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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$157K - $292K *

Elevate legal technology solutions by leading architecture design and integration with partners. Collaborate across teams to ensure scalable, secure offerings that meet customer needs while guiding a...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

The Permit Operations Lead will manage the full lifecycle of permit applications, ensuring compliance and accuracy while serving as the primary point of contact for customers. This role requires exten...

Canada, KYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Drive quality assurance for ICT cabling infrastructure across 700+ Army Reserve sites. Collaborate with engineering teams and contractors to ensure compliance with technical standards and deliver exce...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $142K *

Help us deliver cutting-edge GenAI and HPC solutions by deploying and optimizing GPU-accelerated systems. Join a dynamic team to enhance performance and support enterprise customers across the U.S. in...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$122K - $158K *

Join a dynamic team as a GenAI & HPC Delivery Engineer, driving cutting-edge GPU solutions and optimizing performance for AI and HPC infrastructures. Engage directly with customers, ensuring successfu...

Austin, TXRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $135K *

Elevate our proposal management efforts by leading strategic submissions, fostering collaboration among teams, and enhancing our pursuit capabilities to secure high-value projects that improve infrast...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $120K *

Elevate your career by managing IT operations, vendor relationships, and internal projects. Lead endpoint management and ensure service quality while driving technology transitions and compliance init...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $135K *

Empower marketing innovation by leading product development for a cutting-edge intelligence platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and drive strategic decisions t...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Reimagine media operations by leading a team of analysts, leveraging your expertise in broadcast management systems and scheduling software to enhance efficiency and drive results in a dynamic, fast-p...

CanadaRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $155K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable, cloud-native APIs. Drive innovation in a green field project while ensuring system reliability and operational health with a focus o...

Mesa, AZRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$63K - $105K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team as you build and configure OneStream solutions. Collaborate with experienced professionals to enhance financial systems for federal agencies, mastering essential t...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Advance customer relationships by engaging decision-makers, conducting product demos, and collaborating with engineers to enhance equipment performance and service support in a dynamic sales environme...

Bessemer, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Engage with key decision-makers in the OTC products space, collaborating with engineers to identify solutions, conduct presentations, and build lasting customer relationships while managing performanc...

Charlotte, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Champion technical solutions by collaborating with engineers and decision-makers, conducting presentations, and managing performance improvement programs to enhance customer relationships and drive bu...

Charlotte, NCRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Unlock technical excellence by providing critical support for product implementations, ensuring seamless installations and troubleshooting for diverse technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $160K *

Lead the design and delivery of scalable data integrations across systems, driving healthcare interoperability and influencing stakeholder decisions, while ensuring alignment on architecture, governan...

Boston, MARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Pioneer the success of large-scale construction projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards. Lead diverse teams, manage client relationships, and drive strategic planning while overseeing...

Texas, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$193K - $285K *

Empower the Security Engineering team by leading the technical vision for platform hardening across global operations, ensuring a secure and resilient delivery network through innovative practices and...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$101K - $132K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of client success by leading implementation efforts. Drive operational excellence while mentoring your team and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance customer...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing security across cloud environments. Leverage your expertise in cybersecurity to implement and optimize robust security solutions, ensuring the protection of s...

Miami Lakes, FLRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$77K - $93K *

Transform IT/OT network infrastructure by implementing secure, scalable solutions. Collaborate with teams to ensure robust performance and compliance while managing network security and troubleshootin...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$90K - $166K *

Lead the design and implementation of advanced cybersecurity and IAM solutions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Collaborate with teams to embed security best practices across all enviro...

Herndon, VARemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$175K - $334K *

Drive your career by leading a global team in cybersecurity operations, shaping enterprise-wide strategies for detection and response, and ensuring rapid threat remediation while enhancing operational...

Hartford, CTRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-value product increments by transforming strategic goals into actionable backlogs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless API integrations and drive contin...

Glastonbury, CTRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$107K - $204K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing scalable web applications using React.js, Python, and cloud technologies. Collaborate across front-end and back-end development to deliver secure, enterprise...

Connecticut, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.