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Red Team Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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 9, 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.
Cybersecurity Pentester - Red Team Operator

Cybersecurity Pentester - Red Team Operator

ACI Worldwide

Omaha, NE

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Red Team Operator

Powering the world's payments ecosystem

ACI powers the payments ecosystem – globally, and you power ACI. You'll innovate, collaborate, and grow – in an energetic technology culture with decades of proven success. ACIers – in all roles and levels – are truly your colleagues and many are your friends. Our size and reach allow you to see the global impact of your work. You are visible, your talents are valued, and you are empowered to shape the future of payments.

Job Summary:

ACI Worldwide is hiring a Red Team Operator to help simulate advanced cyber adversaries and proactively identify security gaps across the organization. This role plays a critical part in protecting ACI's systems and data by executing realistic offensive security engagements and partnering with defensive teams to strengthen detection and response capabilities. The position offers hands-on involvement in cutting-edge Red Team operations, custom tool development, and emerging areas such as AI-driven offensive security.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Help plan, develop, and execute Red Team engagements, including adversary emulation, war-gaming, and full-scope assessments (network, application, physical, and social engineering).
  • Conduct reconnaissance, weaponization, initial access, lateral movement, privilege escalation, and exfiltration activities while evading detection.
  • Collaborate with defensive teams to provide actionable insights, reports, and recommendations for security improvements.
  • Develop custom tools, scripts, and techniques to bypass modern defenses
  • Stay ahead of emerging threats by researching new TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures)
  • Participate in Purple Team engagements and help mature ACIs security posture
  • Research, develop, and test AI capabilities in the offensive security space.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required for the Job:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, MIS, or related field or equivalent experience.
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in offensive security, penetration testing, or red team operations.
  • Proficiency with offensive security tools such as Cobalt Strike, Empire, Metasploit, Burp, and custom C2 frameworks.
  • Experience with AI technologies, ideally local LLMs.
  • Experience writing code in Python, PowerShell, C/C++, Go, Rust, etc. for tool development.
  • Relevant certifications such as OSCP, OSCE, CRTO, or similar are highly preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical findings into business risk language.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and a solid understanding of IT Security concepts to include security operations.
  • Knowledge of network protocols, data flows and vulnerabilities.
  • Knowledge of PCI and other industry compliance standards.
  • The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who thrives in autonomous environments, maintains an adversarial mindset, and is passionate about continuous learning in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. This is a high-impact role that directly contributes to protecting critical assets and data.

Work Environment:

  • Standard work environment
  • Travel required, may be domestic or international

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visa status or work permit now or in the future.

In return for your expertise, we offer opportunities for growth, career development, and a competitive compensation and benefits package—all within an innovative and collaborative work environment.

Job ID (Requisition #19001)