SEC660) * Cloud exploitation ...

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Red Team Operator information

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How much do red team operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for red team operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectRed Team OperatorPenetration Tester
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENOSCP, CEH, GPEN
Work EnvironmentSimulates real-world attacks, often in complex, multi-layered scenariosFocuses on identifying vulnerabilities through controlled testing
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by security teams to assess organizational security postureHired by organizations or consulting firms to find security flaws

Red Team Operators and Penetration Testers share similar certifications and often work in overlapping environments. However, Red Team Operators focus on simulating real-world, multi-faceted attacks to test defenses, while Penetration Testers typically identify specific vulnerabilities through targeted testing. Both roles are essential for comprehensive cybersecurity assessments.

What are some common challenges Red Team Operators face when simulating real-world cyber attacks within an organization?

Red Team Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating complex security controls, dealing with limited information about the target environment, and maintaining stealth to avoid detection by blue teams. They must balance realism with safety, ensuring that operations do not disrupt critical business functions. Collaboration with other security professionals is essential, especially during post-engagement debriefs to share findings and improve the organization's defenses. Managing time and scope within engagement constraints can also be a demanding aspect of the role.

What are Red Team Operators?

Red Team Operators are cybersecurity professionals who simulate real-world cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems, processes, and defenses. Their goal is to mimic the tactics, techniques, and procedures of actual adversaries to test an organization’s security posture. By doing so, they help organizations understand their weaknesses and improve their response capabilities. Red Team Operators often work closely with Blue Teams (defenders) to provide actionable insights and recommendations for strengthening security.

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

To thrive as a Red Team Operator, you need a deep understanding of cybersecurity concepts, penetration testing methodologies, and knowledge of network and application security, often supported by certifications like OSCP or CEH. Proficiency with tools such as Metasploit, Cobalt Strike, Nmap, and Burp Suite is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for simulating adversarial attacks and reporting findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, improving organizational defenses, and ensuring resilient security postures.
More about Red Team Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Red Team Operator jobs? Cities with the most Red Team Operator job openings:
What states have the most Red Team Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Red Team Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Red Team Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Red Team Operator

Red Team Operator

Parsons Corporation

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Red Team Operators to join our team!
Are you looking for an opportunity to make the most of your red team operator skills, while continuing to hone them, to join a relatively new team and help turn it into the dream red team you've always wanted to be a part of?
We're looking for Red Team Operators and Senior Red Team Operators to join our relatively new team and help transform it into the best Government red team ever! Our team is only looking for the best and brightest though - you'll get the opportunity to showcase your skills at contract start by passing our team's red team assessment test.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Performing penetration testing / red team operations to help validate the security of our nation's most critical systems.
  • Leveraging your expertise with tools like Cobalt Strike to discover vulnerabilities and exploit them to achieve mission objectives.
  • Sharing your expertise and insight to direct the activities of mid-level operators to guide the team in accomplishing their 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 Required Skills You'll Bring:
All Levels
  • Active TS/SCI Clearance
  • IAT Level III certification
  • Must pass the DCART operator aptitude test using Cobalt Strike before onboarding.
  • Must be willing to travel 15%- OCONUS/CONUS locations

Red Team Operator
  • 1 year of experience conducting red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, or penetration testing, with 3+ years desired.

Senior Red Team Operator
  • 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.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
  • Offensive Security, Certified Professional (OSCP) or equivalent red team / penetration testing certifications

Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position.
This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.
The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.
Salary Range: $125,100.00 - $225,200.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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