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Security Penetration Testing Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Testing Lead

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies and configurations, and deliver actionable recommendations to reduce organizational cyber risk. This ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Atlantic City, NJ

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies and configurations, and deliver actionable recommendations to reduce organizational cyber risk. This ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OCH Technologies is seeking a Penetration Testing Lead responsible for planning, executing, and ... The ideal candidate is an experienced offensive security professional who combines advanced ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OCH Technologies is seeking a Penetration Testing Lead responsible for planning, executing, and ... The ideal candidate is an experienced offensive security professional who combines advanced ...

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC ยท Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate is an experienced offensive security professional who combines advanced ... Serve as primary technical POC for all penetration testing activities, including network, system ...

... testing of systems to verify exploitability, ensuring comprehensive identification of security ... Develop SOPs and best practices for penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, documenting ...

Lead and perform advanced security assessments, including hands-on penetration testing of systems and applications. * Identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and deliver clear, actionable remediation ...

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

In lieu of a degree, 4 years of additional IT security or penetration testing experience may be considered. * Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ...

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Experience with industrial control systems deployment, security best practices, vulnerabilities, and penetration testing. * ICD 503 and the Government's certification and accreditation process.

In lieu of a degree, 4 years of additional IT security or penetration testing experience may be considered. * Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ...

Penetration Tester

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Experience with industrial control systems deployment, security best practices, vulnerabilities, and penetration testing. * ICD 503 and the Government's certification and accreditation process.

Penetration Tester with Security Clearance

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: * CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CEH, CFR, Cloud+, CySA ...

Lead and perform advanced security assessments, including hands-on penetration testing of systems and applications. * Identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and deliver clear, actionable remediation ...

Stay up-to-date on the latest security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques. * Research and evaluate new penetration testing tools and methodologies. * Develop custom tools and scripts to ...

Senior Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field; or 5+ years of equivalent job experience in penetration testing * 4+ years of professional services experience ...

In lieu of a degree, 4 years of additional IT security or penetration testing experience may be considered. * Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience. * Possess one of the following ...

Penetration Testers - Senior (Lead)

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$139K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled offensive security professional with extensive experience planning, leading, and executing advanced penetration testing and red team operations across complex ...

Penetration Testers - Senior (Lead)

Washington, DC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled offensive security professional with extensive experience planning, leading, and executing advanced penetration testing and red team operations across complex ...

Penetration Testers - Senior (Lead)

Washington, DC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled offensive security professional with extensive experience planning, leading, and executing advanced penetration testing and red team operations across complex ...

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Security Penetration Testing information

See Washington salary details

$69.7K

$173K

$232.7K

How much do security penetration testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for security penetration testing in Washington is $173,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $162,000.00 and $179,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Security Penetration Testing jobs in Washington?

For Security Penetration Testing jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Security Penetration Testing jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Penetration Testing jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Security Penetration Testing jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Security Penetration Testing job openings:

Infographic showing various Security Penetration Testing job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,030 per year, or $83.2 per hour.

Penetration Testing Lead

kgs

Leesburg, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Koniag IT Systems, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Penetration Testing Lead to support KITS and our government customer in Washington, DC. This position is for a Future New Business Opportunity. ย ย 
The customer may need support as needed at other locations: Warrenton, VA, Atlantic City, NJ, Melbourne, FL, Oklahoma, OK and Leesburg, VA.ย 
We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.

We are seeking an experienced Penetration Testing Lead to conduct advanced penetration testing activities, simulate cyberattacks, and evaluate the security posture of systems, networks, and applications. The Penetration Testing Lead will analyze vulnerabilities, identify gaps in IT security policies and configurations, and deliver actionable recommendations to reduce organizational cyber risk. This role requires a highly technical leader with demonstrated experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations and penetration testing methodologies.

Essential Functions, Responsibilities & Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments of systems, networks, and applications.
  • Provide detailed analysis of discovered vulnerabilities, gaps, and risks, including assessment of patching and mitigation strategies.
  • Act as an ethical attacker (red team) to simulate cyber intrusions, or as defensive cybersecurity personnel (blue team) to strengthen system resilience.
  • Develop penetration testing Rules of Engagement (ROE), test plans, and reports.
  • Execute tests in alignment with specifications, requirements, and cybersecurity guidance.
  • Provide technical expertise on penetration testing tools, cyber ranges, and simulation environments.
  • Recommend remediation actions to lower overall risk exposure.
  • Lead, supervise, and coordinate penetration testing teams and activities.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics from an accredited institution.
  • Eight (8) years of experience performing penetration testing or related responsibilities described in this position.
  • At least two (2) years of relevant experience must be recent (performed within the last three years).
  • Five (5) years of management and supervisory experience within the required experience timeframe
  • Two (2) of those five (5) years must have been in a lead role.
  • At least one (1) of the following Red Teaming or Blue Teaming certifications:

Red Teaming Certifications:

  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
  • Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
  • Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • EC Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
  • CEH Practical
  • ECSA Practical
  • Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
  • GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT)
  • GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
  • GIAC Assessing and Auditing Wireless Networks (GAWN)

Blue Teaming Certifications:

  • Certified Network Defender (CND)
  • Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
  • GIAC Defending Advanced Threats (GDAT)
  • GIAC Defensible Security Architecture (GDSA)
  • GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
  • GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting federal agencies or regulated cybersecurity environments.
  • Knowledge of NIST security controls, RMF, cyber ranges, and penetration testing methodologies.
  • Strong communication, reporting, and documentation skills.

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.

The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply for a position on our website, please get in touch with Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodations.
Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352