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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$110K - $130K *

Champion transformative IT projects by leading integrations during business separations, ensuring smooth transitions, and managing complex dependencies in fast-paced environments...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role managing technical partnerships, scoping integrations, and ensuring successful collaboration between engineering teams and partners. Shape strategic conversations...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in expanding B2B partnerships within the gaming industry. Drive adoption of our orchestration platform, manage key relationships, and represent the company at major gaming events globa...

Vancouver, BCRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$133K - $209K *

Join a dynamic IT team as you safeguard cloud infrastructure, enhance security measures, and lead incident response efforts. Your expertise will drive continuous improvement and ensure robust protecti...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$172K - $215K *

Drive developer engagement and trust by enhancing Backblaze's presence in the evolving landscape of AI tools. Lead cross-functional teams to strategy and execute initiatives that establish credibility...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $216K *

Lead the charge in managing a software engineering team, driving the design and delivery of secure satellite ground communication services while fostering best practices and ensuring alignment with mi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$89K - $127K *

Unlock your potential by creating engaging engineering content and leading projects. Collaborate with teams to enhance educational tools and maintain high-quality standards while contributing to innov...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$98K - $120K *

Elevate your career by facilitating Agile delivery and driving AI initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement cutting-edge technology pilots, ensuring stakeholder engagement and...

Washington, DCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$147K - $274K *

Develop advanced document understanding systems to enhance legal content processing. Collaborate across teams to design, deploy, and evaluate models that drive measurable impact in legal, tax, and acc...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$89K - $155K *

Lead the design and implementation of a UiPath automation program, establishing governance and operational standards while collaborating with a diverse team to build a Center of Excellence from the gr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through rigorous testing and quality assurance. This role involves validating program deliverables, managing defects, and ensuring compliance...

Chicago, ILRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in defining technical solutions, managing risks, and guiding development teams to ensure optimal software delivery while collaborating with clients and enforcing coding standards...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Lead the charge in vulnerability management, driving remediation efforts and enhancing security across cloud environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to reduce risks and improve operation...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$85K - $100K *

Join us to drive business growth by developing client relationships and identifying opportunities in ICT assurance services. Collaborate with sales and technical teams to connect client needs with cyb...

Toronto, ONRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$75K - $90K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity by developing new business opportunities, building client relationships, and managing sales processes for ICT assurance services. Collaborate with teams to connect cl...

Houston, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Drive innovation in backend development and blockchain infrastructure, shaping the future of global payments. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and scale solutions to millions while...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$100K - $300K *

Lead the charge in optimizing the customer journey from landing page to long-term conversion. Drive growth through experimentation, retention strategies, and revenue expansion while collaborating with...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$157K - $185K *

Join a team that's building cutting-edge data infrastructure for enterprises. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll create production-quality agents and integrations directly within customer environm...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $195K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of PCIe technology, enhancing high-speed communication between hardware components. Collaborate with engineers to optimize performance and reliability in cutting-ed...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$63K - $105K *

Shape the future of enterprise applications by leveraging your SAP ABAP expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and implement innovative solutions that enhance business...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Innovate your career by developing cutting-edge virtual embedded control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create and validate virtual electronic control units, enhancing automotive...

Milford, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Drive your career with a dynamic role focused on enhancing web applications using ColdFusion. Collaborate on development, documentation, and server administration while ensuring high standards in soft...

Sterling, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$78K - $156K *

Empower clinical laboratories by leading automation hardware implementations, partnering with customers, resolving technical challenges, and ensuring successful project outcomes in a dynamic, remote r...

California, USRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $120K *

Engage and drive regional growth for comprehensive due diligence services in the Midwest. Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders in commercial real estate, delivering actionable insights...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in designing cutting-edge infrastructure for large-scale AI deployments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless execution from concept to construction, maintaining...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.