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Security Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Defense Technologies

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

CDT is looking for a Penetration Tester to This will be supporting a government customer onsite in ... Responsible for performing security focused services to improve security posture. * Conduct test ...

Amatriot Group, LLC

Penetration Tester

Rensselaer, NY · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Albany, NY Security Clearance: None Job Type: Full-Time Target Salary Range*: $90,000 - $105,000 ... Key Responsibilities Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment * Conduct penetration tests ...

Cyber Defense Technologies

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

CDT is looking for a Penetration Tester to This will be supporting a government customer onsite in ... Responsible for performing security focused services to improve security posture. * Conduct test ...

RXinsider LTD.

$80 - $100/hr

Are you a collaborative Penetration Tester looking to work for a mission driven global organization? About the role - This role supports the offensive security function within Elsevier's Security ...

asrcfh

Penetration Tester

Quantico, VA · Hybrid

This role requires a deep understanding of security principles, hacking techniques, and attack methodologies. The Penetration Tester will plan, execute, and document penetration tests, provide ...

VTG

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

Pen Testers are also responsible for performing security focused services to improve the security ... Leads penetration tests, mentoring junior testers, and providing technical guidance to stakeholders.

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CEH, CFR, Cloud+, CySA+, GCIA, GCIH, GICSP, SCYBER, Security+ CE, SSCP * Demonstrated experience with Kali Linux. * Demonstrated penetration testing tools experience ...

gTANGIBLE

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

National Security Programs * Professional, Administrative, and Management Support * Mission and ... Penetration Tester Location: Arlington, VA Security Clearance:Secret Duties and Responsibilities ...

Convergence-Networks

Penetration Tester

Portland, OR · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Penetration Testing & Security AssessmentsConduct Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathering and reconnaissance activities against target organizations.Independently perform standard external and ...

Amatriot Group, LLC

Penetration Tester

Rensselaer, NY · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Albany, NY Security Clearance: None Job Type: Full-Time Target Salary Range*: $90,000 - $105,000 ... Key Responsibilities Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment * Conduct penetration tests ...

Orison

Penetration Tester

Reston, VA · On-site

Penetration Tester Location: Reston, VA Work Mode - Hybrid role, 2 days' Work from Office ... Experience with security assessment tools, such as Nessus, Metasploit, Burp Suite Pro, Cobalt ...

VT Group (VTG)

Penetration Tester

Aurora, CO · On-site

VTG is looking for multiple levels of Penetration Tester in Chantilly VA and Aurora CO ... The role involves evaluating information systems and recommending changes to improve security ...

Techcompass

$100 - $125/hr

We work with organizations at different stages of security maturity, from growing technology ... S.-based penetration testers as our team and client needs grow. How this works: These are 1099 ...

Altus Consulting Corp

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist)GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)GXPN (GIAC Exploit Programmer)CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator)Additional ...

Amatriot Group, LLC

$80 - $100/hr

Albany, NY Security Clearance: None Job Type: Full-Time Target Salary Range*: $90,000 - $105,000 ... Key Responsibilities Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment * Conduct penetration tests ...

Altus Consulting Corp

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborate closely with clients to develop tailored remediation strategies that drive meaningful security improvements * Push the boundaries of penetration testing innovation through research and ...

OCH Technologies LLC

Penetration Tester

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Security Clearance Requirement Candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Public ... Experience with cloud penetration testing (AWS, Azure). * Familiarity with aircraft systems ...

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Security Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do security penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for security penetration tester in the United States is $119,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a security penetration tester?

Security Penetration Testers, often called 'pen testers' or ethical hackers, are cybersecurity professionals who simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, and applications. Their goal is to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit. By conducting these controlled tests, they help organizations strengthen their security measures and protect sensitive information. Penetration testers document their findings and provide recommendations to improve defenses. This role requires a deep understanding of security tools, attack methodologies, and current cyber threats.

What are some common challenges security penetration testers face when working with client organizations?

Security Penetration Testers often encounter challenges such as limited access to systems due to strict security policies, incomplete or outdated documentation, and time constraints for testing. Additionally, communicating technical vulnerabilities in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders can be demanding. Building trust with clients and ensuring that findings are addressed rather than overlooked are also important aspects of the role, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

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

To thrive as a Security Penetration Tester, you need a strong understanding of network security, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking, often supported by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity and certifications like OSCP or CEH. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as knowledge of scripting languages, is typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you identify vulnerabilities and clearly report findings. These skills are vital to proactively identifying and mitigating security risks, thereby protecting organizational assets from cyber threats.

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

AspectSecurity Penetration TesterVulnerability Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISA, CISSP, GIAC
Work EnvironmentHands-on testing, simulated attacksVulnerability assessment, reporting
Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, IT departmentsSecurity teams, compliance roles

While both roles focus on identifying security weaknesses, a Security Penetration Tester actively exploits vulnerabilities to test defenses, whereas a Vulnerability Analyst primarily assesses and reports on vulnerabilities without exploiting them. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to cybersecurity teams, but their day-to-day tasks differ significantly.

Is a security penetration tester a good career?

A security penetration tester is a valuable cybersecurity professional who assesses systems for vulnerabilities using tools like Kali Linux and exploits techniques. The role offers high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for certification such as OSCP or CEH, making it a strong career choice for those interested in cybersecurity and ethical hacking.
More about Security Penetration Tester jobs

What states have the most Security Penetration Tester jobs?

States with the most job openings for Security Penetration Tester jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Security Penetration Tester jobs?

For Security Penetration Tester jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Security Penetration Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Cyber Defense Technologies
Real Estate • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Cyber Defense Technologiesexternal

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview: CDT is looking for a Penetration Tester to This will be supporting a government customer onsite in Chantilly, VA. Candidates with OSCP certification are highly recommended to apply.
Clearance: An active Top Secret/SCI with CI poly is required.Candidates who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct penetration testing that uses both active and passive capabilities to expose and exploit IA vulnerabilities.
  • Review and evaluate information systems and recommend changes to the Government that can improve information confidentiality, integrity and availability.
  • Responsible for performing security focused services to improve security posture.
  • Conduct test and evaluations of software, hardware, networks and applications.
  • Reviews of the documents to ensure completeness and compliance with the RMF process, ICD 503 requirements, and/or other applicable regulations.
Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/GED, Associates Degree and 5 years of relevant work experience.
  • Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience in cyber security with a focus on red teaming, penetration testing, or threat hunting.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Strong understanding of network protocols and troubleshooting, server and workstation operating systems, exploits and vulnerabilities.
  • Strong working knowledge of common penetration tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
  • Experience with cloud environments.
  • Strong understanding of penetration testing methodologies (MITRE ATT&CK, OWASP).
  • Ability to incorporate threat intelligence data into attached or penetration testing scenarios.
  • Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills with a strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to read/write code using interpreted languages (Python, PHP, Ruby, etc.).
  • Experience with simulated/emulated environments and/or virtualization technologies.
  • Experience with orchestration tools and virtualization environments (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).
  • Experience with industrial control systems deployment, security best practices, vulnerabilities, and penetration testing.
  • ICD 503 and the Government's certification and accreditation process.
  • Networks, computer components, system protocols, and COTS technology.
  • System methodologies including: client/server, web hosting, web content servers, policy servers, directory servers, firewalls, WAN, MAN, LAN, switches, and routers.
  • Software integration of COTS and Government Off-the-Shelf (GOTS) products.
  • Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac OS X administration.
  • VMware, Xen, Hyper V and other virtualization platforms.
  • Configuring and supporting Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS, and other operating systems, VMware, Xen, Hyper V and other virtualization platforms.
  • Experience in Software engineering, program design and implementation, configuration management, system maintenance, integration testing, Information system engineering.
  • System certification activities and efforts related to system certification and accreditation.
  • Research, develop, and maintain knowledge of penetration testing tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
  • Research, development, integration, and distribution of information systems security tools and associated documentation
  • Security procedures for systems and software within area of expertise to ensure consistent security policy implementation.
  • Experience in technical project management.
  • Education relevant to computer engineering, information security, information management, cyber security, and/or computer science

Why Join Cyber Defense Technologies?
At CDT, we offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your expertise in Penetration Testing will help shape the future of cybersecurity and engineering solutions.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

CDT is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
Apply Now:
If you are a proactive Penetration Tester and thrive in dynamic environments, we encourage you to apply and join the CDT team!
Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000

Apply