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Temporary Cybersecurity Penetration Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VTG is looking for multiple levels of Penetration Tester in Chantilly VA and Aurora CO. The role ... cybersecurity professionals, and staying abreast of emerging threats. โ€ข possess additional years ...

Providing intelligence, IT, cyber security, training, logistics, administrative, acquisition, and background investigation services. Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform ...

Providing intelligence, IT, cyber security, training, logistics, administrative, acquisition, and background investigation services. Summary: The Senior Penetration Tester will independently perform ...

Minimum Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information ... A minimum of five (5)+ years of hands-on penetration testing experience, including network, system ...

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Principal Penetration TesterAltus Consulting seeks a seasoned cybersecurity professional to spearhead our penetration testing initiatives. As a key member of our elite team, you'll play a crucial ...

The role of Penetration Tester (Pen Tester)* is a security professional who reviews and evaluates ... Possess knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security tools Pen ...

MD ยท On-site

... in cybersecurity and support multiple government and commercial clients for a variety of missions ... The Senior Penetration Tester serves as a technical lead supporting the Department of Health and ...

Conducting cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability assessments, and security control validation in ... Performing penetration testing and utilizing technical tools for packet capture, configuration ...

Principal Penetration Tester Altus Consulting seeks a seasoned cybersecurity professional to spearhead our penetration testing initiatives. As a key member of our elite team, you'll play a crucial ...

The role of Penetration Tester (Pen Tester)* is a security professional who reviews and evaluates ... Possess knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, industry standards, and advanced security tools Pen ...

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Temporary Cybersecurity Penetration Tester information

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$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do temporary cybersecurity penetration tester jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary cybersecurity 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 temporary cybersecurity penetration tester?

A Temporary Cybersecurity Penetration Tester is a security professional hired on a short-term or contract basis to evaluate an organization's digital defenses. They simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or web applications to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit. Their work helps organizations strengthen their security posture by uncovering weaknesses before they can be targeted. These testers use a variety of tools and techniques to mimic real-world threats and provide detailed reports with recommended fixes. Temporary roles are often project-based, focusing on specific assessments or compliance requirements.

What types of projects and team interactions can a temporary cybersecurity penetration tester expect during an assignment?

As a Temporary Cybersecurity Penetration Tester, you can expect to work on time-bound projects such as network, application, or social engineering assessments for a variety of clients. You'll often collaborate closely with internal IT teams, security analysts, and sometimes directly with client stakeholders to understand testing scopes and report findings. While the role is project-based, it's common to participate in briefings, debriefings, and knowledge-sharing sessions with permanent team members. This collaborative environment supports rapid onboarding, clear communication, and ensures that your findings effectively strengthen the client's security posture.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Cybersecurity Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, security protocols, and common vulnerabilities, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap, as well as industry certifications like CEH or OSCP, is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set standout testers apart by enabling accurate assessments and clear reporting. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying security weaknesses effectively and delivering actionable recommendations within limited timeframes.

What is the difference between Temporary Cybersecurity Penetration Tester vs Temporary Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectTemporary Cybersecurity Penetration TesterTemporary Cybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, CISSP (preferred)CISSP, Security+, CEH (optional)
Work EnvironmentConducts simulated attacks in controlled environments or client sitesMonitors security systems, analyzes threats, and reports vulnerabilities
Job FocusIdentifies and exploits vulnerabilities to test securityAnalyzes security data to detect and prevent threats
Industry UsageCommonly hired for specific testing projectsRegularly employed for ongoing security monitoring

While both roles require cybersecurity knowledge and certifications, a Temporary Cybersecurity Penetration Tester focuses on actively testing security defenses through simulated attacks, whereas a Temporary Cybersecurity Analyst monitors and analyzes security data to prevent breaches. Their work environments and objectives differ, but both are essential for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.

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Infographic showing various Temporary Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Dark Wolf Solutions

Colorado Springs, CO โ€ข Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Dark Wolf is actively seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to join our innovative team. This individual will play a critical role in assessing and enhancing the security of various products, including hardware, software, and embedded systems. This role demands a deep understanding of penetration testing methodologies and advanced exploit development, focusing on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities across a wide range of technologies. As a Junior Product and Hardware Security Penetration Tester, you will have the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the enhancement of security across a wide range of products. If you possess a strong background in penetration testing and a passion for cybersecurity, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal role. This position is set to be supported in a hybrid work environment out of the DC Metro area. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting comprehensive penetration testing on hardware, software, and network components.
  • Performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components.
  • Performing a Cybersecurity evaluation of the product under test to identify vulnerabilities that would negatively impact the Confidentiality, Integrity, or Availability of system data or functionality.
  • Analyzing software, firmware, hardware, and/or RF components within the system.
  • Opining on the impact and level of effort required to exploit the identified vulnerabilities as well as providing information on a high-level remediation strategy.
  • Developing and executing exploits and proof-of-concept (PoC) attacks to demonstrate the impact of identified vulnerabilities.
  • Analyzing and reverse engineering firmware and embedded systems to identify security weaknesses.
  • Testing and assessing the security of secure boot processes and Trusted Execution Environments (TEE).
  • Conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing.
  • Performing manual verification of vulnerabilities, assessing their risk and exploitability.
  • Engaging in wireless and RF security testing, including penetration testing on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee networks.
  • Utilizing Software Defined Radio (SDR) for protocol reverse engineering and testing.
  • Reporting detailed findings, documenting case details, and providing actionable recommendations for remediation to enhance product security based on system analysis.
  • Planning and executing full-scale, cross-domain vulnerability assessments, network penetration testing, and phishing/social engineering campaigns.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum of 2+ years' experience in three or more specific areas to include: intelligence analysis, network engineering, networking security, penetration testing, red team operations, hardware engineering, software engineering, exploit development, reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment, physical security assessments, or social engineering
  • Proficiency with cloud technology and deployments across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Proficiency in the testing and assessment of mobile operating systems, embedded systems, and/or IoT devices
  • Experience in drafting reports, documenting case details, and summarizing findings and recommendations based on system analysis
  • Experience performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components
  • Experience conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing
  • Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong understanding of NIST 800-53 frameworks
  • US Citizenship and an active security clearance at a minimum of the Secret Level
Desired Qualifications:
  • Proven ability to develop and execute complex exploits and PoC attacks
  • Strong analytical skills and experience in firmware, binary exploitation, and embedded systems testing
  • Advanced knowledge of Software Defined Radio (SDR) and protocol reverse engineering
  • Active professional certifications such as CEH, OSCP, PNPT, GPEN, or similar security/pen testing certifications

The salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $145,000.00 commensurate on experience and technical skillset.ย 

We are open to considering a variety of levels of experience for these projects and potential for 1099 hourly opportunity.ย 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.ย 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity, confirm US Citizenship, and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.