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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1
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$66K - $106K *

Elevate quality assurance standards by independently managing automated testing, defect lifecycle, and documentation. Collaborate with Agile teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance, while...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Shape the future of quality assurance by ensuring our products meet high standards. Collaborate with engineering teams to test APIs, SDKs, and real-time integrations, while building automation for fas...

New York, NYRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in empowering strategic partners by delivering technical capabilities, driving customer opportunities, and fostering scalable solutions throughout the partner lifecycle to achieve meas...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate incident response capabilities by developing dashboards and alerts, optimizing cloud performance, and ensuring security compliance. Collaborate with product teams to enhance IAM needs while dr...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join us to design and secure next-gen infrastructure while ensuring compliance. Collaborate with a diverse team, automate security practices, and mitigate risks through innovative solutions to uphold...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $120K *

Explore a pivotal role in leading complex analysis across systems, driving alignment among stakeholders, and enhancing technology solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate business needs...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career as a Platform Engineer, driving innovation in system architecture and cloud technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance platform efficiency and guide junior en...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $89K *

Elevate your career by developing innovative software solutions, driving product enhancements, and collaborating within an Agile team. Utilize core technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to deliv...

Toronto, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative security solutions, collaborating with sales teams to educate clients on overcoming operational challenges and enhancing their cybersecurity posture through ta...

Phoenix, AZRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, collaborating with sales teams to educate clients on challenges and deliver tailored strategies that enhance organizational safety and operation...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $198K *

Transform customer security by collaborating with sales to identify needs, demonstrating solutions, and educating partners on best practices in cybersecurity. Drive engagement through meetings and eve...

Vancouver, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $198K *

Partner with us to drive customer engagement by delivering tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges, and enhancing operational safety through expert collaboration with sales and pa...

Portland, ORRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage in strategic partner ecosystem development to drive revenue growth and create innovative channel programs for sustained business success. Manage regional channel business and enhance existing p...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Unlock potential by leading security initiatives and shaping strategy. Collaborate with teams to design and implement robust security solutions, ensuring alignment with business goals and compliance s...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $155K *

Join our team as a Principal Security Engineer, where you'll design and enhance security solutions, shape strategy, and lead initiatives to protect enterprise assets while mentoring junior engineers a...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$139K - $174K *

Join our team to shape the future of our platform by designing robust APIs, improving service connectivity, and evolving legacy systems into modern architectures, all while fostering a collaborative e...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Innovate testing and automation systems to enhance software release confidence. Lead technical direction, integrate AI for efficiency, and ensure reliable verification processes while fostering collab...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $247K *

Elevate application security by leading initiatives and shaping best practices across multiple programming languages, while collaborating with engineering teams to ensure that security is integrated a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Engage in designing and implementing robust cybersecurity solutions while managing security technologies and cloud services. Collaborate across teams to ensure operational performance and support clie...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $190K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of SaaS architecture. As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll design scalable solutions, mentor peers, and enhance developer experience, driving impactful modernizat...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in directing technical architecture and cybersecurity for a statewide Health Information Exchange, ensuring secure integration and compliance with healthcare privacy standards while ma...

Jackson, MSRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in Partner Success by managing high-priority portfolios, fostering strong relationships, and executing strategic plans while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive growth a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $100K *

Transform business needs into actionable requirements, driving system enhancements and operational improvements. Collaborate across teams to ensure clarity and alignment, leveraging data analysis and...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

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

$126K - $188K *

Join a team that's redefining security data engineering by integrating and operationalizing data across multiple platforms. Lead initiatives that enhance risk management and drive measurable outcomes...

Minnesota, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Lead a dynamic team to innovate and execute bold, cross-channel campaigns that elevate brand presence and drive measurable growth in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with various departments to c...

Boston, MARemote

3 weeks 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.