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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$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing comprehensive test strategies, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and quality standards for software releases. Collaborate with diverse teams to e...

Chicago, ILRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and enhance endpoint management and security products, ensuring they meet customer needs and market standards. Drive product vision, roadmap, and exec...

Texas, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Empower your career as a Sales Engineer, driving revenue through technical expertise and strategic collaboration. Engage with clients, deliver compelling demos, and streamline the sales process to ach...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $280K *

Join us to architect and build a cutting-edge web platform, driving marketing innovation through AI agents. Own technical decisions, enhance user experiences, and ensure seamless integration with our...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $179K *

Pioneer innovative cloud architecture solutions, leading modernization initiatives by integrating legacy systems into scalable environments while ensuring compliance and performance excellence across...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$136K - $160K *

Elevate operations through AI-driven automation to enhance incident management, streamline ticket resolution, and optimize service health with self-healing observability, all while collaborating acros...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$170K - $240K *

Drive enterprise-scale security operations by leveraging Tanium expertise, enhancing endpoint security, and leading a team to optimize incident management and automation for improved reliability and e...

Georgia, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$125K - $150K *

Champion a robust security program, leading a team to achieve SOC 2 Type 2 attestation while ensuring secure engineering practices across diverse products and cloud environments. Drive compliance, ris...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$123K - $254K *

Elevate security measures by building detection systems and automating responses to emerging threats. Collaborate across teams to enhance security posture and leverage AI for efficient threat hunting...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$197K - $295K *

Lead the charge in driving sales growth by identifying new business opportunities and nurturing client relationships. Utilize your technical and business acumen to influence stakeholders and close dea...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $147K *

Transform business opportunities by leveraging technology and sales expertise to drive growth. Engage with clients at all levels, develop tailored strategies, and cultivate relationships to ensure imp...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$89K - $134K *

Transform client relationships by driving sales growth through innovative technology solutions. Leverage your expertise in cybersecurity and networking to identify opportunities, engage stakeholders...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $147K *

Accelerate your career by driving sales growth through innovative technology solutions. Engage with clients at all levels, leveraging your expertise to identify opportunities and build lasting relatio...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $121K *

Join a team that's driving sales growth by leveraging technology to meet client needs. Engage with stakeholders at all levels, identify new opportunities, and cultivate relationships to enhance busine...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by developing security documentation and consulting on architecture. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities, perform penetration testing, and implement security improvemen...

Plano, TXRemote

Today

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

$125K - $150K *

Empower a robust enterprise network-security infrastructure by leading initiatives in design, operation, and troubleshooting of advanced firewall systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to en...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $166K *

Manage and lead projects focused on surveillance and radar systems, ensuring effective collaboration across teams. Drive modernization and integration efforts while meeting FAA standards and deliverin...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$184K - $356K *

Engage in safeguarding intellectual property within engineering teams by establishing secure workflows, creating training materials, and managing security policies. Collaborate effectively across team...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Lead network deployment initiatives, managing turn-up schedules and material readiness. Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines, and report progress accurately for successful e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$199K - $285K *

Empower enterprise transformation by leading strategic initiatives and engaging with C-level executives. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive revenue and deliver impactful workshops that showcase i...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $125K *

Innovate and design scalable, cloud-native APIs while enhancing legacy systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions, leveraging AI tools and modern techn...

Mesa, AZRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$135K - $160K *

Design and oversee tailored security architectures for government clients, ensuring integration of threat intelligence and compliance within Cyware's platform. Collaborate on use cases, empower teams...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $220K *

Drive security excellence by leading a dynamic team to enhance our cloud platform's security posture. Collaborate across departments to ensure compliance, resilience, and customer trust while fosterin...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$208K - $306K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering excellence by leading platform services that enhance software development. Drive innovation, consolidate capabilities, and foster a culture of collaboration t...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$75K - $90K *

Join a team that's dedicated to patient safety in the operating room. As an IOM Technologist, you'll monitor critical neurological functions during surgery, collaborating closely with surgeons to ensu...

Ohio, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.