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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$117K - $189K *
Lead the charge in establishing a modern quality-engineering practice, driving automation strategy and framework development while mentoring teams to enhance release readiness and quality metrics acro...
4 days ago
Offensive Security Engineer, AI
$154K *
Innovate the future of security by leveraging AI to enhance vulnerability discovery and automate workflows. Collaborate across teams to redefine offensive security practices and protect products and c...
4 days ago
$75K - $246K *
Join us to design and deliver cutting-edge AI systems across ML, generative AI, and agentic workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful solutions while mentoring engineers a...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate quality assurance by enhancing the Quality Management System for simulation products. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance, drive improvements, and maintain customer satisfactio...
1 week ago
$82K - $172K *
Innovate your career as you design and maintain mission-critical software for defense financial systems. Lead a growing team, integrate AI capabilities, and ensure compliance in both classified and un...
Yesterday
Territory Manager, SF Bay Area
$130K - $210K *
Drive new business growth by managing a dynamic territory, leveraging channel partners, and executing strategic plans to build relationships and accelerate pipeline development in the cybersecurity se...
Reposted 1 week ago
Territory Manager, SF Bay Area
$130K - $210K *
Join a team that's driving growth through strategic territory management and partner collaboration. Leverage your expertise in cybersecurity sales to build relationships, negotiate contracts, and enha...
Reposted 1 week ago
Territory Manager, SF Bay Area
$130K - $210K *
Accelerate progress at driving new business and expansion across a diverse territory. Build strategic partnerships, execute data-driven plans, and foster relationships to create a robust sales pipelin...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower digital transformation by leading Drupal modernization initiatives, guiding architecture strategies, and enhancing enterprise web platforms for improved performance, security, and user experie...
6 days ago
Security-Compliance Program Manager
$140K - $175K *
Lead the charge in building trust through compliance frameworks, guiding customers and teams in navigating security and data protection. Engage directly with clients, translating complex compliance ne...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building and enhancing robust full-stack solutions. You'll take ownership of features from design to deployment, collaborating with engineers to deliver high-quality, s...
1 week ago
$140K - $150K *
Elevate your career by managing our Enterprise platform, driving operational efficiency, and enhancing business processes through innovative technology solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to gath...
2 weeks ago
$79K - $143K *
Join a team that's redefining release engineering by optimizing CI/CD pipelines, integrating AI solutions, and ensuring high-quality software delivery through innovative automation and collaboration w...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower our analyst relations program by managing evaluations, timelines, and coordination. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure accurate, timely engagement and support market insights for strategi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Technical Specialist- Softlines
$90K - $110K *
Help us shape the future of technical services by providing expert support across the Americas. You will drive new product development, enhance client satisfaction, and maintain regulatory compliance...
Reposted today
Engagement Director - Cyber (Sales Executive)
$90K - $100K *
Engage with clients to drive sales and revenue growth in the Cyber Security sector. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative digital solutions, ensuring client satisfaction and exceeding profitabi...
6 days ago
Director Software Engineering - Central Security
$180K - $220K *
Drive the development of innovative security systems using AI/ML, managing risk across identity and access management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security while maintaining ope...
5 days ago
$176K - $265K *
Elevate customer engagement and market expansion by leading a high-performing team of Key Account Managers. Drive strategic sales initiatives, cultivate executive relationships, and ensure disciplined...
1 week ago
$180K - $220K *
Drive the product vision and strategy for integrated hardware and software ecosystems, overseeing complex technology development while leading a team of Product Managers to achieve growth and innovati...
6 days ago
Security Operations & Threat Hunting Engineer
$110K - $115K *
Lead the charge in enhancing security through strategic SIEM design, managing incident response, and optimizing cyber threat analytics. This role ensures continuous improvement of security operations...
4 weeks ago
Senior Technical Success Manager
$125K - $150K *
Empower top-tier enterprise customers by architecting secure development practices and guiding complex DevSecOps transformations. Serve as a trusted advisor to drive adoption, retention, and measurabl...
Reposted 1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Empower quality assurance by developing AI-assisted automated tests, integrating them into CI/CD pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliability and release ef...
Yesterday
Principal Software Engineer, Agentic Data Platform
$255K - $290K *
Drive the technical vision for a complex database platform, ensuring scalability and performance. Lead architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance data infrastruc...
1 week ago
$88K - $123K *
Champion the technical SEO landscape to enhance site performance, drive conversions, and establish authority across diverse audiences. Collaborate with engineering teams to implement solutions and opt...
3 weeks ago
Lead AI Application Security Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Join our team as a technical leader to secure AI applications and platforms. Drive AI security architecture, testing, and standards, collaborating across teams to ensure robust and secure deployment o...
Reposted yesterday
What is a penetration tester?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.