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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$95K - $115K *

Drive the maintenance and configuration of network systems, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Collaborate with vendors and teams to troubleshoot issues, manage incidents, and enhance servi...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$220K - $275K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior DevSecOps Engineer, driving the design and automation of secure cloud infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security practices and optimize...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$220K - $275K *

Shape the future of cloud security by designing and implementing robust DevSecOps practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance automation, reliability, and security across cloud envir...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Champion the design and implementation of AI-driven security systems to enhance product and infrastructure safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable solutions and mentor peer...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive proactive threat detection and mitigation in a large-scale enterprise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to uncover sophisticated cyber threats, utilizing advanced methodologies and framew...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$172K - $240K *

Join a team that's redefining AI security! As a Principal AI Security Engineer, you'll lead assessments, design controls, and partner with teams to ensure safe AI adoption across the enterprise, drivi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $220K *

Explore opportunities to enhance system security by identifying vulnerabilities and developing countermeasures. Collaborate with teams to produce insightful reports and briefings, ensuring robust prot...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to enhance cybersecurity by managing vulnerability assessments, coordinating remediation efforts, and ensuring compliance for critical systems. Drive improvements in vulnerability mana...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion vulnerability management by analyzing ACAS results, prioritizing findings, and coordinating remediation efforts across teams to ensure compliance and enhance cybersecurity posture for critica...

Chicago, ILRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape your career by leading IT audit readiness engagements, enhancing technology controls, and driving performance improvements for U.S. Federal clients. Supervise audit staff and ensure compliance w...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$76K - $89K *

Transform Datacenter projects by leading installation phases, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. Leverage your expertise to manage teams, uphold standards, and deliver exceptional service thr...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$112K - $179K *

Empower cyber investigations by analyzing user behavior and threats. Collaborate with teams to enhance detection capabilities and communicate findings effectively. Mentor junior analysts while staying...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on enhancing IT security. As a key player, you'll monitor threats, respond to incidents, and collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen the organ...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$137K - $263K *

Explore opportunities to lead Red Team engagements, enhancing security through adversary emulation and threat simulation. Collaborate across teams to develop strategies that protect critical assets wh...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$137K - $263K *

Champion advanced red team operations by leading engagements that test and enhance security measures across diverse environments, ensuring robust defenses against evolving cyber threats through strate...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$137K - $263K *

Lead comprehensive Red Team operations, enhancing security through adversary emulation and strategic testing. Collaborate across teams to identify vulnerabilities and drive impactful security initiati...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$135K - $216K *

Advance national security by leading identity intelligence operations, analyzing complex data, and providing expert guidance on biometric technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance identification...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $100K *

Analyze and enhance enterprise vulnerability and endpoint security across diverse IT environments. Collaborate with teams to assess risks, implement remediation strategies, and optimize security proce...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Inspire your career by joining a dynamic team focused on mobile automation, designing frameworks and enhancing test coverage for iOS and Android apps. Collaborate closely with engineering and product...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Innovate technical SEO strategies to enhance global web performance, ensuring optimal search visibility and user experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve technical i...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead technical engagements as a Forward Deployed Engineer, driving cybersecurity solutions and team growth while navigating ambiguity and delivering impactful customer outcomes...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Engage in high-stakes cybersecurity deployments, leading technical efforts and establishing influential customer relationships. Drive team growth, operational excellence, and impactful AI integration...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform the future of AI-driven security analysis by designing and implementing innovative capabilities. Collaborate with a dynamic team to automate security research and enhance analysis quality ac...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive the charge in shaping and executing the enterprise information security strategy, managing risk, governance, and compliance while leading a team to ensure robust protection and resilience agains...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining security engineering by leading strategic initiatives across product, infrastructure, and cloud security. Drive innovation, foster collaboration, and build a culture of s...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

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.