
Cybersecurity · AI & Machine Learning
Penetration Tester
Listing checked July 21, 2026 · pay as published by micro1
Key details
- Pay
- $25–80/hr
- Location
- Remote
- Job type
- full-time
- Openings
- 7
- Posted
- July 19, 2026
Overview
micro1 is looking for an experienced penetration tester to contribute your security expertise to the development of next-generation AI systems. You won't need an AI background — your hands-on knowledge of ethical hacking and vulnerability assessment is exactly what's needed to help train smarter models. This is a remote contract opportunity paying $25–$80 per hour.
What You'll Do7
- Execute thorough penetration tests and simulate real-world attacks across networks, apps, and systems to identify security weaknesses.
- Conduct detailed vulnerability assessments, analyze results, and rank risks based on potential impact and ease of exploitation.
- Work closely with stakeholders to define the scope of testing and ensure it aligns with business priorities.
- Produce clear, well-documented findings and deliver technical reports that are understandable to both technical teams and non-technical decision-makers.
- Create actionable remediation plans and advise teams on how to implement fixes effectively.
- Keep up with the latest threats, emerging attack methods, and evolving security best practices.
- Provide security insights to help improve internal processes and strengthen the overall security posture.
Requirements7
- Proven experience in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment — you know how to think like an attacker.
- Strong command of security frameworks, protocols, and common tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap.
- Excellent communication skills — you can break down complex technical issues into clear, actionable advice for any audience.
- Solid grasp of network, application, and cloud security fundamentals.
- Bonus: experience with social engineering or physical security assessments.
- Analytical mindset with a sharp eye for detail and a proactive attitude toward finding and fixing flaws.
- Certifications like OSCP, CEH, or GPEN are highly valued.
Who Should Apply
This role is ideal for an experienced security professional who enjoys breaking things to make them stronger and wants to see their skills applied in a unique way — shaping how AI understands security. You're comfortable working independently in a remote setting, and you're excited about the chance to contribute your domain expertise without needing to learn AI from scratch.
Salary Insight
$25–$80 per hour, depending on experience and scope.
Pay and demand for Quality Assurance & Testing roles
Market estimates from live NearSkill listings — separate from this job's published terms.
This role · as published
$25–80/hr
Taken from the listing itself.
Typical pay · estimated
$75/hour
Median of 346 similar roles that publish pay · 114 publish only a top rate; those count at the rate they gave
Most Quality Assurance & Testing roles pay $50–$96 per hour. This role's pay falls inside that range.
Rates shown per hour. Yearly and monthly pay converted; one-time fees and non-USD pay are not included.
- Live similar roles
- 398
- Listed in last 30 days
- 184
- Remote
- 96%
Hiring most right now: SME Careers (111) · micro1 (98) · AfterQuery (45)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- llm evaluation26%
- ai training23%
- python21%
- trainer feedback20%
Figures from Quality Assurance & Testing roles live on NearSkill when this page loaded. A role can close before you apply, so check the listing itself.
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