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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$200K - $225K *

Transform the future of cloud commerce by leading the design and evolution of scalable, resilient systems that enhance platform reliability and drive innovation across teams and products...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$127K - $206K *

Empower customer success by leading strategic service delivery for major accounts. Drive adoption of security solutions, collaborate with C-suite leaders, and manage the entire services lifecycle to m...

Texas, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $180K *

Transform identity governance at scale by leading the SailPoint ISC platform. Drive strategy, architecture, and compliance across global operations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...

Brooklyn, NYRemote

1 week ago

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

$184K - $356K *

Contribute to enhancing security architecture for networking products, collaborating with firmware and hardware teams to identify vulnerabilities and implement robust security features that protect mi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $197K *

The Senior Sales Engineer at Obsidian Security will drive and manage the technical evaluation stage of the sales process while mentoring the team. This role requires expertise in SaaS security challen...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$103K - $164K *

Lead and innovate security solutions, assess risks, ensure compliance, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance enterprise security frameworks in a dynamic environment...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$152K - $287K *

Champion security excellence by investigating vulnerabilities and enhancing Secure Development Lifecycle practices across data center software platforms, driving timely remediation and fostering colla...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead strategic partnerships by engaging with crypto/AI builders, building a robust pipeline through outreach and relationship-building, and closing complex deals to position us as the preferred securi...

New York City, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Engage in dynamic business development within the defense sector, identifying and nurturing new opportunities. Leverage strong communication skills and industry knowledge to build lasting relationship...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$66K - $106K *

Champion the integration of marine and anadromous species data by leading the production of federal species range maps, ensuring compliance with established standards and facilitating collaboration wi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$224K - $431K *

Advance security research at a high bar, validating vulnerabilities and creating reliable fixes while shaping rigorous engineering standards for critical AI Safety & Security initiatives...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$168K - $285K *

Lead the development of Test & Code Coverage capabilities, transforming complex challenges into actionable strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and streamlin...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $260K *

Lead the charge in establishing security governance and standards for the ServiceNow platform. Collaborate across teams to define security strategy, evaluate risks, and enhance security capabilities...

Rhode Island, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$250K - $500K *

Champion innovation by leading the migration to EKS, optimizing cloud infrastructure, and enhancing Kubernetes operations. Drive automation and CI/CD processes while ensuring high availability and per...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $225K *

Drive innovative security solutions by collaborating with sales teams to identify customer needs, educate partners, and manage technical inquiries, ensuring organizations are protected against evolvin...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $200K *

Champion the security design and delivery for hyperscale projects, ensuring comprehensive protection through physical and electronic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish stand...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$79K - $195K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Lead efforts in vulnerability assessment, incident response, and strategic consulting to protect industrial control systems ag...

Idaho Falls, IDRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$102K - $190K *

Pioneer the future of endpoint security by leading a dynamic engineering team, ensuring operational excellence, and driving innovative capabilities to protect enterprise assets while aligning with bus...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Transform pipeline integrity management by leveraging your expertise in corrosion assessment methodologies and technical report writing to ensure compliance and enhance safety across natural gas and h...

Houston, TXRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$259K - $350K *

Redefine the future of cybersecurity by leading product strategy for a cutting-edge Managed Detection & Response portfolio, driving innovation and customer success while managing a high-performing tea...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $140K *

Optimize user experiences by crafting seamless flows, building APIs, and integrating third-party software. Collaborate with teams to design robust systems and deliver elegant solutions while ensuring...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $325K *

Elevate your career by securing and managing the transition to a hybrid-cloud infrastructure. Own identity management, cloud security, and developer tooling while leading incident response and threat...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $253K *

Drive strategic partnerships and technology transactions as a Senior Counsel, overseeing complex agreements and M&A support. Collaborate cross-functionally to build processes and provide business-focu...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Manage day-to-day infrastructure and customer support, ensuring optimal server performance, security, and incident response. Collaborate on initiatives to enhance operational security and maintain doc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Manage on-site construction activities, ensuring adherence to plans, schedules, and budgets. Oversee subcontractors, inspections, and safety protocols while coordinating with project teams for timely...

Quanah, TXRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.