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Remote Pen Tester Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Remote Pen Tester information

What is a remote pen tester?

A Remote Pen Tester is a cybersecurity professional who assesses the security of systems, networks, and applications by simulating cyberattacks from an external location. They identify vulnerabilities, exploit weaknesses, and provide recommendations to strengthen security. This role requires expertise in ethical hacking, penetration testing tools, and security frameworks. Remote Pen Testers often work for cybersecurity firms, as freelancers, or in-house for organizations needing security assessments.

What does a remote pen tester do?

A typical day for a Remote Pen Tester involves conducting security assessments of networks, websites, or applications, identifying vulnerabilities, and documenting findings in detailed reports. You’ll often collaborate with IT teams or clients via video calls and chat platforms to discuss scope, methodologies, and results. In addition to hands-on testing, you may spend time updating your knowledge on the latest security threats and tools. The role offers autonomy and flexibility but also requires strong self-management skills to meet project deadlines and maintain clear communication with distributed teams. Over time, successful pen testers can progress to lead roles or broaden their expertise in specialized areas such as red teaming or security consulting.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote pen tester?

To thrive as a Remote Pen Tester, you need expertise in network and application security, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing, often supported by a degree in information security or computer science. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and relevant certifications such as OSCP or CEH is highly valued. Excellent written communication, analytical thinking, and self-motivation are crucial soft skills, especially when working independently and with distributed teams. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively identifying security weaknesses, creating actionable reports, and collaborating remotely with clients or technical teams.

What job categories do people searching Remote Pen Tester jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Pen Tester jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Remote Pen Tester jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Pen Tester job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Pen Tester job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution.

Senior Lead Application Pen Testing Cybersecurity Research Engineer

Wells Fargo

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Wells Fargo rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 707 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 171 rated banks


Job description

About this role:

Wells Fargo is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Lead Application Pen Testing Cyber Security Research Engineer to join the Application Penetration Testing department. This technical leadership role will be responsible for advancing and integrating penetration testing practices across all phases of the software development lifecycle. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in security testing methodologies, artificial intelligence, offensive security tooling, and hands-on penetration testing.

In this role, the Senior Lead Application Pen Testing Cyber Security Research Engineer will:

  • Lead the development of application penetration testing methods and solutions across a broad range of technology stacks.
  • Establish a mentoring program for the application penetration testing team and key partners to strengthen capabilities in offensive AI, scanning, and security research.
  • Advise senior management on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks associated with penetration testing.
  • Serve as an adversarial counterpoint to security strategy proposals, helping identify gaps, assumptions, and potential areas of risk.
  • Maintain awareness of industry best practices and emerging techniques to continuously enhance security testing capabilities.
  • Mentor junior team members and promote a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in using AIassisted development and analysis tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot and approved codecentric agents)
  • Leverage AI to accelerate system design, coding, testing, analysis, and troubleshooting
  • Apply strong technical judgment when validating and integrating AIassisted outputs into solutions
  • Understand and account for model limitations, security risks, and operational considerations
  • Apply AI responsibly in development and production environments
  • Ensure AI usage aligns with security, compliance, privacy, and ethical standards


Required Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of Cyber Security Research experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education


Desired Qualifications:

  • Burp Suite Certified Professional, OSCP certification or other similar related security certifications
  • GCP and Azure certifications
  • Deep expertise in application penetration testing, offensive security research, and adversary emulation
  • Experience building security tools, automation, or offensive security frameworks using modern programming languages
  • Experience assessing AI/ML systems, Generative AI applications, LLM security risks, prompt injection, model misuse, and AI red teaming techniques
  • Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders across large organizations
  • Experience mentoring and developing security testing teams in highly regulated environments

Job Expectations:

  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
  • This position allows for remote work from one of the following - NC, TX, CA, AZ
  • This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship

Locations

  • 1525 W WT Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC
  • 401 Las Colinas Blvd. W, Irving, TX
  • 333 Market Street San Francisco, CA
  • 2600 South Price Road, Chandler, AZ
  • Remote locations: NC, TX, CA, AZ

Pay Range

Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.

$159,000.00 - $305,000.00

Benefits

Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. VisitBenefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.

  • Health benefits
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Critical caregiving leave
  • Discounts and savings
  • Commuter benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Scholarships for dependent children
  • Adoption reimbursement

Posting End Date:

14 Aug 2026

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

We Value Equal Opportunity

Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit's risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.

Applicants with Disabilities

To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visitDisability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.

Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:

a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.

b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.


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About Wells Fargo

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of small businesses in the U.S., and is a leading middle market banking provider in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 41 on Fortune's 2022 rankings of America's largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health and a low-carbon economy.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1852

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