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.
$150K - $185K *
Grow your career with a Senior DevSecOps Engineer role that spearheads AI governance automation and pipeline tooling for a key federal advisory program, ensuring compliance and security throughout the...
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Elevate our IT security function by building a secure environment for research operations. You'll manage identity, access, and compliance while enabling fast-paced research through robust security mea...
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$135K - $216K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of military exercise planning. Lead a dedicated group in providing strategic direction and operational support for joint Army exercises across the Pacific, enhanc...
1 week ago
$123K - $204K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of application security by leading strategic initiatives, driving secure practices, and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance risk management across clo...
2 weeks ago
Red Team / Offensive Security Analyst | Hybrid - New York, NY | 6+ Months
$110K - $130K *
Transform the security landscape by conducting penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, simulating cyberattacks, and collaborating with teams to enhance system resilience and security protocol...
5 days ago
$83K - $102K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through rigorous testing and automation. Collaborate with developers to identify and resolve defects while maintaining network systems, ensur...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive cybersecurity excellence by leading security operations, optimizing risk management, and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance security posture. Champion rigorous standards and foster...
1 week ago
Application Security Engineer Sr Associate
$77K - $202K *
Shape the future of cloud security by designing and implementing robust application security controls. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities and enhance protective measures across diverse...
4 days ago
$140K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading red team operations and security assessments across cloud environments, enhancing security posture through adversary emulation and collaboration with engineering teams to d...
4 days ago
$140K - $190K *
Lead the charge in enhancing security posture through red team operations, adversary simulations, and assessments in cloud environments, driving remediation efforts and collaborating with engineering...
4 days ago
$140K - $190K *
Drive security excellence by evaluating and enhancing cloud environments through adversary emulation and offensive assessments, ensuring robust protection across software and engineering teams...
4 days ago
Test Framework Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by harnessing cutting-edge technology and methodologies to design, develop, and test high-performance software solutions for government clients, while leading diverse teams and opt...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by safeguarding digital assets through proactive security operations, incident response, and vulnerability management. Collaborate with teams to enhance security measures and ensure c...
5 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Transform cloud cybersecurity practices by leading compliance, strategy, and governance across enterprise applications. Guide security documentation and advocate for modern DevSecOps methods while col...
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$103K - $180K *
Join a team that's driving financial management transformation for the Navy. As a key contributor, you'll develop and execute test scenarios, validate workflows, and support UAT sessions, ensuring rob...
2 weeks ago
Integration Support / Break Fix Engineer - Chantilly, VA - TS/SCI clearance
$80K - $95K *
Transform mission-critical systems through hands-on integration and support. Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot and maintain operational readiness in a secure environment, ensuring sea...
Reposted today
$75K - $90K *
Join a dynamic team as a User Interface Automated Test Engineer, where you'll design and implement automated testing frameworks using Java, C++, and Python. Contribute to innovative software solutions...
1 week ago
Software Integration Lab Engineer
$86K - $138K *
Advance your career by providing technical expertise in software integration for military aircraft survivability systems. Collaborate across high-visibility programs, ensuring interoperability and per...
Today
$95K - $145K *
Unlock potential by designing and developing innovative applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and maintain enterprise solutions in a dynamic environment...
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Quality Assurance Test Engineer
$66K - $106K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality and performance. As a QA Test Engineer, you'll balance testing legacy VB.NET applications with modern web solutions, leveraging cutting-edge t...
1 week ago
$102K - $157K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance application security for mission-critical software. Collaborate with developers to identify vulnerabilities and integrate security into the development lifecycle, ensuri...
1 week ago
Lead Infrastructure Security Engineer
$180K - $250K *
Join us to enhance our security infrastructure as a Lead Infrastructure Security Engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement robust security measures, automate processes, and drive...
1 week ago
$120K - $140K *
Join a team that's developing and maintaining C++ test harnesses for embedded systems, focusing on FPGA tests and low-level device testing while ensuring high-quality software delivery and automation...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Explore a dynamic role in security engineering, focusing on cloud security, compliance, and risk management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security measures and automate complianc...
1 week 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.