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Red Team Operator Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

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 Silver Spring, MD salary details

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How much do red team operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for red team operator in Silver Spring, MD is $20.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $22.88 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 Silver Spring, MD? For Red Team Operator jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Red Team Operator jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Red Team Operator jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Red Team Operator jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Red Team Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Red Team Operator job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 65% In-person, 17% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,148 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Senior Red Team Cyber Operator with Security Clearance

Senior Red Team Cyber Operator with Security Clearance

Oak Grove Technologies LLC

Fort Belvoir, VA

$113K - $145K/yr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Oak Grove Technologies, LLC, a dynamic and fast-growing federal contractor, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior 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: * 5+ years Offensive Cyber experience, DoD Cyber Red Team Experience, or corporate Red Team experience.
* Expertise in antivirus evasion, EDR evasion, and/or penetration testing.
* 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).
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 Senior Operator Aptitude Test using Cobalt Strike before joining DCART as an Operator.
* Experience in conducting red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, or penetration testing and be prepared to direct the activities of mid-level operators.
* 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.
* Must be capable of meeting apprentice operator requirements in the DCART Operator Training Program within the prescribed timelines, as outlined in the DCART Handbook. Red Cyber Operators are expected to have experience as operators conducting cyber red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, or significant penetration testing experience.
* 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 Pay, PTO, Health Benefits. If you are a highly motivated Senior Red Cyber Operator and ready to apply your expertise in a high-impact role, we encourage you to join our mission.   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.