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Red Team Security Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Red Team Operator

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Performing penetration testing / red team operations to help validate the security of our nation's most critical systems. * Leveraging your expertise with tools like Cobalt Strike to discover ...

Performing penetration testing / red team operations to help validate the security of our nation's most critical systems. * Leveraging your expertise with tools like Cobalt Strike to discover ...

Red Team OperatorLocation: Alexandria, VA On SiteClearance: TS/SCIProgram Overview:OneZero is ... Leverage proprietary and open-source offensive security tool sets effectively to achieve engagement ...

Red Team Operator Location : Alexandria, VA On Site Clearance : TS/SCI Program Overview: OneZero is ... Security Assessments : * Assessing Coast Guard's cyber security posture of operational networks ...

Red Team Operator Location : Alexandria, VA On Site Clearance : TS/SCI Program Overview: OneZero is ... Security Assessments : * Assessing Coast Guard's cyber security posture of operational networks ...

Developing penetration testing / red team operations capabilities to help validate the security of our nation's most critical systems, including performing reverse engineering, vulnerability research ...

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Red Team Security information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$30

$82

How much do red team security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for red team security in Virginia is $30.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $35.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Red Team Security?

Red Team Security refers to a group of cybersecurity professionals who simulate real-world attacks on an organization’s systems, networks, and personnel to identify vulnerabilities and test defenses. Their goal is to mimic the tactics, techniques, and procedures of actual adversaries, providing valuable insights into potential weaknesses. Red team assessments help organizations strengthen their security posture by revealing gaps that might otherwise go unnoticed during routine security checks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Red Team Security professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Red Team Security professional, you need expertise in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and a strong understanding of networks and operating systems, often supported by certifications like OSCP or CEH. Proficiency with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as scripting languages like Python or PowerShell, is typically required. Critical thinking, creativity, and excellent communication skills help Red Teamers simulate real-world threats and convey findings effectively to stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying security gaps, improving organizational defenses, and ensuring robust incident response.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Red Team Security roles, and how can they be addressed?

Red Team Security professionals often face challenges such as staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving cyber threats, maintaining confidentiality during simulated attacks, and effectively communicating findings to non-technical stakeholders. To address these challenges, ongoing training and certifications are essential, as is fostering strong collaboration with Blue Team counterparts. Additionally, developing clear, actionable reporting skills ensures that technical assessments translate into meaningful improvements for the organization's security posture.

What is the difference between Red Team Security vs Penetration Tester?

AspectRed Team SecurityPenetration Tester
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, CISSPOSCP, CEH, GPEN
Work EnvironmentSimulated real-world attacks, often in a controlled environmentVulnerability assessments and targeted testing
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by security teams to test defenses against advanced threatsCommonly hired by organizations to identify security weaknesses

Red Team Security involves simulating comprehensive, real-world cyber attacks to test an organization's defenses, often working in a controlled environment with advanced tactics. Penetration Testers focus on identifying vulnerabilities through targeted testing, typically with a narrower scope. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to cybersecurity, but Red Team Security emphasizes strategic, adversarial simulations, while Penetration Testing concentrates on technical vulnerability discovery.

Are red team security professionals in demand?

Red team security professionals are in high demand due to increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for organizations to identify vulnerabilities proactively. They often require skills in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and familiarity with tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit, with certifications such as OSCP enhancing job prospects.

How to get a job as a red team security professional?

To become a red team security professional, develop strong skills in penetration testing, network security, and scripting languages like Python or Bash. Obtain relevant certifications such as OSCP or CREST, gain hands-on experience through labs or bug bounty programs, and stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and tools.

What are popular job titles related to Red Team Security jobs in Virginia?

For Red Team Security jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Red Team Security job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,532 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Red Team Operator with Security Clearance

Parsons

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible. Job Description: Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Red Team Operators to join our team! Are you looking for an opportunity to make the most of your red team operator skills, while continuing to hone them, to join a relatively new team and help turn it into the dream red team you've always wanted to be a part of? We're looking for Red Team Operators and Senior Red Team Operators to join our relatively new team and help transform it into the best Government red team ever! Our team is only looking for the best and brightest though - you'll get the opportunity to showcase your skills at contract start by passing our team's red team assessment test. What You'll Be Doing: * Performing penetration testing / red team operations to help validate the security of our nation's most critical systems.
* Leveraging your expertise with tools like Cobalt Strike to discover vulnerabilities and exploit them to achieve mission objectives.
* Sharing your expertise and insight to direct the activities of mid-level operators to guide the team in accomplishing their 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 Required Skills You'll Bring: All Levels * Active TS/SCI Clearance
* IAT Level III certification
* Must pass the DCART operator aptitude test using Cobalt Strike before onboarding.
* Must be willing to travel 15%- OCONUS/CONUS locations Red Team Operator * 1 year of experience conducting red team assessments, offensive cyber operations, or penetration testing, with 3+ years desired. Senior Red Team Operator * 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. What Desired Skills You'll Bring: * Offensive Security, Certified Professional (OSCP) or equivalent red team / penetration testing certifications Security Clearance Requirement: An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position. 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. Salary Range: $125,100.00 - $225,200.00 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! Parsons 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 Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY! Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/ .

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