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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$75K - $150K *

Unlock growth by driving sales for our cybersecurity and managed services solutions. Manage the full sales cycle, engage decision-makers, and collaborate with partners to exceed revenue goals while de...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Shape the future of enterprise solutions by bridging technical expertise and strategic vision. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design impactful architectures that drive customer success and...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Drive the development and optimization of GTM strategies, leveraging automation and campaign execution across multiple platforms to enhance pipeline generation and account prioritization in a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $322K *

Join a dynamic team to lead and empower Solutions Engineers, driving technical sales excellence while fostering collaborative innovation and ensuring customer success through strategic insights and re...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $95K *

Engineer secure enterprise infrastructure by designing, implementing, and maintaining robust security measures across on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards an...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$104K - $166K *

Innovate by driving the design and operationalization of advanced LLM capabilities, leading AI innovation, and ensuring robust governance across cloud-based analytics. Collaborate with cross-functiona...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $120K *

Innovate cloud solutions by designing, deploying, and managing AWS infrastructures. Collaborate with teams to ensure optimal performance, security, and compliance while supporting a high-performance e...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cloud technology by designing, deploying, and managing AWS infrastructures. Join a high-performance team dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and ensuri...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, engaging with customers and partners to address their unique challenges. Leverage your expertise in pre-sales and engineering to enhance operati...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive collaboration with sales teams to identify prospects and deliver tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges and enhancing customer engagement through education and presentation...

Dover, DERemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $200K *

Transform backend systems by leveraging Java and Kotlin to enhance patch management capabilities for millions of endpoints. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, high-quality so...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$128K - $250K *

Join a dynamic team to drive Cyber Security solutions for Fortune 2000 clients. You'll manage client relationships, lead sales initiatives, and oversee the entire deal lifecycle, ensuring value-driven...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$136K - $163K *

Build and lead a high-performing QA team, developing automation frameworks and testing strategies for AI-driven products. Collaborate with engineering to enhance quality and efficiency in a fast-paced...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Transform security architecture by defining standards, leading reviews, and managing risks. Collaborate with teams to ensure secure, efficient integration of applications and AI, while maintaining cle...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $216K *

Lead the charge in integrating DOD MP-ICAM solutions, focusing on CAC/PIV, SAML, and Active Directory. Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to enhance identity controls and support privileged-access w...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $225K *

Create innovative data solutions by designing scalable pipelines and AI tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality and security, driving impactful analytics and machine lea...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$90K - $110K *

Drive quality assurance efforts by analyzing requirements, designing test scenarios, and executing tests for web and mobile applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing pra...

Georgia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$146K - $180K *

Lead the charge in designing secure, scalable systems that protect products and customer data. Collaborate across teams to embed security throughout the software development lifecycle and drive comple...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$206K - $283K *

Unlock potential by providing expert guidance in network security transformation, collaborating with sales teams to architect solutions that enhance customer security postures and drive successful out...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$206K - $283K *

Transform customer security with your expertise in network security and zero trust. Collaborate across teams to define robust solutions and lead critical technical discussions that enhance cybersecuri...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $128K *

Analyze and monitor security alerts, investigate threats, and enhance SOC processes. Collaborate with teams to ensure cybersecurity measures are effective, while documenting incidents and providing te...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $128K *

Elevate cybersecurity operations by monitoring threats, analyzing network traffic, and coordinating incident responses. Collaborate with teams to enhance security measures and mentor junior analysts w...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead backend development and API architecture, ensuring security, performance, and data integrity while collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors to deliver robust solutions...

Albany, NYRemote

4 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $190K *

Transform customer security strategies by collaborating with sales teams to identify needs, demonstrate solutions, and educate partners on best practices, ensuring organizations are safeguarded agains...

New York, NYRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing exceptional post-sales technical support for federal clients. You'll troubleshoot complex systems, collaborate with engineering teams, and ensure seamless ope...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.