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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1
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$108K - $184K *

Unlock your potential as you lead an Automated Test Team, enhancing cloud applications and AI capabilities. Drive quality through strategic testing, CI/CD integration, and collaboration with developer...

Reston, VARemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in enhancing fire protection systems for nuclear facilities while collaborating with engineering teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting modifications that safeguar...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $180K *

Transform enterprise AI deployments by designing, building, and enhancing systems that drive significant business results while fostering strong partnerships with customers and engineering teams...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$136K - $195K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of public-sector sales by leading a dynamic team focused on identity security solutions. Drive strategy, foster partnerships, and achieve revenue growth across Sta...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$182K - $215K *

Join our team to oversee application security, manage vulnerability pipelines, and collaborate with engineering teams to enhance security practices. Drive incident response and advocate for security a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Optimize support processes and lead technical resolutions, mentoring junior team members while collaborating with engineering. Elevate customer experiences by addressing complex issues and enhancing t...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by managing client relationships and driving project success. You'll proactively address issues, identify growth opportunities, and ensure delivery excellence while fostering strong p...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $95K *

Transform your career by enhancing data security and integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement robust security measures, conduct audits, and mitigate risks while staying ahead of...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$272K - $431K *

Champion security innovation by defining and guiding the architecture for next-gen SoCs and GPUs, addressing emerging threats and collaborating across teams to enhance platform security in mobile, aut...

Santa Clara, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $100K *

Shape the future of field operations by translating business needs into actionable user stories. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance workflow and drive standardization to create measurable opera...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $166K *

Unlock the potential of automation by developing end-to-end solutions using Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and support a s...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$89K - $148K *

Engineer robust testing strategies for SAP solutions, ensuring seamless performance and business alignment. Collaborate with teams to validate reliability through rigorous testing of modules like S/4H...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$103K - $153K *

Deliver a robust frontend architecture for a mature web UI, enhancing performance and usability. Collaborate with UX designers and set coding standards while ensuring security and analytics integratio...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advancing AI safety research by defining impactful agendas, mentoring teams, and driving real-world change through innovative projects and collaborations with governments and AI lab...

Berkeley, CARemote

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing payroll solutions by driving product initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and defining strategic roadmaps to deliver innovative infrastructure that empo...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$206K - $242K *

Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of quality assurance by leading automated testing initiatives for cloud-based ERP systems, ensuring seamless integration and performance across various business processes and upgrades...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K - $150K *

Pioneer the transformation of tax technology and processes, driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and user experience through automation and data-driven solution...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$80K - $95K *

Unlock your potential as a QA Tester, driving quality assurance and automation for Appian applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and application performance in...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$86K - $138K *

Transform cloud financial operations in a mission-critical role, managing AWS costs and optimizing resources for a large-scale federal modernization initiative. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhan...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $155K *

Drive security excellence by managing operations, vulnerability assessments, and incident responses. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to safeguard cloud infrastructure and applications while en...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $150K *

Champion innovation by enhancing our cloud infrastructure and automating operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive AI-powered solutions and ensure software reliability in a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion the security strategy for a cutting-edge platform, focusing on supply chain security, code scanning, and threat modeling. Collaborate with teams to enhance security practices and drive innova...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Take ownership of building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines while administering Linux/Windows servers. Engage in configuration management and mentor team members to enhance platform standards and secur...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines while administering Linux/Windows servers. Collaborate on configuration management and mentor team members to enhance DevOps practices in a...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   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.