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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$110K - $130K *
Transform the security landscape by integrating security practices into CI/CD pipelines and Kubernetes environments, ensuring robust protection for cloud-native applications, AI services, and infrastr...
Reposted 2 days ago
Lead, Database Infrastructure Security Engineer
$133K - $220K *
Lead innovative security solutions by enhancing database security posture, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement robust security features, and driving business impact throu...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Tooling & Automation
$125K - $135K *
Architect a unified operational dashboard connecting diverse alert systems to streamline monitoring and enhance triage efficiency, ensuring critical alerts are prioritized and effectively routed...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Cloud & Infrastructure Security
$150K - $180K *
Empower security innovation by designing robust cloud and infrastructure solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance security posture, ensuring safe multi-cloud operations and compliance while driv...
1 week ago
$66K - $109K *
Optimize IT support operations by efficiently triaging and resolving Tier 0-2 incidents. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and maintain critical applications in a dyna...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion incident response efforts by leading forensic investigations and threat hunting activities. Collaborate with teams to mitigate cyber risks and enhance client security, ensuring business conti...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $140K *
Grow your career with a hands-on role in Zero Trust security, optimizing Zscaler environments and integrating with enterprise systems. Collaborate with federal stakeholders to enhance security posture...
3 weeks ago
$145K - $185K *
Transform the Cyber operations landscape by leading business development, shaping solutions, and executing contracts. Build trusted relationships, manage a diverse portfolio, and drive customer satisf...
Reposted 5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of automating workflows across teams by building AI agents using Claude and Microsoft Copilot. Collaborate with various departments to identify automation opportunities, ensuring securi...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Drive new business in the Cyber domain by building relationships, shaping solutions, and leading contract execution. Own a diverse portfolio while adapting to evolving responsibilities and ensuring cu...
2 weeks ago
Lead Specialist, Solution Architect
$150K - $160K *
Design innovative solutions for a secure online proctored testing platform, guiding engineering teams in modernizing architecture and ensuring scalable, reliable delivery while enhancing candidate and...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director - Cybersecurity Transformation & AI Security
$190K - $225K *
Transform enterprise cybersecurity programs by leading AI-driven initiatives and modernization efforts. Collaborate with C-suite executives to design and implement comprehensive security roadmaps, enh...
2 weeks ago
Corrections Technical Solutions Sr Consultant
$95K - $115K *
Transform correctional technology solutions by serving as a trusted advisor, enhancing customer relationships, and driving adoption through strategic guidance and expertise. Engage with stakeholders t...
5 days ago
Principal Product Marketing Manager - Threat Research
$200K - $230K *
Drive impactful AI threat research marketing by transforming technical insights into compelling narratives. Collaborate with experts to enhance Cyera's authority and visibility in data security, while...
5 days ago
Director of Operations, Global Technical Services
$189K - $259K *
Unlock operational success by leading global strategy and performance in Customer Success Operations, driving data-driven insights, seamless processes, and effective stakeholder engagement to enhance...
4 weeks ago
$66K - $106K *
Contribute to data-driven decision-making by designing and optimizing analytic solutions. Leverage your expertise in SQL and Tableau to transform raw data into actionable insights for mission-critical...
Today
$120K - $190K *
Accelerate your career by validating and testing complex satellite communications systems for the U.S. Marine Corps. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust performance and mission su...
1 week ago
$165K - $220K *
Pioneer innovative solutions by collaborating with defense clients to operationalize real-time intelligence. Design and deploy data pipelines and applications on Palantir Foundry, ensuring mission-cri...
3 weeks ago
$81K - $138K *
Unlock the potential of automated testing and quality assurance for a federal agency's data and AI/ML platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure release readiness and enhance system p...
2 weeks ago
Detection Engineering Technical Leader
$150K - $190K *
Drive innovative detection solutions in a high-security environment, collaborating across teams to enhance security posture and engineering excellence while tackling emerging cyber threats with precis...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr Offensive AI Security Engineer II
$157K - $238K *
Join a dynamic team to leverage AI in enhancing application security. You'll assess vulnerabilities, implement fixes, and shape AI security strategies, driving innovation in a fast-paced environment w...
2 weeks ago
Security Engineer, 2027 Graduate U.S.
$110K - $173K *
Join us to develop and maintain security tools, investigate risks, and enhance team operations. Collaborate with experienced engineers while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment, se...
Yesterday
Staff Security Engineer, Proactive Security - Dasher
$159K - $235K *
Unlock potential by leading the technical roadmap for Proactive Security, collaborating across teams to embed security controls into Dasher products and mentor engineers in delivering secure systems f...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Program Systems Engineer, Cyclops (remote considered)
$150K - $230K *
Architect system-level requirements and verification plans for a complex aerospace program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure coherent design and integration across multiple engineerin...
3 weeks ago
Google Cloud Platform Engineer
$86K - $138K *
Join us to support the onboarding and configuration of Google Cloud Platform for our Federal Government client, ensuring seamless infrastructure operations and automation while providing expert cloud...
3 weeks ago
What is a penetration tester?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.