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.
$120K - $145K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team leading threat intelligence and detection engineering. Shape strategies to protect diverse industries from cyber threats, while building a high-impact program that...
3 weeks ago
Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Analyst, Sr-Principal Level (Active TS/SCI with Polygraph)
$150K - $250K *
Dynamic is seeking a Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Analyst for a permanent opportunity onsite Monday-Friday in Fort Meade, MD. The candidate will be working in a collaborative, mission-driven team en...
2 weeks ago
Tech Non-Destruct Test Spec - N3
$56K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team to perform non-destructive testing on materials and components, ensuring quality and compliance through advanced techniques. Leverage your expertise in NDT methods to contribute to...
Today
Software Engineer - AI-Enabled Vulnerability Research
$282K - $332K *
Unlock your potential by designing and developing AI-enabled software for vulnerability research. Collaborate with experts to enhance national security through innovative solutions while mentoring fel...
1 week ago
$99K - $206K *
Join a team that's enhancing cybersecurity by engineering Linux systems and automating processes. Contribute to a next-gen Cyber Threat Intelligence Database while collaborating with key partners to i...
2 weeks ago
Lead, Cyber Resilience & Offensive Security
$110K - $130K *
Deliver impactful Cyber Resilience Testing programs, driving offensive security initiatives and cross-functional collaboration to enhance cyber control effectiveness and compliance across the organiza...
5 days ago
Information System Security Officer
$88K - $105K *
Engage in vital cybersecurity operations, collaborating with teams to ensure robust information security and compliance, while documenting processes and implementing security control measures to prote...
3 weeks ago
$132K - $150K *
Unlock the potential of cybersecurity by ensuring compliance and security for classified data. Collaborate with teams to configure and evaluate solutions, while providing expert analysis and recommend...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager of Cyber Security
$120K - $145K *
Lead the cybersecurity operations, ensuring compliance and team performance while managing security tools, incident response, and vendor relationships. Drive continuous improvement across governance...
3 weeks ago
Sr.. Principal Cyber Software Engineer
$122K - $253K *
Empower the development of advanced cybersecurity solutions by designing, building, and deploying full stack applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and optim...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing network security across diverse environments. You'll implement, maintain, and troubleshoot critical network solutions while collaborating with senior engineer...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing web services in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with QA and development teams to drive automation and enhance integration within Contact Center appli...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$225K - $338K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of advanced AI security and delivery systems. Drive technical excellence and mentor teams while collaborating on innovative solutions across m...
1 week ago
Senior Infrastructure Test Engineer, DevOps
$120K - $140K *
Unlock your potential as you innovate automated testing solutions for AWS infrastructures and CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance deployment confidence and streamline v...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer
$105K - $200K *
Advance your career by providing cybersecurity expertise and mentoring within high-performing teams. Lead compliance efforts for combat systems, ensuring adherence to RMF guidelines while collaboratin...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by designing, deploying, and supporting security technologies. Collaborate with clients to enhance their security posture while aligning with busi...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance client security through hands-on engineering, deploying cutting-edge technologies, and collaborating on best practices to ensure robust cybersecurity across diverse envi...
3 weeks ago
$302K - $336K *
Lead the charge in defining and delivering a multi-year strategy for a Zero Trust architecture, ensuring secure systems and cross-functional collaboration while mentoring engineers and driving fleet-w...
1 week ago
$302K - $336K *
Join a team that's redefining security architecture by leading the development of a Zero Trust identity framework, driving innovation, and ensuring the reliability of critical systems across multiple...
1 week ago
$302K - $336K *
Lead the charge in defining and delivering a multi-year Zero Trust architecture, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to enhance security across diverse systems and teams...
1 week ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform customer cybersecurity needs into scalable solutions by partnering with sales teams. Lead discovery, develop architectures, and support opportunities from qualification to close, ensuring al...
2 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$180K - $215K *
Partner with us to drive cybersecurity solutions by engaging with clients, assessing their needs, and designing scalable architectures. Collaborate with sales and technical teams to ensure effective i...
2 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Engage as a trusted advisor in cybersecurity, collaborating with sales teams to identify customer needs, develop scalable solutions, and lead technical discussions, ensuring alignment between security...
2 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform customer cybersecurity needs into scalable solutions by collaborating with sales teams and leading technical discussions. Leverage your expertise to design architectures, support presentatio...
2 weeks ago
IT Security Pre-Sales Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape cybersecurity solutions by collaborating with sales teams and clients to identify needs, develop architectures, and deliver tailored recommendations. Leverage your expertise to drive technical v...
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.