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Red Team Operator Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Event Red Teamer

Annapolis Junction, MD

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The incumbent will enable project teams through supporting the execution of cybersecurity training and testing events within a cyber range, specifically as a red team operator. The Cyber Event Red ...

Cyber Event Red Teamer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The incumbent will enable project teams through supporting the execution of cybersecurity training and testing events within a cyber range, specifically as a red team operator. The Cyber Event Red ...

Pentest Operator

Beltsville, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Pentest Operator will support and lead pentesting engagements on High Value Asset (HVA) systems ... Support red team and adversary emulation activities that simulate realistic threat behavior ...

Pentest Operator

Beltsville, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Pentest Operator will support and lead pentesting engagements on High Value Asset (HVA) systems ... Support red team and adversary emulation activities that simulate realistic threat behavior ...

ION/UNIX/OCO Operator with Security Clearance

Columbia, MD · On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... red team tradecraft. You've served as a Tool Champion--advising on OE/OA, performing tool pairing, and supporting operator readiness through testing, documentation, and collaboration with developers.

Showing results 21-40

Red Team Operator information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do red team operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for red team operator in Baltimore, MD is $19.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $21.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

How to get a job as a red team operator?

To become a red team operator, candidates typically need a strong background in cybersecurity, penetration testing, or ethical hacking, often supported by certifications such as OSCP, CEH, or GPEN. Practical experience with tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, and knowledge of network protocols are essential, along with understanding attack methodologies and security defenses. Building a portfolio of simulated attack exercises and staying current with industry trends can improve job prospects in this field.

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Red Team Operator jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Red Team Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Red Team Operator job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,472 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

$130K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.
Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.
Position Overview
The Cyber Event Red Teamer will provide direct support to the Plans and Exercise Lead for the Joint Cyber Training Enterprise, one of the largest leading cyber training and operations platforms in the world. The incumbent will enable project teams through supporting the execution of cybersecurity training and testing events within a cyber range, specifically as a red team operator. The Cyber Event Red Teamer will support the implementation of offensive based cyber range content and ensure offensive kits and TTPs follow emerging operational concepts. The incumbent will also support the development of after-action review materials and regularly interact with the customer to establish priorities and report on status of work and events. This position requires both leadership and management experience, as well as excellent presentational skills.
Position location is Annapolis Junction, MD and full time on-site.
Responsibilities
  • Support the execution of cybersecurity training and testing events within cyber ranges.
  • Support the implementation of offensive based cyber range content, to include virtual machines, networks, hardware in the loop, training materials, applications and scenarios.
  • Provide customer facing support for red cell exercise events and develop visual products tracking priorities for small to large multi-national cyber exercise.
  • Experience working with the Joint Event Life Cycle (JELC) is a major plus.
  • Assist content developers and managers in the configuration and employment of red cell applications in support of training events and exercises.
  • Support the development, testing, documentation, fielding and support of complex cyber and IT training systems and equipment.
  • Ensure the highest quality of task completion, meeting contractual performance criteria and deliverables in accordance with the contract.

Required Experience/Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required in intelligence, information systems, cybersecurity, or related field, and advanced degree/studies preferred.
    • or 4+ years experience with cyber training, validation exercises, or working with a cyber protection team (CPT) or Combat Mission Team (CMT), to include planning coordinating, and mission execution.
    • and completion of a military technical training school such as CTIA, FORGE, DoD red team, or exploit analyst.
  • 5 years of Department of Defense leadership experience can be substituted for degree.
  • Demonstrated experience working as a red team operator.
  • High level understanding of current and relevant red team tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs).
  • Ability to configure and employ red cell tools in a virtualized cyber range.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to build basic/intermediate graphics to illustrate intent and brief to general officer level.
  • Experience with organizing and coordinating the planning and production of client deliveries.
  • Experience with applying quality assurance measures to improve contract performance.
  • Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to establish an effective working relationship with senior-level customers, technical staff, managers and peers.
  • Must be able to understand multi-level customer/user expectations and concerns, and to assure customer(s) that the program is being managed effectively.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Certified DoD Red Team HIGHLY DESIRED.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance
Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a TS/SCI security clearance. Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.
Salary Range
Based on the roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for this position is: $130,000 - $170,000.
The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, CESI also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, CESI provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.
Benefits Overview
CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise. Our benefit package includes:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Program
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Education & Training
  • Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

CESI is committed to principles of inclusion and equal employment opportunity. We foster a non-discriminatory, professional work environment for all our teams. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.