Verizon Communications

Senior Penetration Tester

Verizon Communications • $120K — $210K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Six or more years of experience in penetration testing or security roles.
  • Demonstrated hands-on application and network penetration testing expertise.

Responsibilities

  • Lead comprehensive penetration testing on high-risk applications and infrastructure.
  • Analyze complex issues requiring nuanced evaluation and problem-solving.
  • Develop strategies amidst broad goals with ambiguous parameters.
  • Employ creativity and innovation in crafting penetration testing solutions.
  • Generate insightful reports for both technical and executive audiences.
  • Collaborate with teams to provide actionable vulnerability remediation guidance.
  • Mentor and lead junior penetration testers in engagements.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision options.
  • Matched 401(k) savings plan and various insurance coverages.
  • Generous vacation policy, starting at 15 days per year, increasing with tenure.
  • Paid parental leave and adoption assistance support.
  • Tuition assistance for professional development and education.
Full Job Description
What you’ll be doing...

The Verizon Cyber Security (VCS) organization enables the business by protecting assets and information across Verizon networks, infrastructure and applications. VCS integrates cybersecurity governance, policies, technologies and operations across Verizon, and works to incorporate security into the design of technology systems and services.

Verizon Cybersecurity (VCS) is looking for an Application Penetration Tester to join our Enterprise Pen Test team. You’ll be joining a group of talented, creative thinkers who "act like the enemy" to focus on ensuring that infrastructure and applications (web, mobile, and API) are secure by performing penetration testing from both inside and outside of Verizon. This team isn’t a "copy and paste from a scan tool" reporting team, or a cookie cutter just scanning with tools team, or a team that just monitors and supports security scanning tools used by developers. This team is an Enterprise recognized and supported group of skilled, experienced and certified ethical hacking Verizon employees who are trusted to direct themselves with a lot of unknowns. 

The successful candidate will possess an effective aptitude in thinking like an adversary, security of Infrastructure, Web applications, APIs and Mobile Applications,  mentoring and leading  junior pen testers and effectively translating highly technical information to internal customers in a way that supports VCS and broader Verizon goals.


Role responsibilities include:

  • Leading and performing full scope penetration testing on complex, high risk web applications, Infrastructure, APIs and Mobile applications.
  • Successfully working complex issues that require the analysis and in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
  • Interpreting broad goals with unknown variables and craft, execute plans to achieve these goals with little to no contemporary “clear and transparent” standards. 
  • Developing resolutions that require the frequent use of creativity and out of the box thinking.
  • Configuring and safely utilizing attacker tools, tactics, and procedures for Verizon environments.
  • Developing comprehensive and accurate reports and presentations for both technical and executive audiences.
  • The ability to make collaborative and independent decisions on the impact of an exposure to Verizon
  • Acting as a SME and guide, advising on security vulnerability impact, ratings and remediation recommendations across the organization as needed.
  • Helping to lead the definition of Pen Test (with AI) strategy and standards to further enhance the company’s security posture, collaborating with management/exec leadership. 
  • Supporting, designing and architecting an inhouse developed AI Pen Testing harness.
  • Effectively communicating findings and strategy to client stakeholders including technical staff, executive leadership, and legal counsel
  • Working closely with stakeholders and developers providing risk-appropriate and pragmatic recommendations to correct found vulnerabilities.
  • Translating functional plans into operational processes and guiding execution of the development of scripts, tools, or methodologies to enhance Verizon’s pen testing processes and effectiveness
  • Driving technical oversight and mentoring junior pen testers on pen test engagements, vulnerability impact and ratings and remediation recommendations. 
  • Providing leadership and guidance to advance the offensive capabilities of the team and its subsequent ability to defend the Verizon Enterprise.

What we’re looking for...

For this role, we are looking for an experienced hands on pen tester who thinks like an attacker and outside of the box, who is vocal and can help lead/motivate Jr team members and who is motivated to evolve pen offensive security w/ AI - not just work with it, nor just do small jobs with it but innovate and develop it. Creative thinking, working autonomously and strategic thinking are also critical for this role.


You’ll need to have:
  • Bachelor’s degree or four or more years of work experience.
  • Six or more years of relevant experience required, demonstrated through one or a combination of work and/or military experience, or specialized training.
  • Six or more years of application/network penetration testing or security experience.

Even better if you have one or more of the following:

  • A degree in engineering, cyber security or computer science.
  • Experience developing AI toolkits and an understanding of AI LLMs and MCPs. 
  • Knowledge of secure software deployment methodologies, tools, and practices.  
  • Experience with application security risk procedures, security patterns, authentication technologies and security attack pathologies.
  • Certifications such as: GXPN,  GPEN, , eWPT, GCIH, GWAPT, OSCP, OSWA, OSCE, OSWE.
  • Service Delivery/Governance: ITILv2/3.
  • Deep understanding of OWASP Top 10, OWASP API Top 10, MASVS.
  • Strong knowledge of tools used for api, Infrastructure, web application, mobile, and network security testing, such as Kali Linux, Metasploit,  Wireshark, Burp suite,  Cobalt Strike, Nessus, Web Inspect, SQLMap.
  • Experience leading small pen test teams, driving process and strategy.
  • Solid understanding of common hosting environments such as containerization platforms (e.g., Docker and Kubernetes) and virtual machines running under hypervisors. 
  • An implementation level familiarity with all common classes of modern exploitation.
  • Mastery of Unix/Linux/Mac/Windows operating systems, including bash and Powershell.
  • Programming skills preferred and encouraged, as well as the ability to read and assess applications written multiple languages, such as Python, JAVA, .NET, C#, or others.
  • Experience with system and application security threats and vulnerabilities and secure configuration management techniques, software debugging principles, software design tools, methods, and techniques, software development models (e.g., Waterfall Model, Spiral Model).
  • Knowledge of secure coding techniques.
  • Knowledge of application security, application security vulnerabilities and exploitation techniques.
  • Some experience with software related information technology (IT) security principles and methods (e.g., modularization, layering, abstraction, data hiding, and simplicity/minimization).
  • Knowledge of secure software deployment methodologies, tools, and practices.
  • Knowledge of network security architecture concepts including topology, protocols, components, and principles (e.g., application of defense-in-depth).
  • Knowledge of security architecture concepts and enterprise architecture reference models.
  • Knowledge in discerning the protection needs (i.e., security controls) of information systems and networks.
  • Strong organization skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple, often conflicting priorities to successful completion.
  • Be a continuous learner; with a desire to stay current on security trends, tool, technologies and best practices.

If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every “even better” qualification listed above.

Where you’ll be working
In this remote role, you'll work from home with occasional in-person trainings and meetings.

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Benefits and Compensation

Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we’ve got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.

The salary will vary depending on your location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.

The annual salary range for the location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $120,500.00 - $210,000.00.

About Verizon Communications

MCIS delivers wireless links, turn-key systems, broadband leases, and system maintenance.

Verizon Communications Careers

Join the vibrant team at Verizon Communications, a global leader in technology and communications, where innovation meets purpose. Our diverse and inclusive culture champions forward-thinking and offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to enhancing your professional growth and career trajectory. Work You’ll Do At Verizon Communications, you will be part of a dynamic team that is at the forefront of driving digital transformation in the telecommunications industry. Our commitment to diversity and innovation is not just about staying competitive but fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. Lead with Innovation Embrace the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that redefine how people connect. Verizon is not just a company; it's a community of leaders and innovators. With over tens of thousands of employees worldwide, our leadership is committed to providing a platform where skills and ideas converge to create impactful solutions. Join Our Inclusive Team Verizon’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to our company’s ethos. We believe in empowering our team members by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. This includes comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and opportunities for professional development. Explore Career Opportunities Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Verizon offers a range of employment options to match your career ambitions. Our team is hiring creative and solution-driven professionals who are eager to learn and grow. Networking and Professional Growth Advance your career with Verizon’s unmatched opportunities for professional growth. Engage in networking events, leadership programs, and training sessions designed to hone your skills and expand your industry knowledge. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Verizon internship. Gain hands-on experience, work with seasoned professionals, and understand the inner workings of one of the world’s leading tech companies. Our internships offer a unique insight into our company culture and operations, setting a solid foundation for your career. Benefits and Culture At Verizon, we prioritize the well-being of our team members. Enjoy a comprehensive package of benefits that supports both your professional and personal life. Our culture promotes work-life balance, employee wellness, and continuous learning. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various job opportunities at Verizon Communications and find the position that best suits your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Verizon Communications. Join Verizon Communications today and be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and diversity. Shape your future in an environment where your work makes a real impact.
Learn more about Verizon Communications
Size
118,400 employees
Market Cap
$164.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$17.8 billion
Founded
1983
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$128.2 billion
NASDAQ

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