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

$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

$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...

United StatesRemote

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...

United StatesRemote

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...

United StatesRemote

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

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.