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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$186K - $267K *

Take ownership of technical leadership within a dynamic engineering team, enhancing software solutions for workload security. Focus on scalability, performance, security, and reliability in complex en...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$92K - $115K *

Transform client data integration processes by designing, building, and testing seamless connections between systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure optimal performance and security while delivering...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud infrastructure by managing a vast AWS estate. Drive automation, maintain platform health, and deliver new features while ensuring compliance in a regulat...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $250K *

Tackle systemic challenges by building tools and practices that enhance performance, scalability, and decision-making across engineering teams, fostering collaboration and driving solutions that bridg...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$72K - $90K *

Lead data-driven insights to enhance business performance, collaborating across teams to support strategic initiatives. Utilize technical skills in SQL, Python, and data visualization to drive impactf...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$152K - $190K *

Develop high-performance networking solutions using Rust for a secure client connector. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance code quality and implement impactful features while addressin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$113K - $142K *

Design and develop structural engineering solutions for modular data centers. Oversee vendor collaboration, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance with local codes, delivering repeatable desi...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Manage complex enterprise sales cycles by engaging senior stakeholders to deliver advanced cybersecurity solutions for regulated industries addressing critical compliance and security challenges...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$70K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to supporting disaster recovery efforts through federal funding programs. Collaborate with local governments and nonprofits to ensure compliance and effective project form...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$155K - $175K *

Unlock your potential as a technical leader, driving ServiceNow development and integration efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions, ensuring alignment with busi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $90K *

Deliver exceptional tax consulting services by guiding customers through the implementation of tax solutions, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while fostering strong rela...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the optimization of Workday Advanced Compensation by leading implementations and enhancing HCM modules. Partner with clients and teams to drive innovation, deliver strategic solutions, and en...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Engineer robust backend services and APIs for a cutting-edge wargaming platform, integrating AI and cloud technologies to support mission-critical simulations and decision-making processes for defense...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $192K *

Accelerate revenue growth by driving security services sales, managing the full sales lifecycle, and building strategic relationships with clients and partners to enhance market presence and deliver i...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $110K *

Solve complex production challenges and ensure system stability as a key technical support resource. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance customer satisfaction through effective incident manageme...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of DevOps by leading tooling architecture and cloud testing initiatives. Collaborate with teams to enhance CI/CD pipelines, drive automation, and ensure compliance with security stand...

Tampa, FLRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$151K - $176K *

Lead the charge in ensuring compliance and optimization for next-gen satellite communications by translating complex regulations and providing technical guidance across multidisciplinary teams, drivin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$88K - $105K *

Design innovative Civil systems for mission-critical environments, ensuring compliance and safety. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver reliable infrastructure solutions that enhance ope...

Texas, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of CRM technology strategy by collaborating with stakeholders, managing architecture, and driving digital transformation initiatives to enhance customer outcomes and operational effic...

Calgary, ABRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's driven to build a powerful growth engine through hands-on management of acquisition campaigns and lifecycle marketing, integrating data analysis, creative collaboration, and automat...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $170K *

Join us as a Principal Procore Administrator to lead configuration, governance, and enhancement of Procore for enterprise facilities and construction operations, ensuring data integrity while collabor...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$63K - $105K *

Unlock your potential by contributing to SAP Integration Development, where you'll design, test, and support software solutions in a collaborative remote environment, ensuring seamless system communic...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$96K - $205K *

Empower the Data Center Solutions team by providing expert technical support, evaluating customer needs, and leading strategic projects across the Central US and Latin America, ensuring optimal produc...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $160K *

Drive the development of critical enterprise applications for defense personnel, utilizing Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate in an agile team to enhance program and financial management tool...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and maintain scalable security data pipelines, ensuring accurate telemetry ingestion and compliance with governance standards for enhanced cybersecuri...

Charlotte, NCRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

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.