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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$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative solutions by developing and deploying secure Data Access Mechanisms and Business Intelligence dashboards using Microsoft PowerApps. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes a...

Washington, DCRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $175K *

Empower engineering teams to enhance assessment services through leadership, technical expertise, and responsible AI adoption. Drive team performance and customer outcomes across diverse product areas...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of secure software development by integrating security practices into engineering workflows, building automation tools, and conducting penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities an...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$224K - $326K *

Serve as a technical leader for large customers, guiding AI cloud strategies. Connect business priorities with scalable architecture while managing executive engagements and navigating complex decisio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion project delivery by overseeing HV cable testing projects across North America. Ensure alignment with client expectations while managing resources, schedules, and budgets for successful comple...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$119K - $167K *

Lead the charge in evolving our cloud infrastructure and CI/CD systems. As a Senior DevOps Engineer, you'll enhance security, reliability, and operational efficiency while mentoring a team and ensurin...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Transform the future of cybersecurity compliance by leading certification projects, collaborating with teams to ensure product adherence to industry standards, and providing expert guidance on cyberse...

California, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$185K - $260K *

Champion security excellence by designing and implementing robust software solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance security practices, conduct code reviews, and respond to incidents, ensuring a s...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $140K *

Drive innovation by building full-stack solutions on AWS and Azure. Collaborate closely with business users to ensure quality and alignment with design direction, while enhancing your skills in a dyna...

Toronto, ONRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$185K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative iOS applications for emergency response. Collaborate across teams to implement offline-first architectures, drive best practices, and mentor developers, ensuri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Software Engineer, collaborating with a seasoned team to tackle complex challenges. Drive product development in a fully remote environment, focusing on user n...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$102K - $142K *

Transform Salesforce systems by enhancing integrations and configurations. Collaborate with a dynamic team to support professional services and streamline project management, ensuring seamless operati...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Innovate solutions in software development, driving impactful changes across applications and frameworks. Lead initiatives to enhance functionality, ensure quality, and optimize performance in e-comme...

Indiana, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$127K - $172K *

Unlock your potential by designing and optimizing Power BI reporting solutions that transform complex identity datasets into actionable insights, enhancing enterprise decision-making and compliance re...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage with enterprise accounts, driving technical implementations while fostering relationships. Own customer success from onboarding through growth opportunities, requiring deep product knowledge an...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $120K *

Unlock quality assurance excellence by leading automation efforts and mentoring teams. Drive the development of robust testing frameworks and enhance product reliability across multiple platforms in a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $188K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop high-performance ETL solutions, integrating data from diverse sources. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data workflows and ensure complianc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$83K - $93K *

Join a team that's dedicated to servicing and repairing CNC machine tools. Perform complex diagnostics and repairs, ensuring operational excellence through customer interaction, advanced troubleshooti...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Unlock your potential by collaborating with clients to design and deploy AI-driven solutions. This role blends engineering and client engagement, enabling you to tackle complex challenges and deliver...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower our sales team by driving net-new logo acquisition and managing complex sales cycles. Engage with diverse stakeholders to build relationships and deliver compelling presentations, ensuring a r...

Atlanta, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $185K *

Lead the charge in transforming organizations through AI adoption. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement innovative solutions that enhance productivity and drive measurable o...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by bridging engineering and user needs through exceptional technical documentation. This role requires translating complex information into clear, actionable content for training mate...

New Jersey, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $140K *

Drive innovative solutions and strategic initiatives, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance operational efficiency and maximize organizational impact. Lead teams towards achieving ambitious goal...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion enterprise systems diligence and value creation engagements, assessing technology, processes, and infrastructure to drive operational excellence and strategic insights for investors and manag...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$89K - $156K *

Transform enterprise budgeting solutions by analyzing processes, defining requirements, and configuring applications. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance financial planning and ensure successful...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.