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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1
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$80K - $95K *

Champion middleware and web-services platforms, ensuring stability, security, and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support enterprise applications in complex environments while...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $179K *

Lead architecture and delivery for a major SaaS/PaaS platform, driving technical vision and agile development. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and optimize solutions, while mentorin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $120K *

Elevate your career by leading clients through the CMMC 2.0 compliance journey. As a key advisor, you'll translate complex regulations into actionable strategies, ensuring audit readiness and security...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $157K *

Join our dynamic team to design and enhance a web portal application, improving user experience and functionality. Collaborate with engineers and product managers to deliver impactful solutions that s...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving the adoption of AI security solutions through technical expertise and collaboration. Engage with customers and partners to ensure successful deployments and cultivate relat...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$220K - $260K *

Advance your career by driving the adoption of AI security solutions. Collaborate with sales teams, engage customers, and lead technical demonstrations to ensure successful deployments and cultivate r...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$220K - $260K *

Lead the technical execution of AI security solutions, partnering with sales teams to drive customer adoption and success. Engage with clients and partners, providing expertise in AI technologies and...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining AI security solutions by driving technical execution and customer success. Collaborate with sales engineers and partners to enhance adoption and deployment of innovative...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$227K - $315K *

Lead global commercial legal efforts, overseeing seasoned attorneys in negotiating complex technology and commercial agreements. Drive strategy and collaboration for scalable growth while ensuring leg...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining product marketing in cybersecurity. Lead a small team to craft compelling narratives, drive go-to-market strategies, and collaborate across functions to ensure product su...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $130K *

Champion customer success by designing and optimizing scalable programs that enhance adoption of identity security solutions, ensuring impactful training and resources for customer-facing teams...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $304K *

Champion the future of AI security by innovating protective technologies for AI models and systems. Collaborate with experts to enhance cybersecurity and contribute to groundbreaking research that sha...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Optimize your skills in developing and maintaining SAS programs within a Mainframe environment. Take charge of code migration to cloud technologies and engage with stakeholders to create analytical so...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$112K - $179K *

Reimagine the future of ServiceNow development by designing and supporting custom applications. Leverage your expertise to solve complex problems, mentor junior developers, and drive innovative soluti...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $210K *

Elevate our market presence by driving new business and expansion through strategic territory management, partner collaboration, and impactful training initiatives to create a robust sales pipeline an...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by owning the full sales cycle with large enterprise accounts. Drive new business, expand customer relationships, and position solutions as key strategic partners in AI and cybersecur...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Drive the success of home inspections at military installations by leading onsite operations, managing field staff, and ensuring seamless communication with military leadership. This role requires ext...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $160K *

Empower our security operations by building an AI-driven threat detection and response system. Collaborate with teams to streamline incident management and enhance trust in automated processes, ensuri...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$232K - $341K *

Unlock potential by leading the technical strategy for enterprise architecture, focusing on AI integration and cloud migration. Collaborate with engineers to solve complex challenges and drive innovat...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$202K - $334K *

Lead the charge in developing a high-performing team of Partner Technology Architects, driving partner growth through technical excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption while ensuring impactful...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $216K *

Advance the deployment of MHS GENESIS across multiple sites, ensuring seamless integration and performance outcomes while managing stakeholder relationships and project deliverables throughout the lif...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$163K - $226K *

Lead the AI enablement initiative, crafting tools and workflows to empower engineers across the organization, enhancing productivity and safety through innovative AI technologies and practices...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $100K *

Shape the future of construction by leading project execution, managing teams, and ensuring quality standards are met on time and within budget. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive project success...

Texas, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join us in overseeing construction projects, ensuring timely completion, budget adherence, and quality standards while managing teams and stakeholders effectively. Play a key role in project schedulin...

Quanah, TXRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$96K - $184K *

Elevate your career by engaging with clients as a data security expert. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative security solutions, educate sales teams, and stay ahead of industry trends while...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.