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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$165K - $215K *

Architect innovative solutions to complex technical challenges, driving platform direction and enabling deep specialists. You'll tackle high-leverage problems that define our future capabilities and e...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Transform technology operations by leading IT and cybersecurity strategies, ensuring secure, scalable systems while enhancing employee support in a dynamic, remote-first environment. Collaborate acros...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$163K - $203K *

Elevate security standards by leading classified design and accreditation for defense facilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and streamline processes for rapid deploy...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $235K *

Drive the design and implementation of backend services to enhance customer experiences across NodeZero’s licensing, provisioning, and admin systems. Lead efforts to ensure accuracy, scalability, and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in automating and scaling network infrastructure across diverse global datacenters, enhancing performance and security while collaborating with engineering teams to implement robust so...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $154K *

Drive security excellence by managing vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and maintaining system integrity. Collaborate with teams to remediate findings and uphold NIST standards in a hands-on techn...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$133K - $262K *

Engage with clients and lead projects through all phases to achieve project goals while enhancing methodologies and tools tailored for the government contracting industry. Drive business development a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$165K - $180K *

Transform healthcare solutions by leading the design and development of scalable, high-performance systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers to drive innovation and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K - $134K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through rigorous testing and validation. Collaborate with developers and stakeholders to uphold standards and enhance application performance...

New York, NYRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$167K - $200K *

Empower strategic innovation in cybersecurity by leading research initiatives, fostering industry collaborations, and guiding decision-making to enhance organizational impact and reputation in the fie...

Santa Clara, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$165K - $205K *

Lead the charge in cybersecurity governance and risk management consulting. Drive client engagements, develop security frameworks, and mentor teams while ensuring alignment with industry standards and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $150K *

Seeking an experienced cybersecurity professional to lead control assessments, ensuring consistent application of methodologies and quality oversight across multiple clients while mentoring assessors...

Charleston, SCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $220K *

Deliver high-performance C++ solutions for network management, focusing on device discovery and monitoring across Windows and Linux. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliabili...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock the potential of data as a senior data scientist, transforming U.S. Army enterprise data into impactful analytical products and workflows, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to dri...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $215K *

Take ownership of building strategic relationships with Global System Integrators, driving revenue growth through effective partnership management and collaborative go-to-market strategies while ensur...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of live video experiences. As a key player, you'll architect and deliver scalable backend systems, enhancing streaming quality and reliability for creators and th...

San Francisco, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$77K - $124K *

Join a team that's transforming data center solutions. As an Application Engineer, you'll shape technical strategies, collaborate with key industry players, and ensure seamless project execution in a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $150K *

Elevate the Technical Support transformation by driving strategic initiatives across Customer Experience. Own the execution of comprehensive plans, manage vital partnerships, and ensure success throug...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $192K *

Join a team that's implementing robust security controls across multiple brands, safeguarding employees and enhancing productivity through automation and secure practices. Collaborate globally while l...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$80K - $95K *

Transform engineering productivity by developing and optimizing tools, modernizing workflows, and integrating automation within cloud platforms for enhanced operational efficiency...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $243K *

Elevate your career by partnering with sales teams to deliver innovative data security solutions. Lead technical evaluations, translate customer needs into compelling offerings, and drive successful o...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Transform the engineering landscape by leading teams to innovate AI-assisted software development, ensuring timely delivery of next-gen products while enhancing existing offerings. Drive strategic exe...

New Germany, MNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $250K *

Elevate client partnerships by solving complex business challenges. Seek out and establish new connections while fostering long-term relationships to drive success and become a trusted advisor in the...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate data engineering capabilities by designing robust ETL/ELT workflows, ensuring data quality, and implementing scalable solutions on AWS and Kubernetes. Collaborate with teams to optimize perfor...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $138K *

Lead the charge in architecting and implementing cloud solutions for healthcare modernization, integrating legacy systems within AWS while ensuring compliance, security, and performance standards are...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.