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.
$110K - $130K *
Drive impactful digital forensics and incident response initiatives, leading investigations and client engagements. Utilize deep technical expertise to analyze security breaches, ensuring timely and e...
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Transform the security landscape by providing expert information assurance support for cloud-hosted systems. Collaborate with Agile teams to enhance security protocols and ensure compliance with feder...
Today
Vulnerability Research Analyst
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Shape the future of software security by conducting advanced vulnerability analyses using AI tools. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance system resilience and present critical insights on software...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate cybersecurity standards by enforcing security controls across multiple environments, supporting compliance initiatives, and driving continuous improvement for robust information security manag...
Reposted 1 week ago
$171K - $245K *
Reimagine threat detection by leading research on adversary behavior in Endpoint and Cloud environments. Drive innovation through actionable insights, shaping product strategy and enhancing security m...
3 weeks ago
$171K - $245K *
Drive innovative threat research by analyzing adversary behavior across Endpoint and Cloud environments. Your expertise will shape detection strategies, influence product development, and enhance secu...
3 weeks ago
$171K - $245K *
Join us as a Principal Threat Researcher, where you'll analyze adversary behavior, develop detection methodologies, and drive innovation in cybersecurity. Your expertise will shape product strategy an...
3 weeks ago
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Transform Cyber Defense by leading cross-functional initiatives, enhancing operational maturity, and driving post-incident learning. Collaborate with executives to define metrics, improve decision-mak...
1 week ago
$154K - $231K *
Unlock the potential of cybersecurity by leading vulnerability research and reverse engineering efforts. Drive technical planning and mentor a team while developing innovative exploits for complex com...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of security engineering by embedding robust practices into development. Collaborate with engineers to enhance platform security, automate compliance, and build scalable tools that emp...
1 week ago
$150K - $300K *
Unlock potential by securing and enhancing cloud infrastructure, managing identity access, and leading incident response. This hands-on role involves building detection systems and ensuring compliance...
3 weeks ago
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Transform enterprise security by managing AppGate SDP implementations, architecting identity-centric policies, and integrating ZTNA tools. Lead a team to ensure compliance and operational excellence i...
1 week ago
Cyber Defense/Network Security Engineer
$155K - $175K *
Shape secure environments by configuring, deploying, and optimizing Linux and Windows systems. Collaborate on infrastructure management, security operations, and compliance documentation to enhance cy...
2 weeks ago
$147K - $167K *
Lead the charge in conducting security audits and assessments, ensuring compliance with DoD and IC cybersecurity policies while managing the JWICS Connection Approval Program and collaborating with st...
5 days ago
$120K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading endpoint management and security initiatives. Drive zero touch deployment, mentor IT support, and ensure compliance across devices in a dynamic, collaborative environment...
3 weeks ago
Director, Network Security Engineering
$135K - $160K *
Lead a high-performing Network Security Engineering team, guiding security initiatives and mentoring engineers while ensuring robust security practices across infrastructure and product lifecycles...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Cyber Software Engineer
$99K - $206K *
Unlock potential by leading full stack development for advanced cybersecurity solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance web applications, optimize performance, and ensure secure co...
2 weeks ago
Cyber Security / DevOps Engineer /SecDevOps
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by bridging development and security, ensuring rapid and compliant software delivery. This role focuses on automating security within CI/CD pipelines, enhancing infrastructure, and...
3 weeks ago
$188K - $242K *
Shape the future of secure software development by integrating security into CI/CD pipelines, automating vulnerability management, and collaborating with engineering teams to create a safer coding env...
3 weeks ago
Senior Security Engineer - Vulnerability Research
$191K - $293K *
Explore the future of security by leading vulnerability research efforts, enhancing software defenses, and streamlining remediation processes to protect critical networks from emerging threats...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $155K *
Optimize enterprise security by providing expert solutions for web application vulnerabilities. Collaborate with development and security teams to enhance risk management practices and streamline secu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $155K *
Drive enterprise security by providing expertise in web application vulnerabilities. Collaborate with teams to enhance security posture through proactive solutions, process automation, and effective c...
3 weeks ago
Principal Software Dev QA Engineer
$200K - $310K *
Lead the charge in end-to-end testing of AI-powered security products, combining test automation and offensive security expertise to ensure quality and safety across SaaS and on-premises deployments...
Yesterday
$180K - $190K *
Lead the charge in architecting cutting-edge DevOps solutions for vital federal IT projects, integrating security and automation with Agile methodologies to enhance mission-critical infrastructure and...
Reposted 4 days ago
$109K - $138K *
Partner with us to enhance IT services and cybersecurity, ensuring operational efficiency and security across diverse technologies. Lead initiatives, manage vendor relationships, and support teams in...
3 weeks 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.