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Red Team Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Red Team Software Developer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$148K - $266K/yr

Leveraging C2 tools like Cobalt Strike to deliver integrated capabilities to maximize our red team operator's ability to achieve mission objectives. * What Required Skills You'll Bring: All Levels

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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 Aug 15, 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.

How much does it cost to become a certified red team operator?

Becoming a certified red team operator typically involves obtaining industry-recognized certifications such as OSCP, OSCE, or CREST, which can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the certification and training provider. Additional costs may include training courses, lab access, and practice exams, with some employers providing sponsorship or reimbursement for certification expenses.

What is a red team operator?

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?

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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Red Team Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Red Team Operator job openings:

Red Team Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Red Team Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,380 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Senior Red Cyber Operator (new)

Beyond SOF

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
The client is looking for an amazingly talented Senior Red Cyber Operator to join our team! In this role you will get to conduct red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, and penetration testing.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Penetration Testing
  • 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
  • Must be capable of meeting both apprentice operator requirements and journeyman operator requirements in the DCART Operator Training Program within the prescribed timelines, as outlined in the DCART Handbook. They must also be capable of performing the advanced red cyber assessment-specific role of assessment Technical Lead. This assessment-specific leadership position guides the technical planning, execution, and reporting of a specific assigned assessment
  • 3+ years' experience in conducting red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, or penetration testing and be prepared to direct the activities of mid-level operators.
  • Special requirements: Professional Certification(s) required for this position are as follows: o Must hold an IAT Level III certification as defined and described in DoDD 8570.01, 8570.01-M, 8140.01-03, and as amended.
  • Must pass the DCART senior operator aptitude test before joining DCART as an Operator.
  • Must be willing to travel 15%- OCONUS/CONUS locations

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
  • 5+ years Offensive Cyber experience, DoD Cyber Red Team Experience, or corporate Red Team experience.
  • Red Team Apprentice Course (RTAC), Rogue Ops- Red Team 1 ROPS, Red Team Journeyman Course (RTJC), Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO) certification, 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).
  • Expertise in antivirus evasion, EDR evasion, and/or penetration testing

Minimum Clearance Required to Start:
Top Secret SCI
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.
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!
The client 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 quest-APPLY TODAY!

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