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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Product Security Engineer
$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...
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$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 3 days ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Virtual Machines (RD222)
$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...
5 days ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Advisory Solution Consultant - Security, Identity & Exposure Management (Armis/Veza)
$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...
5 days ago
Advisory Solution Consultant - Security, Identity & Exposure Management (Armis/Veza)
$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...
1 week ago
Advisory Solution Consultant - Security, Identity & Exposure Management (Armis/Veza)
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Client Executive, Intelligence Community
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a skilled team to support and enhance large-scale Genesys implementations, focusing on installation, configuration, and daily operations to optimize the product suite performance...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Consultant I - Network Security Engineering
$75K - $126K *
Innovate with us to enhance network security platforms, ensuring robust protection and operational efficiency. As a key engineer, you'll tackle complex challenges, automate processes, and collaborate...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Transform structural engineering solutions by designing and analyzing systems for mission-critical environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency in...
4 days ago
Director, Applications Engineering
$203K - $280K *
Reimagine the future of manufacturing by leading a dynamic Applications Engineering team. Drive technical assessments, build customer relationships, and ensure seamless communication between clients a...
3 weeks ago
VP, Corporate Security Center of Excellence
$180K - $220K *
Transform security leadership by developing a global risk management strategy that safeguards assets and fosters a culture of vigilance. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance crisis response, complia...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed Full Stack Engineer (Active Secret Clearance)
$120K - $145K *
Drive impactful software solutions by embedding with clients, transforming ambiguous needs into deployable features across secure environments. Collaborate closely with users and stakeholders to deliv...
4 days ago
What is a penetration tester?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.