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Testing Specialist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$95K - $112K/yr

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) * TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) * GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) * Zero Point ...

Managing testing schedules to ensure all tasks and reporting are completed within established ... Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE ...

Managing testing schedules to ensure all tasks and reporting are completed within established ... Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE ...

Laboratory Testing Specialist SCOPE: Moderate and High Complexity Laboratory Testing Responsible for accurately performing specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures ...

Conduct testing and analysis to identify vulnerabilities and potential threat vectors in systems ... Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), HTB Certified Penetration Tester Specialist (CPTS ...

Showing results 21-40

Testing Specialist information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$28

$47

How much do testing specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for testing specialist in Virginia is $28.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $39.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a testing specialist?

Testing Specialists are professionals who design, execute, and evaluate tests to ensure that products, software, or systems meet specified requirements and quality standards. They identify defects, document issues, and collaborate with development teams to resolve problems before products are released. Testing Specialists may focus on various types of testing, such as manual, automated, functional, or performance testing, depending on the industry and project needs. Their role is crucial in delivering reliable and high-quality products to customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a testing specialist?

To thrive as a Testing Specialist, you need a solid understanding of software testing methodologies, attention to detail, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with test management tools (like JIRA, TestRail), automation frameworks (such as Selenium), and knowledge of programming languages are commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and clear communication help Testing Specialists excel in identifying issues and collaborating with teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring software quality, minimizing defects, and delivering reliable products.

How does a testing specialist typically collaborate with developers and other team members during a project?

As a Testing Specialist, collaboration with developers and other team members is crucial throughout the software development lifecycle. Testing Specialists often participate in daily stand-up meetings, report and track defects, and communicate test results to ensure issues are understood and resolved efficiently. They work closely with developers to clarify requirements, reproduce bugs, and verify fixes, while also coordinating with project managers and business analysts to align testing priorities with project goals. This cross-functional teamwork ensures high product quality and timely delivery.

What is the difference between Testing Specialist vs Quality Assurance Analyst?

AspectTesting SpecialistQuality Assurance Analyst
CertificationsISTQB, CSTEISTQB, CSTE
Work EnvironmentSoftware testing teams, labsQuality assurance departments, software firms
Industry UsageIT, software developmentIT, manufacturing, service industries
Primary FocusExecuting test cases, identifying bugsProcess improvement, compliance, testing oversight

Testing Specialists primarily focus on executing test cases and identifying bugs within software products, while Quality Assurance Analysts oversee testing processes, ensure standards are met, and improve quality procedures. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in the same environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Testing Specialist jobs in VA?

For Testing Specialist jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Testing Specialist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,017 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Penetration Tester

Peraton

Arlington, VA • On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 224 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities
Peraton is seeking an experienced Cyber Penetration Tester to become part of Peratons' Federal Strategic Cyber programs.
Location: Northern VA; Hybrid - flex as long as person can come on-site as/when needed.
In this role, you will:
  • Support the Red Cell Team by performing and leading penetration tests to assess the security of customer systems.
  • Identify vulnerabilities and develop recommended remediations to satisfy mandated NIST 800-53 security controls.
  • Report and demonstrate findings to system owners and engineers.
  • Maintain Red Cell infrastructure.
  • Develop or modify tools to automate discovery or exploitation.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science and 5 years of relevant experience in Cyber/IT, or a Master's of Science and 3 years of relevant experience in Cyber/IT. 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 certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date:
    • 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 with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.
  • Demonstrated ability in evaluating vulnerabilities, performing root cause analysis, and reporting findings utilizing assessment methodologies such as NIST SP 800-115, Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), Information Systems Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF), OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WTG), etc.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers.
  • U.S. citizenship required.
  • An active Secret security clearance.
    • Must have the ability to obtain a final Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred:
  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
  • One of the following certifications or an alternate, verifiable certification demonstrating IT security competence:
    • CompTIA CASP+
    • ISC2 Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP)
    • ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
    • ISC2 Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP)
  • One of the following certifications or an alternate, verifiable certification demonstrating practical penetration testing competence:
    • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
    • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
    • Hack the Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS)
    • TCM Security Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT)
    • GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
    • Zero Point Security Red Team Ops II
  • Advanced understanding of the following:
    • NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) and the Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process.
    • Security principles such as CIA, IAAAA, access control models, risk management, etc.
    • Networking principles and technologies such as IP routing, TCP/UDP, VPNs, firewalls, NAT, etc.
    • Common network protocols such as SSH, FTP, SMTP, SMB, HTTP, etc.
    • Operating system principles such as process management, device management, user management, file systems, etc.
    • Data processing principles such as encoding, hashing, encryption, etc.
    • Scripting and programming languages such as Bash, Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, etc.
    • Common application vulnerabilities and exploits such as outdated components,
    • permissions mis-configurations, lack of input validation, logging/monitoring failures, etc.
    • Common web application vulnerabilities and exploits such as XSS, SQLi, LFI, file uploads, broken authentication mechanisms, etc.
    • Active Directory (AD) enumeration and attacks such as kerberoasting, AS-REP roasting, abusing mis-configured privileges, crafting golden tickets, etc.
    • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and navigating IT environments implementing multifactor authentication.
    • Cloud technologies and platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), etc.

#DSCM
Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017