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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$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in designing and deploying AI systems that enhance productivity and customer experience across multiple departments, driving innovation and efficiency through advanced AI capabilities...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you provide essential IT support to a distributed workforce. Leverage your troubleshooting skills to resolve technical issues, enhance user experience, and contribute to a colla...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower innovation by partnering with data science to build and maintain robust ML pipelines. Drive automation and observability in production systems, ensuring reliable match data at scale while coll...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and customize software solutions, leveraging your expertise in Java, AWS, and agile methodologies. Collaborate on innovative projects that meet client needs while enhanc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $143K *

Join a team that's redefining quality engineering by leading the transition to automation. Drive strategy, mentor a global QA team, and enhance testing frameworks to ensure high-quality software deliv...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $112K *

Elevate your career by providing advanced governance, risk, and compliance support for federal information systems, ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations while engaging with key stakeh...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$155K - $165K *

Advance your career by leading cybersecurity initiatives, assessing risks, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. You'll collaborate with teams to develop secure IT solutions and enhance org...

Washington, DCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$151K - $241K *

Develop and optimize AI solutions for enhanced member experiences, integrating cutting-edge technologies and engineering practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, scalable...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $200K *

Join us to drive AI integration by transforming client workflows into live agents. You'll manage the entire process from scoping to deployment, collaborating with teams to deliver impactful solutions...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Optimize our internal IT systems and security posture while managing user access, supporting AWS operations, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with the COO to enhance efficiency and maintain a secu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by transforming spatial AI research into practical solutions that enhance user experiences for homebuyers and builders, driving innovation in generative floor plan capabilities within...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$130K - $135K *

Drive project success by managing all phases from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Lead cross-functional teams, maintain client communication, and uphold qualit...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$96K - $120K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of digital banking by leading complex client implementations, resolving advanced technical issues, and ensuring successful delivery of innovative solutions that al...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Manage customer expectations by designing and scoping vulnerability management solutions, acting as the technical bridge between client security teams and engineering to ensure successful implementati...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $180K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering seamless technical solutions for clients. You'll scope, implement, and maintain risk screening and data integration workflows, ensuring optimal performance a...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $219K *

Lead the charge in delivering complex IT capabilities within secure environments. Oversee program management, systems architecture, and vendor relations while ensuring compliance and effective communi...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Manage data center operations, ensuring optimal performance, security, and scalability. Lead teams, optimize resources, and implement strategic initiatives to enhance infrastructure reliability and se...

Ontario, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$177K - $244K *

Empower our sales team by providing expert technical support and solutions. Collaborate with customers to address security challenges, architect tailored solutions, and drive adoption of our cybersecu...

Florida, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$63K - $105K *

Elevate your career as a Junior SAP Integration Developer, driving technical design and development of SAP solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless system integration and support, w...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$96K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to shape innovative fundraising tools that empower progressive campaigns and nonprofits. Leverage modern technologies to enhance election readiness and compliance, while mentoring...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $150K *

Champion enterprise IT solutions by collaborating with customers to design tailored integrations of our edge AI platform, ensuring seamless compliance and security while driving technical discussions...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $209K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role that fosters innovation through collaboration. Leverage your expertise to drive impactful projects, contribute to a thriving team, and help shape industry-leading...

Cambridge, MARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Elevate customer success in the Americas by leading a growing team of CSMs. Drive adoption, value realization, and customer health while shaping playbooks and strategies for scalable growth. Collabora...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$183K - $230K *

Lead the charge in shaping our platform strategy, overseeing integrations, pricing, and customer experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings and drive growth in a...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$132K - $182K *

Unlock the potential of MSSP revenue operations by leading strategy and execution. Drive partner onboarding, deal governance, and revenue acceleration while collaborating across teams to enhance opera...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.