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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$156K - $215K *

Innovate backend infrastructure for AI security, ensuring compliance and risk assessment. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, enhancing scalability and security while shaping the future of cybersecu...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Unlock the potential of enterprise systems by leading the design and architecture of innovative Java full-stack solutions integrated with AI. Collaborate with clients to translate technical constraint...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Optimize sales strategies to establish client relationships and drive revenue growth across designated territories using cutting-edge technology and collaboration in a dynamic environment...

Tampa, FLRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining identity management across diverse platforms. You'll architect secure authentication and authorization systems, ensuring seamless access for users and organizations while...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $260K *

Drive the evolution of our AI data platform, ensuring high-volume ingestion, processing, and governance of diverse media. Collaborate with researchers to create reproducible datasets and build infrast...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $110K *

Analyze HRIS functionality and data integrity to align technology with business needs, collaborating with stakeholders and vendors to optimize systems and enhance user experience across HR processes a...

Westmont, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $105K *

Engage in frontline cyber investigations to safeguard AI systems from malicious threats. Analyze flagged telemetry, evaluate cyber prompts, and enhance automated safety classifiers while collaborating...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Champion the advancement of information security by overseeing operations, incident responses, risk assessments, and security process enhancements. Collaborate effectively to improve security protocol...

Atlanta, GARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$172K - $249K *

Join our dynamic Security team to build and maintain detection systems while protecting corporate and production environments. Leverage your expertise in security engineering to enhance our defenses a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$225K - $325K *

Elevate your career by driving innovation in FinTech. As a key engineer, you'll shape the future of revenue management systems, ensuring accuracy and reliability while collaborating across teams to op...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $230K *

Drive modernization by leading DevSecOps strategies for cloud transformation. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance automation, security, and delivery practices, ensuring reliable and scalable solu...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion security excellence by leading complex Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR implementations. Drive technical enablement projects, mentor engineers, and enhance client security practices in a d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$147K - $274K *

Empower innovation by leading applied AI research initiatives that shape product features. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex problems into impactful AI solutions, mentoring...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $150K *

Optimize the AI core systems transforming public records into actionable data. Collaborate with research and engineering to enhance scalability, efficiency, and accuracy across national applications...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$105K - $155K *

Join a team that's dedicated to safeguarding critical systems through expert security management. Leverage your RMF knowledge to ensure compliance, drive remediation, and maintain robust security post...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $155K *

Optimize cloud security infrastructure and enhance detection capabilities while investigating and responding to alerts. Contribute to building internal tools to elevate security measures, your experti...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$72K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and implementing innovative Cyber solutions, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance throughout the lifecycle. Collaborate with architects and de...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Architect the future of our GTM technology ecosystem, enhancing data integrity and operational excellence. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive scalable solutions that elevate marketing, sales, and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$90K - $153K *

Lead the enhancement and administration of enterprise endpoint security technologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize security processes and improve detection capabilities in a g...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by engaging with clients to translate technical challenges into innovative solutions. This role combines presales expertise, solution design, and hands-on engineering to drive custome...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $122K *

Join a team that's redefining DevOps by building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, automating workflows, and enhancing service delivery in AWS. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliabl...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$66K - $104K *

Elevate the quality of data center operations by providing expert support for installations, repairs, and maintenance. Collaborate with network teams and vendors to ensure optimal performance and comp...

Nevada, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $158K *

Support SAP security in a DoD IL5 S/4HANA environment, enhancing Zero Trust architecture and system security. Collaborate with cyber and audit teams to solve complex challenges and ensure mission-crit...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage in a dynamic role leading security operations and AI integration. Oversee real-time threat monitoring and incident response while developing automated workflows in a cutting-edge, multi-tenant...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 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.