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Security Penetration Testing Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Conduct and/or support authorized penetration testing on enterprise network assets * Maintain ... Make recommendations regarding the selection of cost-effective security controls to mitigate risk ...

Security Communication & Reporting Communicate and present penetration testing and security assessment findings to both technical andnontechnicalstakeholders. Provide actionable remediation guidance ...

Security Testing Specialist Primarily focused on manual penetration testing and cache fraud and places of vulnerabilities, specifically vulnerabilities in authorization, permissions, and MFA.

Security Communication & Reporting Communicate and present penetration testing and security assessment findings to both technical andnontechnicalstakeholders. Provide actionable remediation guidance ...

Security Communication & Reporting Communicate and present penetration testing and security assessment findings to both technical andnontechnicalstakeholders. Provide actionable remediation guidance ...

Security Communication & Reporting Communicate and present penetration testing and security assessment findings to both technical andnontechnicalstakeholders. Provide actionable remediation guidance ...

Manager, Offensive Security

Austin, TX · On-site

$110K - $148K/yr

Lead and develop a team responsible for penetration testing, adversary emulation, responsible disclosure triage, and verification of security controls across applications, platforms, and services.

Perform application penetration testing as part of a team. * Perform retests of vulnerabilities to verify previous findings have been remediated. * Review reports of the testing and conduct security ...

Showing results 21-40

Security Penetration Testing information

See Texas salary details

$57.3K

$142.3K

$191.5K

How much do security penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for security penetration testing in Texas is $142,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,200.00 and $147,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 solid understanding of network security, operating systems, and ethical hacking, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and certifications such as OSCP or CEH are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for identifying vulnerabilities, communicating risks, and helping organizations strengthen their security posture.

What is security penetration testing?

Security penetration testing, also known as pen testing, is a simulated cyberattack conducted on a computer system, network, or web application to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. The goal is to proactively find security weaknesses before malicious actors do, helping organizations strengthen their defenses. Penetration testers use a combination of automated tools and manual techniques to mimic real-world attack scenarios. The results are documented in a report, which includes recommendations for improving security.

What is the difference between Security Penetration Testing vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity Penetration TestingSecurity Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, GPENCISSP, Security+
Work EnvironmentProject-based, technical testingMonitoring, incident response
Primary FocusIdentifying vulnerabilities through simulated attacksMonitoring security systems and analyzing threats
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, IT departmentsCorporate, government, finance sectors

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Security Penetration Testing involves actively probing systems for vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, whereas Security Analysts monitor and analyze security threats to protect organizational assets. Both roles require relevant certifications and are essential for comprehensive cybersecurity defense.

Is security penetration testing a good career?

Security penetration testing is a growing field within cybersecurity that involves identifying vulnerabilities in systems and networks. It offers high demand for skilled professionals, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning with certifications like OSCP or CEH. However, it requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and often involves working in high-pressure environments.

What are some common challenges security penetration testers face when conducting assessments in large organizations?

Security Penetration Testers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex network environments, obtaining the necessary permissions to test sensitive systems, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders to minimize business disruptions. Additionally, they must stay updated with evolving security threats and technologies to ensure their testing methods remain effective. Effective communication and clear reporting are also crucial, as conveying findings to both technical and non-technical audiences can directly impact remediation efforts and overall security posture.
What job categories do people searching Security Penetration Testing jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Security Penetration Testing jobs in Texas are:
Infographic showing various Security Penetration Testing job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,332 per year, or $68.4 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Antonio, TX • On-site, Remote

$83K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seekingaCyber Protection Engineerto join our team of qualified, diverse individuals conducting penetration and cybersecurity testing activities in San Antonio, TX.

In this role, the Cyber Protection Engineer assesses and tests system cybersecurity requirements, system security architecture, and system security layout. The candidate will operate in a team environment and collaborate across the organization (as required) to accomplish team goals by coordinating with customers and other testing organizations.

Essential duties:

  • Conduct cloud-focused penetration testing and security assessment activities to identify vulnerabilities, attack paths, and potential threat vectors across cloud-native and hybrid environments.
  • Support offensive security operations targeting cloud infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, containerized workloads, applications, and enterprise services within AWS, Azure, and related platforms.
  • Assists with development of attack methodologies, testing procedures, and technical analysis while collaborating with senior operators and engineers.
  • Apply cybersecurity knowledge to evaluate cloud security posture, validate security controls, and contribute to technical reporting, operational recommendations, and remediation guidance.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of related experience; or a Master's degree and 0 years of related experience. Note: 6 years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Active US Government Top Secret Security Clearance is required with the ability to obtain an SCI.
  • Must possess or have ability to obtain a DoD 8570 Certification for IAT Level II or higher(Sec+, CCNA, CySA+ or CND) prior to start.
  • Experience conducting penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, or security assessments.
  • Experience or familiarity with containerization and virtualization technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, or VMware.
  • Knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems, networking fundamentals, and common enterprise architecture.
  • Experience using scripting or automation languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell to support testing, analysis, or operational workflows.
  • Familiarity with offensive security methodologies, vulnerability management processes, and common attacker TTPs.

Preferred Qualifications for both:

  • Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure, including familiarity with IAM, networking, storage, logging, and security services.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipeline technologies and concepts, including GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, or similar platforms.
  • Ability to analyze technical findings and contribute to assessment reports, presentations, and client deliverables, and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experience assessing cloud-native technologies, including Kubernetes, containers, serverless functions, or Infrastructure-as-Code deployments.
  • Familiarity with cloud security assessment tools, vulnerability scanners, and offensive security frameworks.
  • Familiarity with Terraform, Ansible, ARM templates, CloudFormation, or Infrastructure-as-Code concepts.
  • Experience with logging, monitoring, and detection technologies such as Splunk, Sentinel, ELK, Defender, or CrowdStrike.
  • Familiarity with RMF, A&A activities, STIGs, SCAP, ACAS, or cybersecurity compliance frameworks.
  • Ability to rapidly learn emerging technologies, cloud attack methodologies, and evolving threat landscapes.
  • Relevant certifications such as AWS Security Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate, PenTest+, CySA+, CEH, AZ-500, SC-200, CRTO, GPEN, GXPN, OSCP, or similar cybersecurity certifications preferred.
Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is 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. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939