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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$95K *

Drive impactful solutions as a tech-savvy consultant, showcasing cloud-based fire and EMS software to public safety agencies. Collaborate with sales teams to tailor presentations, enhance customer eng...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $150K *

Unlock your potential by developing customer-facing features across the full tech stack. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and enhance the Automox console, ensuring high performance and user sat...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $103K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic partnerships and driving revenue growth through effective management of Fortinet business development resources and collaboration with sales teams...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in customer deployments of cloud-native network access control solutions. Collaborate across networking and identity management to ensure successful implementations, training, and ongo...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $171K *

Engage with sales teams to provide technical expertise in pre-sales and post-sales processes, ensuring customer satisfaction and effective solutions in a defined territory. Collaborate closely with pa...

Montreal, QCRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$159K - $235K *

Innovate detection capabilities by developing robust solutions to enhance security across corporate and marketplace environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to revolutionize threat detect...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$157K - $184K *

Empower secure software delivery by designing and maintaining robust CI/CD pipelines, enhancing cloud-native product security, and implementing best practices in software supply chain security. Collab...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Pioneer global payroll operations, ensuring compliance and accuracy across multiple regions. Lead payroll processes and provide exceptional support as you contribute to the team’s expansion and effici...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Create seamless user experiences by developing robust APIs and integrating third-party software. Collaborate with teams to design systems that prioritize performance and maintainability while tackling...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $205K *

Join a team that's transforming payroll solutions by leading Workday Payroll implementations, optimizing processes, and mentoring junior consultants to enhance client efficiency and satisfaction...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $140K *

Empower global business practices by leading diverse project teams in innovative industries. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project success through effective management and integration of cut...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Develop and enhance software solutions, collaborating with senior developers to ensure alignment with industry standards and methodologies. Engage in all phases of the development process while workin...

Warren, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $240K *

Lead the charge in shaping data architecture strategies, driving innovation across platforms, and mentoring teams to optimize data governance and AI integration for scalable solutions that deliver mea...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Grow with us as you manage and scale cutting-edge infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance for a rapidly expanding system serving millions of requests daily. Collaborate in a hands-on role where y...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Transform your career by owning complex software features that integrate virtual machines into a secure platform. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions while establishing strong eng...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$206K - $283K *

Unlock potential by providing technical leadership in cybersecurity solutions, guiding customers through their security transformation journey, and ensuring value realization from their investments wh...

Charlotte, NCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$206K - $283K *

Elevate customer security transformations by driving technical leadership and delivering tailored solutions. Own the customer journey, ensuring deployment quality and ongoing value realization across...

New Jersey, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$206K - $283K *

Lead transformative security solutions by driving technical ownership, optimizing customer engagements, and fostering C-level relationships to ensure value realization throughout the customer lifecycl...

Maryland, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$206K - $283K *

Drive impactful security transformations by providing technical leadership and guiding customers in realizing value through innovative solutions tailored to their unique business needs and technical p...

Oregon, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$149K - $240K *

Engage with enterprise customers to address complex security and risk challenges. Serve as a trusted advisor, leading solution design and product demonstrations while collaborating with cross-function...

San Francisco, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $240K *

Transform enterprise security solutions by partnering with Sales to address complex challenges. Leverage your expertise to design impactful solutions, deliver compelling demos, and engage with stakeho...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $240K *

Champion enterprise security solutions by partnering with Sales to address complex challenges. Lead technical discovery, solution design, and customer validation, ensuring alignment between technical...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive revenue growth by leading a high-performing enterprise sales team, executing strategic sales plans, and building relationships with key decision-makers in the cybersecurity sector. Collaborate c...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $195K *

Create impactful client relationships and drive growth strategies across enterprise accounts. Lead cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional outcomes while aligning solutions with client objective...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform clients' digital strategies by leading pre-sales initiatives. Engage, inspire, and coach stakeholders through innovative solutions, ensuring alignment with business goals and implementing At...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical 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.