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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$120K - $150K *

Create and execute a comprehensive training strategy to develop a skilled, safety-focused workforce for global data center operations, ensuring operational excellence and compliance through innovative...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team of software engineers focused on cybersecurity. Collaborate on innovative solutions for Red and Blue Teams while advancing your skills in a supportive enviro...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $160K *

Champion cybersecurity excellence by conducting assessments, ensuring compliance, and enhancing system security for critical defense operations. Collaborate with experts to safeguard national interest...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $166K *

Explore cutting-edge challenges as a Cyber Threat Analyst, conducting in-depth digital forensic examinations to support criminal and national security investigations. Collaborate with a dynamic team a...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Optimize scientific research applications by providing programming and QA support. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance legacy systems, implement DevSecOps practices, and ensure complian...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Manage the end-to-end response to security incidents, ensuring rapid visibility of hacks, coordinating teams, maintaining data accuracy, and leveraging AI for enhanced analysis and attribution, all wh...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $245K *

Build your expertise in enterprise security engineering, architecting advanced threat detection and response systems while collaborating across teams. Play a key role in safeguarding innovative softwa...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $245K *

Unlock advanced threat detection and incident response capabilities. Shape the security landscape by architecting and managing robust solutions to protect mission-critical systems in a dynamic environ...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Optimize cybersecurity solutions by integrating methodologies and resolving complex system challenges. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance information security for critical defense operations...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career as a Cybersecurity Engineer, tackling complex security challenges while supporting critical systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance cybersecurity measures and drive inn...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Design and build automated testing frameworks for validating endpoint management across operating systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance software quality and drive automated validation of system-l...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $150K *

Lead the design and execution of advanced security and technology systems, managing complex projects while mentoring teams and collaborating with clients to deliver innovative solutions in a dynamic e...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $160K *

Champion cloud and application security by enhancing AWS practices, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement to ensure secure and compliant environments...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Pioneer in Information Assurance, ensuring network compliance and cybersecurity across NIPRNET and SIPRNET. Collaborate with teams to manage accreditation, vulnerability assessments, and incident resp...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $190K *

Engage directly with users to translate operational needs into innovative solutions. Utilize your engineering expertise to prototype rapidly, build trust in mission-critical environments, and expand p...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $190K *

Contribute to innovative solutions by embedding with users to enhance operational efficiency. Drive product improvements through rapid prototyping and collaboration, ensuring high-quality code deliver...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $120K *

Elevate software quality by leading comprehensive testing strategies, ensuring all systems meet rigorous standards and user needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements and del...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Software Testing Principal, where you'll develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to dri...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $90K *

Support cybersecurity initiatives by monitoring threats, conducting assessments, and collaborating with teams to enhance security posture. Contribute to incident response and compliance efforts while...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $90K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity measures. In this role, you'll monitor threats, conduct assessments, and collaborate with stakeholders to protect organizational assets and impr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$143K - $210K *

Drive security innovation by designing robust architectures that protect enterprise and cloud environments. Collaborate across teams to implement effective security controls, assess risks, and ensure...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of security engineering by developing robust solutions, enhancing compliance, and empowering teams through innovative tools and practices that ensure safety and ef...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $204K *

Innovate automated testing for drone and ground control software, ensuring quality and stability through CI/CD integration. Collaborate on test framework development and maintain comprehensive documen...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Empower product excellence by validating designs and testing integrated hardware and software systems. Collaborate in an R&D lab to enhance product quality and drive innovative solutions through rigor...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative AI solutions by mentoring engineers, setting technical standards, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive impactful outcomes in a fast-paced environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.