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

$210K - $273K *

Shape the future of security by defining product vision and strategy for AI-powered capabilities, enhancing risk visibility, and driving adoption across engineering teams to ensure secure development...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$238K - $357K *

Transform growth strategies by leading AI initiatives, targeting key customers, and driving adoption through innovative partnerships and market insights. Collaborate across teams to enhance product of...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Engage in comprehensive finance integration for acquired companies, ensuring accurate data mapping, system conversion, and post-close stabilization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamli...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Build innovative AI solutions by collaborating with clients to tackle complex challenges. Design and deploy production-quality software while ensuring reliability and usability in real-world environme...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Unlock revenue potential by leading enterprise sales initiatives, understanding customer needs, and delivering strategic presentations. Drive growth in a high-paced environment while collaborating wit...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Take ownership of impactful projects, designing and implementing robust backend systems with a high-performing team. Collaborate, innovate, and contribute to a culture of speed, quality, and continuou...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by delivering top-notch technical support, solving complex issues, and collaborating with diverse teams to enhance our cybersecurity products and services, ensuring customer satisfact...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $110K *

Unlock growth by driving high-impact engagements with C-suite security leaders. Utilize cutting-edge sales tools and collaborate seamlessly with Account Executives to generate valuable pipelines and f...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion the development of an AI platform by leading a team to architect and build essential systems for AI-driven applications, ensuring reliability and scalability while collaborating with cross-fu...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Transform structural solutions through innovative engineering design and analysis. Collaborate remotely with a skilled team to tackle challenging projects while ensuring high-quality standards and eff...

Ohio, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$126K - $200K *

Lead technical solutions architecture for HPE storage platforms, guiding partners and sales teams in developing resilient infrastructure solutions. Drive engagement, enablement, and strategic initiati...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$126K - $200K *

Drive your career forward by providing technical leadership and innovative solutions in enterprise networking. Collaborate with partners to enhance sales engagement and architect cutting-edge solution...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$111K - $200K *

Champion innovative networking solutions by providing technical leadership and architectural expertise to channel partners, driving sales engagement and opportunity closure across enterprise environme...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Engineer robust cloud and system solutions, ensuring seamless enterprise operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and implement configuratio...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's driving sales growth by building a pipeline from scratch. You'll engage with target accounts through cold outreach, manage the sales cycle, and deliver new revenue, all while shapin...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cloud technology by architecting scalable infrastructures, automating CI/CD processes, and enhancing operational excellence through collaboration and innovation...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$111K - $206K *

Join a team that's driving mission success through innovative program planning. Collaborate across functions to develop and maintain schedules, ensuring on-time, in-budget delivery of complex projects...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate quality and automation efforts for enterprise deployments. Collaborate with customers and engineering to develop a robust QA function using agentic tooling, ensuring consistent environments an...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing digital experiences for a Federal Government program. As a Web Developer, you'll build and maintain websites, ensuring accessibility and performance while col...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Empower teams by providing technical leadership in data science and AI/ML, driving enterprise data modernization initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to design and deliver impactful decision-mak...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading Microsoft Cloud security projects, deploying SIEM and XDR solutions, and enhancing customer environments. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive innovation in Manage...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $100K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and configure innovative solutions on a risk and compliance platform, ensuring customer success through expertise and effective communication in a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $250K *

Innovate the design and delivery of cutting-edge SaaS solutions powered by data, ML, and AI. Own key technical areas driving high-quality product features through collaboration, backend development, a...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$114K - $252K *

Join a team that's transforming federal HR systems by engineering integration solutions between Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM and key federal platforms to drive modernization efforts across multiple agencie...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$224K - $356K *

Pioneer the development of advanced evaluation tools for Autonomous Vehicles, enhancing workflows and system performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions that imp...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 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.