Explore Penetration Tester Jobs

Penetration testers help organizations uncover and address security weaknesses before malicious attackers can exploit them. These professionals simulate real-world attacks against applications, networks, cloud environments, and systems, then explain their findings and recommend practical fixes. Explore vetted penetration tester opportunities on Ladders, including positions with compensation of $100,000 or more.

What Does a Penetration Tester Do?

Penetration testers plan and conduct authorized security assessments using a mix of technical tools and manual testing. They may test web applications, APIs, internal and external networks, wireless systems, cloud infrastructure, or mobile applications. After testing, they document evidence, assess risk, and work with development, IT, and security teams to prioritize remediation and verify that vulnerabilities have been resolved.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek experience with operating systems, networking, scripting, and security testing methodologies. Familiarity with tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, Metasploit, and vulnerability scanners can be valuable, alongside knowledge of secure software development and cloud security. Clear communication and report writing are essential: testers must translate technical findings into actionable guidance for both engineers and business stakeholders. Certifications such as OSCP, GPEN, or relevant cloud and application-security credentials may strengthen a candidate’s profile, though requirements vary by employer.

Career Paths and Work Environments

Penetration testers work in consulting firms, technology companies, financial services, healthcare, government, and other organizations with significant security needs. Related roles include red team operator, application security engineer, security consultant, vulnerability researcher, and penetration testing lead. With experience, professionals may move into security architecture, offensive security management, or broader cybersecurity leadership.

Find Penetration Tester Jobs on Ladders

Search Ladders for penetration tester jobs and related offensive security opportunities. Review role requirements, compare positions, and find vetted professional openings that match your experience and career goals, including jobs paying $100,000 or more.

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$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on NETA and Relay testing. Engage with diverse clients across the US, ensuring the reliability of electrical systems through expert testing and commi...

Texas, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$116K - $125K *

Elevate cybersecurity measures by designing and implementing robust controls for enterprise applications and infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with federal s...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $138K *

Join us to lead the installation and support of next-gen Voice Communication Switch systems. This role demands technical expertise and customer interaction to ensure seamless transitions and operation...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Lead the design and development of robust security architecture for cloud infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines. Partner cross-functionally to embed security in the development lifecycle and evaluate eme...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$104K - $166K *

Drive modernization efforts in America's airspace by ensuring accurate software installations and configurations for the FAA's Terminal Flight Data Manager program. Collaborate with teams to resolve t...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $234K *

Transform complex challenges into innovative solutions by leveraging expertise in RF communications, machine learning, and data analytics to enhance cybersecurity and network research for government a...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Drive the security of cutting-edge AI infrastructure, owning the entire security program from design to execution. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust defenses against evolving threats while arc...

San Francisco, CARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$173K - $303K *

Unlock potential by leading the implementation of ServiceNow's Security and Risk solutions. Collaborate with customers and partners to drive business outcomes, provide architectural guidance, and ment...

San Diego, CARemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $200K *

Contribute to a cutting-edge AI platform by building scalable retrieval systems and integrating language models, ensuring accurate citation and robust performance in a secure environment. Your experti...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$66K - $106K *

Unlock potential by driving the design, development, and maintenance of enterprise mainframe applications using COBOL and IDMS, ensuring high performance and compliance with standards while collaborat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join our team to validate and enhance data migration processes through comprehensive testing, ensuring quality and performance in a dynamic Agile environment. Your expertise will drive successful syst...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $190K *

Transform security solutions across multiple domains, driving technical direction and collaboration to address high-risk items and enhance Meta's security posture company-wide. Lead cross-functional t...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $165K *

Join a team that's dedicated to proactively identifying and mitigating insider threats. Leverage your expertise in cyber investigations and threat hunting to protect critical data and enhance security...

North Carolina, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Transform enterprise endpoint capabilities by designing, securing, and automating solutions for diverse users. Collaborate with cybersecurity and support teams to ensure effective deployment and lifec...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $230K *

Lead a team that operationalizes advanced AI security solutions for enterprises, ensuring integration and compliance across environments. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into e...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $155K *

Join a team that's driving the future of cybersecurity by leading technical security control initiatives. Your expertise will shape enterprise security across multiple domains, ensuring effective cont...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $110K *

Join our Mobile Quality Engineering team to ensure the quality and reliability of iOS applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate features, troubleshoot issues, and enhance user...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Transform software delivery by architecting a secure, automated platform that empowers development teams to ship compliant code effortlessly. Collaborate across systems to ensure operational readiness...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$185K - $265K *

Engage in strategic leadership to design and implement partner programs that drive pipeline growth, enhance partner enablement, and ensure operational excellence across cross-functional teams for scal...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$74K - $123K *

Unlock potential by leading proactive threat detection and response efforts. Collaborate with a skilled team to investigate cyber threats, mentor junior analysts, and enhance security operations, ensu...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Transform financial operations by supporting ERP implementation, analyzing business processes, and ensuring seamless integration across multiple workstreams. Collaborate with teams to enhance system f...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$225K - $281K *

Lead detection and response strategy, building systems and automations to enhance security. Collaborate with teams to set standards, mentor engineers, and manage complex incidents, ensuring effective...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the enhancement of security measures for cloud-based healthcare solutions, focusing on vulnerability management, incident response, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensu...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team as a strategic leader to drive the public sector channel strategy, focusing on the U.S. federal market. Build relationships, execute go-to-market plans, and empower partners to del...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$123K - $166K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cloud platform reliability and security. As a Platform Engineer, you'll leverage your expertise in Kubernetes and CI/CD to build and maintain robust infrastru...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a penetration tester?question toggle

    A penetration tester is a cybersecurity professional who conducts authorized, controlled testing to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems, applications, networks, or cloud environments.

  • What skills do penetration tester jobs typically require?question toggle

    Commonly requested skills include networking and operating system fundamentals, scripting, vulnerability assessment, web application testing, security tools, and the ability to write clear reports and collaborate on remediation.

  • Do penetration testers need certifications?question toggle

    Certifications are not always required, but credentials such as OSCP or GPEN can demonstrate relevant skills. Requirements vary by employer, role, and level of experience.

  • Where do penetration testers work?question toggle

    Penetration testers work across industries, including technology, consulting, financial services, healthcare, and government. They may be employed in-house or provide security assessments to clients.

  • How can I find penetration tester jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Use Ladders to explore vetted professional penetration tester and related cybersecurity openings, review each listing’s requirements and compensation details, and apply to roles aligned with your experience.