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Senior Specialist, Application Penetration Tester

KPMG Houston, Texas, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: $84,500 - $179,300 / year

Posted Feb 2, 2026Apply by Mar 4, 2026

Role & seniority: Senior Specialist, Application Penetration Tester (KPMG Advisory, Managed Services)

Stack/tools: Manual penetration testing across APIs (REST/SOAP), Web, Mobile, and thick-client apps; Burp Suite Pro; Netsparker; Checkmarx

Top 3 responsibilities

  • Conduct manual application penetration testing across APIs, web, mobile, and thick clients

  • Perform objective-based testing engagements, threat modeling, and application architecture reviews

  • Demonstrate testing findings to internal/external audiences; operate independently with minimal oversight; support remediation conversations

Must-have skills

  • 3+ years of recent application penetration testing (APIs/web/mobile)

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; strong reporting and communication to technical and non-technical audiences

  • Proficiency with Burp Suite Pro and other testing tools; ability to travel; authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship

Nice-to-haves

  • Major ethical hacking certifications (preferred but not required): GWAPT, CREST, OSWE, OSWA

  • Location & work type: Los Angeles County, CA area (U.S.); role requires travel; no visa sponsorship; rolling recruitment for full-time opportunities within KPMG Advisory Managed Services

Full Description

The KPMG Advisory practice is at the forefront of transformation, offering excellent opportunities for individuals to advance their careers and expertise with KPMG. Looking ahead, we anticipate continued evolution and success within the practice, fostering both personal and professional development, thereby creating new pathways for growth. In this ever-changing market environment, our professionals must be adaptable and thrive in a collaborative, team-driven culture. At KPMG, our people are our number one priority. With a wealth of learning and career development opportunities, a world-class training facility, and leading market tools, we help our people continue to grow both professionally and personally. If you're looking for a firm with a strong team connection where you can be your whole self, have an impact, advance your skills, deepen your experiences, and have the flexibility and access to constantly find new areas of inspiration and expand your capabilities, then consider a career in Advisory.

KPMG is currently seeking a Senior Specialist, Application Penetration Tester to join our Managed Services practice.

Responsibilities

Conduct manual application penetration testing against API's (REST/SOAP), Web Applications, Mobile applications, and thick client applications Perform objective based on abstract penetration testing engagements Execute threat modeling, evaluate application business logic, and perform application architecture reviews Demonstrate application testing experience in real time via demos to both internal and external audiences Function independently in penetration testing engagements, with minimal oversight and guidance Act with integrity, professionalism, and personal responsibility to uphold KPMG's respectful and courteous work environment

Qualifications

Minimum three years of recent experience in application penetration testing of Application Programming Interface (API's), web applications, or mobile applications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or equivalent industry experience Ability to communicate reporting results with technical and non-technical audiences and lead remediation conversations Experience with burp suite pro, and other app testing tools such as Netsparker and Checkmarx One or more major ethical hacking certifications not required but preferred; GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT), Council for Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST), Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE), Offensive Security Web Assessor (OSWA) Ability to travel as required Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. KPMG LLP will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)

KPMG LLP and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“KPMG”) complies with all local/state regulations regarding displaying salary ranges. If required, the ranges displayed below or via the URL below are specifically for those potential hires who will work in the location(s) listed. Any offered salary is determined based on relevant factors such as applicant's skills, job responsibilities, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications and market considerations. In addition, KPMG is proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, with options designed to help you make the best decisions for yourself, your family, and your lifestyle. Available benefits are based on eligibility. Our Total Rewards package includes a variety of medical and dental plans, vision coverage, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plans, and a robust suite of personal well-being benefits to support your mental health. Depending on job classification, standard work hours, and years of service, KPMG provides Personal Time Off per fiscal year. Additionally, each year KPMG publishes a calendar of holidays to be observed during the year and provides eligible employees two breaks each year where employees will not be required to use Personal Time Off; one is at year end and the other is around the July 4th holiday. Additional details about our benefits can be found towards the bottom of our KPMG US Careers site at Benefits & How We Work.

Follow this link to obtain salary ranges by city outside of CA

https: //kpmg.com/us/en/how-we-work/pay-transparency.html/?id=M105_4_25

California Salary Range: $84500 - $179300

KPMG offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. KPMG is an equal opportunity employer. KPMG complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The attached link contains further information regarding KPMG's compliance with federal, state and local recruitment and hiring laws. No phone calls or agencies please.

KPMG recruits on a rolling basis. Candidates are considered as they apply, until the opportunity is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply expeditiously to any role(s) for which they are qualified that is also of interest to them.

Los Angeles County applicants: Material job duties for this position are listed above. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, and safeguard business operations and company reputation. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Application Penetration TestingAPI TestingWeb Application TestingMobile Application TestingThick Client TestingThreat ModelingBusiness Logic EvaluationArchitecture ReviewsBurp Suite ProNetsparkerCheckmarxCommunicationIntegrityProfessionalismTeamworkAdaptabilitymulti-location

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