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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$81K *

Manage and enhance public health technology platforms, ensuring secure, reliable operations for local, state, and federal agencies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize system performan...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance software development by leading projects, mentoring engineers, and architecting solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and functionality while staying updated on technology...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of computer vision by leading our Delivery organization. You'll drive customer success, scale operations, and engage directly in complex implementations, ensuring...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Engage in comprehensive assessments of building performance and energy efficiency. Collaborate with clients to enhance sustainability practices while reducing operational costs through detailed audits...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Develop and enhance security systems through analytics and reporting. Manage access, respond to inquiries, and ensure operational support during on-call shifts. Collaborate across teams to drive secur...

Oak Brook, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Champion enterprise support excellence by architecting a new function, diagnosing complex issues across security identity stacks, automating workflows, and driving customer success in a high-impact, c...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $160K *

Elevate People Technology by optimizing systems and processes, ensuring data integrity, and enhancing user experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and support a fast-p...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$146K - $234K *

Lead innovative research in autonomous systems, shaping solutions for AI challenges. Collaborate with diverse teams, define research programs, and engage with customers to deliver cutting-edge technol...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $195K *

Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K *

Take ownership of innovative cloud security solutions by engineering autonomous AI tools that meet complex requirements, ensuring robust security and efficiency in high-velocity environments. Drive pr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Create high-quality 3D character models with a focus on stylized realism, collaborating with a team to ensure artistic vision and technical constraints are met while mentoring junior artists and impro...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$103K - $138K *

Unlock potential by designing and automating secure, scalable AWS cloud platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance infrastructure reliability and streamline software delivery throug...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $120K *

Develop and implement integrations between Army work-request and financial systems with IBM Maximo, ensuring seamless data flow and automated reconciliation while adhering to secure coding practices a...

Fort Campbell, KYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $131K *

Advance systems management by enhancing ERP and HRIS platforms to support business growth, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring smooth transitions with new releases in a global medical device envi...

Minnesota, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$181K - $226K *

Join our dynamic team as a Software Engineer, where you'll enhance internal tools, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive improvements in cloud infrastructure and observability, all while working in...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $166K *

Champion cloud reliability by designing Python-based AWS solutions and engineering tools. Leverage Infrastructure-as-Code with Terraform to enhance platform reliability and automate processes across t...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$78K - $119K *

Champion cybersecurity initiatives by evaluating and implementing enterprise security solutions. Collaborate with IT teams and vendors to ensure compliance with security policies while enhancing prote...

Anchorage, AKRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$88K - $105K *

Transform business processes by analyzing requirements, creating documentation, and testing solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance efficiency and ensure quality in a fully remote environm...

Washington, DCRemote

2 days ago

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

$175K *

Transform the future of trenchless rehabilitation by leading innovative projects, managing teams, and driving business development. Leverage your extensive experience to deliver high-quality engineeri...

Miamisburg, OHRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$131K - $209K *

Engage with teams to deliver comprehensive AI enablement programs, designing tailored learning paths and fostering a culture of proficiency across all departments. Collaborate closely with HR to integ...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$229K - $258K *

Lead the charge in shaping product security strategy, driving cross-functional initiatives, and embedding security by design into engineering workflows. Collaborate with teams to enhance vulnerability...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining product security by leading cross-functional initiatives, embedding security into engineering workflows, and shaping strategies that enhance risk management across major...

CanadaRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Unlock the potential of Oracle solutions by leading multi-engagement pre-sales and delivery efforts. Drive customer adoption and value through strategic solution design, ensuring seamless integration...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform the Teleport Core Product by tackling performance, scalability, and security challenges. Lead a distributed team to design, develop, and implement high-quality solutions while enhancing obse...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of audit technology by leading deployments, writing production code, and building a strong engineering team to deliver innovative AI solutions for enterprise cust...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.