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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$160K - $175K *

Transform cybersecurity professional services by leading delivery execution, ensuring quality, and developing talent. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service capabilities and drive...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Take ownership of advanced troubleshooting and field support for enterprise IT operations. Lead technicians, coordinate installations, and ensure seamless connectivity across remote locations while ma...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative power interconnect solutions by collaborating with customers and internal teams. Drive technical discussions, translate architecture needs, and support product development to enhan...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Optimize transformation readiness by leading enterprise testing strategies. Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure business solutions meet operational needs, minimize risks, and validate readines...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $185K *

Champion strategic growth by driving solution sales within key enterprise accounts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, articulate value, and influence client transforma...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$250K - $325K *

Engage with government agencies to drive new business growth, leveraging strategic territory planning and consultative selling. Collaborate cross-functionally to navigate complex procurement processes...

Washington, DCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$92K - $120K *

Lead a dynamic team of Client Contract Managers to optimize renewal strategies, drive retention, and enhance operational excellence through effective leadership and cross-functional collaboration. Ele...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$75K - $120K *

Advance your career by implementing innovative SaaS solutions, configuring custom workflows, and driving system integration projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle complex challenges and d...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$171K - $300K *

Take ownership of architecting and developing AI-driven backend solutions for Access Security, enhancing identity intelligence and risk detection while collaborating with cross-functional teams to del...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to building and enhancing CI/CD pipelines, ensuring secure and efficient software delivery for critical programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to maintain high standards...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $115K *

Help us ensure quality by executing comprehensive testing for system enhancements and upgrades. Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze requirements and deliver actionable documentation, all while ma...

Tumwater, WARemote

1 week ago

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

$185K - $210K *

Lead and optimize global technology services across Adobe and Salesforce ecosystems. Drive strategic direction, client delivery, and team growth in a fast-paced environment. Champion technical excelle...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K *

Join a team that's redefining implementation excellence. As a Field Implementation Specialist, you'll execute rollouts, build trust, and enhance departmental engagement, all while traveling extensivel...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$82K - $172K *

Advance your career as an Embedded Linux Software Developer, contributing to the evolution of mission-critical devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance networking capabilities and d...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $170K *

Execute end-to-end digital onboarding of complex AI data center infrastructure, managing cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery, stability, and optimization of high-performance systems for p...

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Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$161K - $299K *

Engineer solutions by applying functional knowledge to design and customize SAP or PeopleSoft applications, ensuring alignment with business needs. Collaborate with teams to write requirements, develo...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$405K - $485K *

Join us to design and build innovative memory and search experiences that enhance user interaction across platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful products that prioritiz...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $300K *

Champion a high-performing team of Inside Account Executives to exceed sales targets and enhance customer relationships, driving growth in the Public Sector through effective leadership, coaching, and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $110K *

Unlock potential by leading end-to-end payroll processing across multiple US entities, ensuring compliance and accuracy while contributing to the evolution of a global payroll model within a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role focused on coding, cloud resources, and database support. Lead automation projects, solve unique challenges daily, and collaborate with teams to deliver practical...

CanadaRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$165K - $243K *

Deliver innovative disaster recovery solutions for healthcare systems, ensuring compliance and resilience for clinical workloads. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address complex challenges...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Unlock potential by driving pipeline generation and building strategic partnerships. Engage with key customers, represent the brand at events, and thrive in a dynamic startup environment to enhance Sa...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$134K - $168K *

Elevate your career by managing cutting-edge segmentation services while leading a team of experts. Drive client success and revenue growth through strategic engagements in zero-trust architecture and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$102K - $190K *

Lead the charge in managing firewall infrastructure engineering, ensuring operational excellence, scalability, and security. Drive team performance, oversee lifecycle management, and enhance capabilit...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the IT workstream in executing complex business separations and transformations, managing cross-functional teams, and coordinating critical activities to ensure successful outcomes in a dynamic e...

Dallas, TXRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business 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.