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Remote Penetration Tester Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Penetration Tester

Knoxville, TN · Remote

$120K - $145K/yr

What We Offer · Remote work environment · Unlimited paid time off (Policy Guided) · Continuing ... Our experienced Ethical Hacking testers perform penetration tests: application, mobile, cloud ...

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Penetration Tester

Knoxville, TN · Remote

$120K - $145K/yr

What We Offer · Remote work environment · Unlimited paid time off (Policy Guided) · Continuing ... Our experienced Ethical Hacking testers perform penetration tests: application, mobile, cloud ...

Cyber AI Security Manager

Knoxville, TN · On-site +1

$105K - $143K/yr

We offer unlimited PTO, a flexible remote work policy, and a supportive environment that ... Support security assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability management for AI systems to ...

Remote Penetration Tester information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$21.5K

$114.6K

$161.1K

How much do remote penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote penetration tester in Oak Ridge, TN is $114,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,800.00 and $134,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote penetration tester?

A Remote Penetration Tester is a cybersecurity professional who evaluates the security of computer systems, networks, and applications by simulating cyberattacks from a remote location. Their goal is to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit and to provide recommendations for strengthening security. Working remotely, they use specialized tools and techniques to conduct assessments without being physically present at the client’s site. This role often involves preparing detailed reports and collaborating with IT teams to remediate identified risks.

What does a remote penetration tester do?

Remote penetration testers attempt to hack into an application, network, or computer to assess its security. Instead of working in the office, remote penetration testers complete their tasks from home or another location outside of the office with internet connectivity. As a remote penetration tester, you discuss the security concerns your client may have about their current computer system and develop ways to infiltrate the security of a network or computer hardware using the internet as a pathway. Other job duties may include documenting how you broke through a company's network security and providing recommendations for augmenting the protection of company files. Because of their hacking expertise, some remote penetration testers may be called in to help investigate cyber crimes in criminal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote penetration tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Penetration Tester, you need strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, network protocols, and operating systems, often supported by certifications like OSCP, CEH, or CISSP. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as secure remote collaboration platforms, is essential. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written communication skills help you document findings and collaborate with clients and teams remotely. These competencies ensure you can effectively identify vulnerabilities, communicate risks, and help organizations strengthen their security posture from any location.

How does a remote penetration tester typically collaborate with in-house IT and security teams during an engagement?

Remote penetration testers often work closely with in-house IT and security teams through virtual meetings, secure communication platforms, and shared documentation. They coordinate to define testing scopes, clarify network boundaries, and discuss any findings in real time. Regular check-ins and status updates ensure transparency and alignment throughout the engagement. This collaborative approach helps address vulnerabilities promptly and fosters knowledge sharing between the remote tester and the organization’s internal teams.

What is the difference between Remote Penetration Tester vs Remote Security Analyst?

AspectRemote Penetration TesterRemote Security Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISSP, Security+
Work EnvironmentConducts simulated attacks, often independently or in teamsMonitors security systems, analyzes threats, and implements defenses
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, consulting companies, large enterprisesCorporate IT departments, government agencies, financial institutions

Remote Penetration Testers focus on identifying vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, requiring offensive skills and certifications like OSCP or CEH. Remote Security Analysts monitor and defend networks, emphasizing defensive skills and certifications like CISSP. While both roles work remotely in cybersecurity, their core responsibilities and skill sets differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Tester jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Penetration Tester jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

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For Remote Penetration Tester jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Remote Penetration Tester jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Remote Penetration Tester jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Remote Penetration Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Penetration Tester job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,625 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Knoxville, TN • Remote

$120K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

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Job description

Zelvin Security is seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to join our Ethical Hacking Team and conduct hands-on ethical hacking engagements across networks, web applications, APIs, cloud platforms, and hybrid environments.

This role requires proven hands-on capability in both network and web application/API penetration testing. You’ll combine manual analysis with appropriate tooling, identify and pursue viable attack paths, validate exploitability, demonstrate real-world impact, and turn technical evidence into a clear, compelling narrative that helps clients understand their risk and take meaningful action.

At Zelvin, penetration testing is not about generating a list of vulnerabilities. Our testers think like attackers, follow the evidence, challenge assumptions, and determine which weaknesses create meaningful risk. They then help clients understand what matters, why it matters, and what they can do about it.

We are looking for someone who wants their work to make a meaningful impact serving clients, contributing to our team, their own professional growth, and the broader offensive security community.

Skills & Qualifications

· Minimum of three years of professional penetration testing or offensive security experience.

· Demonstrated hands-on experience conducting both network and web application/API penetration testing.

· Strong knowledge of Active Directory and Windows enterprise environments, including authentication, privilege escalation, lateral movement, and common attack paths.

· Working knowledge of cloud and hybrid environments, including identity, networking, permissions, and exposed services.

· Strong understanding of networking, operating systems, web technologies, authentication, exploitation techniques, and offensive security methodologies.

· Ability to analyze attack paths, adapt testing approaches, troubleshoot unsuccessful techniques, and distinguish demonstrated risk from assumptions or theoretical exposure.

· Strong critical-thinking, technical-curiosity, attention-to-detail, and problem-solving skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical evidence and security risk for technical and non-technical audiences.

· Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.

· Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively, sharing knowledge, respecting different perspectives, and contributing to team success.

· Bachelor’s degree in information security, computer science, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Professional Requirements:

At least one recognized hands-on offensive security certification such as OSCP, OSWE, or an equivalent. Other certifications such as CPTS, BSCP, GPEN, GWAPT, or equivalents will be considered.

Strong desire to make a meaningful impact through client service, team contribution, continued professional growth, and active engagement with the broader offensive security community. Uphold professional and technical standards, especially when doing so is challenging.

Responsibilities

As a Penetration Tester:

· Conduct all aspects of hands-on, manual and tool-assisted penetration testing of internal and external networks, web applications, APIs, cloud platforms, and hybrid environments.

· Identify, investigate, validate, safely exploit, and document vulnerabilities and attack paths to demonstrate actual security risk and real-world impact.

· Turn technical evidence into clear, defensible findings and practical remediation guidance that helps clients understand their risk and take meaningful action.

· Take ownership of assigned engagements through completion, while producing technically accurate, well-supported deliverables that uphold Zelvin’s quality standards.

As a Teammate:

· Participate in peer reviews and give and receive constructive feedback that improves the quality and accuracy of our work.

· Develop or adapt scripts, tools, payloads, and exploitation techniques when existing approaches are insufficient

· Research emerging technologies, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques, and contribute improvements to Zelvin’s methodologies, tools, and technical capabilities to support continuous innovation.


· Combine technical excellence with curiosity, professional judgment, and accountability. Communicate concerns, share in finding solutions to barriers, and act with integrity.

Technical excellence has its greatest impact when it strengthens our clients, improves our work, and develops the people around us.

What We Offer

· Remote work environment

· Unlimited paid time off (Policy Guided)

· Continuing education and professional development opportunities

· Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance

· 401(k) with company match

· Opportunities to contribute directly to Zelvin’s testing methodologies, tools, processes, and technical capabilities

· Process improvement is guided by the team and everyone’s suggestions are considered


Position Details

This is a full-time remote position with less than 5% of required travel annually.

Zelvin Security is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable background screening, drug screening, and E-Verify requirements. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have permanent authorization to work in the U. S. at the time of hire.

Base salary is determined by experience, technical capability, certifications, and overall qualifications. Performance bonuses are awarded according to defined company standards.

Company Description

Zelvin Security is a cybersecurity firm specializing in Ethical Hacking. We work with businesses and organizations to help them secure applications, networks, architecture and other sensitive assets to reduce cybersecurity risks. Our experienced Ethical Hacking testers perform penetration tests: application, mobile, cloud, network testing and other red and purple team exercises. We are a privately owned business with strong values and a team environment.