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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$86K - $165K *

Join a dynamic team as a Software Developer, enhancing security tools through innovative web applications. Collaborate in an agile environment to design, develop, and maintain solutions that support c...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Champion the technical side of sales by delivering tailored demos, managing RFPs, and collaborating on complex deals. Immerse yourself in the sales cycle, ensuring prospects see the value of our solut...

Chicago, ILRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $190K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on Azure cloud engineering, DevSecOps, and platform automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver secure, reliable digital services while e...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive growth by selling our innovative platform to financial institutions. Manage complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles, guiding clients through their AI journey while exceeding annual quotas in a c...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $155K *

Optimize cloud infrastructure and enhance automation while ensuring production reliability. Collaborate with teams to modernize deployment practices and improve system functionality in a fully remote...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$66K - $110K *

Optimize your career by joining a dynamic team of cyber threat experts. You'll monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents, ensuring robust protection for customer environments while collaborat...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive the evolution of a cutting-edge CI/CD platform, integrating AI tools and leading a team of DevOps engineers. Own production releases and implement modern delivery practices to enhance software d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$90K - $110K *

Accelerate talent acquisition by partnering with leaders to build candidate pipelines, drive recruiting efforts, and ensure timely hiring across corporate functions in a dynamic, project-driven enviro...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$81K - $91K *

Elevate your career by leading the development and enhancement of coastal models, analyzing hydrodynamic data, and contributing to innovative oceanographic products that support maritime safety and en...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$221K - $270K *

Champion partner success by driving service offerings, managing launches, and delivering forecasts. Collaborate with internal teams to enhance product value and ensure alignment with market needs, fos...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$84K - $131K *

Join a dynamic team to provide scientific expertise and application support, enhancing customer experiences through product demonstrations, training, and troubleshooting while collaborating with cross...

Illinois, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$129K - $173K *

Join a team that's redefining API integration by leveraging your expertise to guide customers in automating service processes. Collaborate with technical sellers and enhance API adoption through effec...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional project implementations and enhancements for restaurant brands. Lead cross-functional efforts, ensuring customer satisfaction while managing time...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$200K - $205K *

Drive the expansion of our Data Services & Analytics practice by leading technical delivery, managing client relationships, and overseeing project execution. Empower teams to deliver innovative data i...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$177K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing Epic clinical systems to enhance research workflows, collaborating with clinical teams to optimize processes and ensure data integrity in a remote settin...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $145K *

Lead robust cloud infrastructure solutions in AWS and AWS GovCloud, ensuring CI/CD and security compliance across environments. Collaborate with teams to optimize deployment and operational processes...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining data engineering by building scalable data systems and interfaces. You'll design data models, develop real-world use cases, and ensure reliable data flows, all while writ...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$121K - $152K *

Champion the vulnerability management program by overseeing project execution, ensuring compliance with security standards, and collaborating with IT teams to enhance system security and mitigate risk...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$169K - $304K *

Drive innovative IAM architecture solutions, collaborating globally to enhance cloud asset control and ensure operational excellence through strategic design and cross-functional teamwork...

Cambridge, MARemote

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower our privacy program by automating processes, managing data subject requests, and ensuring compliance with GDPR and CCPA. You'll leverage technical skills to build scalable tools and systems, d...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $170K *

Transform the future of EV charging by leading DevOps initiatives, enhancing cloud infrastructure, and ensuring system reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and deli...

Toronto, ONRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and optimizing enterprise data solutions in a Databricks Lakehouse environment, supporting critical missions with a focus on scalability and best practices...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $270K *

Drive innovation in AI security by developing solutions that integrate security standards into code generation, ensuring compliance and reliability while collaborating with top talent to elevate AI pr...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $200K *

Pioneer innovative solutions by leading client engagements with top firms. Drive discovery, connect needs to data insights, and collaborate across teams to deliver impactful results in a dynamic, remo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advanced security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing security posture through hands-on penetration testing and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Mentor...

California, USRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.