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Red Team Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Red Teamer will primarily be responsible for conducting in-depth Threat Emulation exercises such as Red Team Operations, Purple Team Operations, and Penetration Tests to assess the security of ...

Red Team Apprentice Course (RTAC), Red Team Journeyman Course (RTJC), Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO) certification, Offensive Security, Rogue Ops- Red Team 1 (ROPS), Certified Professional (OSCP ...

Red Team Apprentice Course (RTAC), Red Team Journeyman Course (RTJC), Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO) certification, Offensive Security, Rogue Ops- Red Team 1 (ROPS), Certified Professional (OSCP ...

Red Team Apprentice Course (RTAC), Red Team Journeyman Course (RTJC), Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO) certification, Offensive Security, Rogue Ops- Red Team 1 (ROPS), Certified Professional (OSCP ...

Cyber Red Team assessments * Penetration Testing * Antivirus evasion, EDR evasion, offensive ... Red Cyber Operators are expected to have experience as operators conducting cyber red team ...

Cyber Red Team assessments * Penetration Testing * Antivirus evasion, EDR evasion, offensive ... Red Cyber Operators are expected to have experience as operators conducting cyber red team ...

Cyber Red Team assessments * Penetration Testing * Antivirus evasion, EDR evasion, offensive ... Red Cyber Operators are expected to have experience as operators conducting cyber red team ...

Cyber Red Team assessments * Penetration Testing * Antivirus evasion, EDR evasion, offensive ... Red Cyber Operators are expected to have experience as operators conducting cyber red team ...

Red Team Assessments * Offensive cyber operations * Will direct the activities of mid-level operators * Antivirus evasion, EDR evasion What Required Skills You'll Bring: * Active TS/SCI Clearance

Red Team Assessments * Offensive cyber operations * Will direct the activities of mid-level operators * Antivirus evasion, EDR evasion What Required Skills You'll Bring: * Active TS/SCI Clearance

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Red Team Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do red team operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for red team operator in Virginia is $19.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $21.92 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.
What are popular job titles related to Red Team Operator jobs in Virginia? For Red Team Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Red Team Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Red Team Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Red Team Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Red Team Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Red Team Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $41,380 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Red Team Operator

Trans Union LLC

Reston, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

TransUnion's Job Applicant Privacy Notice
Personal Information We Collect
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Team Overview
At TransUnion, this role will report to a Director of Cybersecurity. We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Red Teamer to join our Information Security Department. The Red Teamer will primarily be responsible for conducting in-depth Threat Emulation exercises such as Red Team Operations, Purple Team Operations, and Penetration Tests to assess the security of our systems, networks, and applications. This is a remote position which may require occasional in-person attendance at work-related events at the discretion of management.
Role Overview and Core Responsibilities
  • Conduct comprehensive threat emulation exercises, actively simulating cyber-attacks to uncover vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to perform purple team exercises that challenge the organization's overall security posture.
  • Perform lateral movement within target environments to assess the effectiveness of internal network segmentation and access controls.
  • Demonstrate expertise in local privilege escalation techniques.
  • Emulate threat actors by replicating their techniques, tactics, and procedures to identify vulnerabilities and gaps in our defensive measures.
  • Develop and utilize custom scripts, tools, and frameworks to enhance red team operations and mimic real-world attacks.
  • Conduct reconnaissance activities to gather intelligence on potential targets and identify attack vectors.
  • Test the security of cloud-based environments and identify weaknesses in configurations, access controls, and data protection mechanisms.
  • Document and communicate findings, risks, and recommendations in clear and concise reports to stakeholders, including technical and non-technical audiences.

Required Knowledge and Experiences
  • 5+ years of active experience in conducting penetration tests and actively working as a red teamer; proven track record in performing red team operations and purple team operations.
  • Proficiency in ability to compromise a modern organization, escalate privileges, move laterally through complex networks, and achieve adversary goals.
  • Strong experience and expertise in phishing techniques, social engineering tactics, and other initial access methods.
  • Extensive experience in writing comprehensive and well-structured reports detailing findings, risks, and actionable recommendations.
  • Basic development experience (python/bash/git/etc) to create custom solutions for bleeding edge problems.

We're also looking for the preferred skills below. Whether you are proficient or could use some brushing up, we're happy to support your career development and growth in:
  • Industry certifications such as OSCP, OSCE, GPEN, GWAPT, CISSP, or equivalent would be an advantage.

Benefits that support every part of your life:
At TransUnion, we design benefits to help you feel well, do well, and plan well-from day one.
For Your Health: Enjoy day-one eligibility for medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus supplemental plan options. Spousal, domestic partner, and other eligible dependent coverage is available on select plans. Choose tax-advantaged HSA and FSA accounts to make everyday care more affordable.
For Your Protection: We've got your back with company-paid basic life and AD&D, optional voluntary life and AD&D for you and your family, and short- and long-term disability. You can also opt into a legal plan, pet insurance, and travel accident coverage.
For Your Family: From adoption assistance and fertility planning coverage to caregiver support, we're here for every chapter. Access Dependent Care FSA for possibility of an employer match, a complimentary Care@Work membership, and up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave with eligibility for a thoughtful, gradual return.
For Your Future: Build toward what's next with our 401(k) with employer match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Tap financial wellness resources, career coaching, and optional long-term care insurance to plan confidently.
For You: Grow and recharge with tuition reimbursement, flexible time off for exempt employees or paid time off for nonexempt employees, up to 12 paid holidays per year, commuter benefits, employee discounts, charitable gift matching, and paid volunteer time off, plus corporate volunteer events that make it easy to give back.
For Your Wellness: Access 24/7 support including professional therapy, coaching, and emotional well-being programs alongside guided meditation and resources that support physical, mental, social, and financial wellness.
We are committed to being a place where diversity is not only present, it is embraced. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, TransUnion takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in all levels of employment and develops annual affirmative action plans. Components of TransUnion's Affirmative Action Program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are available for review to any associate or applicant for employment upon request by contacting .
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Adherence to Company policies, sound judgment and trustworthiness, working safely, communicating respectfully, and safeguarding business operations, confidential and proprietary information, and the Company's reputation are also essential expectations of this position.
Pay Scale Information:
The U.S. base salary range for this position is $112,500.00 - $187,500 annually. *The salary range for this position reflects a reasonable estimate of the range of compensation for this job. At TransUnion, actual compensation is based on careful consideration of additional factors such as (but not limited to) an individual's education, training, work experience, job-related skill set, location, and industry knowledge, as well as the scope and responsibilities of the position and market considerations. Regular, fulltime non-sales positions may be eligible to participate in TransUnion's annual bonus plan. Certain positions may be also eligible for long-term incentives and other payments based on applicable company guidance and plan documents.
TransUnion Overview:
At TransUnion, we encourage and are committed to creating a real, positive impact and shared sense of purpose within our Workforce for Good, which empowers our people to grow, innovate and contribute to a better future for our communities and customers. We strive to build an environment where our associates are in the driver's seat of their professional development- while having access to help along the way. We recognize that success comes when our associates thrive both professionally and personally; that's why we prioritize work/life flexibility and offer resources for our teams across the globe to collaborate and drive excellence.
Be a part of our Workforce for Good - you'll work with great people, pioneering products and cutting-edge technology.
TransUnion's Internal Job Title:
Advisor, Cybersecurity
Company:
TransUnion LLC