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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$120K - $160K *

Shape security initiatives by collaborating with leadership to enhance security capabilities across multiple domains, driving improvements in identity management, cloud security, and incident response...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$63K - $97K *

Join a team that's driving IT Assurance services across diverse sectors. Lead engagements, mentor junior staff, and enhance client relationships while ensuring compliance and quality in IT audits and...

Oakville, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$63K - $97K *

Champion IT audit excellence by managing engagements, guiding teams, and delivering insights to clients in diverse sectors. Leverage your expertise to enhance risk services and foster junior talent in...

Hamilton, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$63K - $97K *

Oversee IT audit engagements, guiding teams in financial services and technology sectors. Manage projects, conduct risk assessments, and communicate findings while mentoring junior staff to ensure hig...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $110K *

Join our team to enhance security and automation in delivery pipelines, driving consistent deployments and compliance through modern DevSecOps practices alongside skilled professionals...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative security and technology design projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality solutions while mentoring others and driving project...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $120K *

Drive the enhancement of our cybersecurity posture by identifying threats, optimizing security controls, and collaborating with global teams to ensure robust protection of our digital environment...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$75K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity measures by identifying threats and improving technical controls. Collaborate globally to strengthen security posture and ensure robust protecti...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Lead the DevSecOps and cloud delivery strategy, overseeing CI/CD, infrastructure as code, and automated security controls to enhance deployment reliability and operational efficiency across teams...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Champion cybersecurity excellence by leading incident response efforts, enhancing team capabilities, and driving strategic improvements to safeguard infrastructure and data against evolving threats...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $140K *

Drive the future of cybersecurity by leading incident response efforts, mentoring teams, and enhancing threat detection strategies to protect critical infrastructure and data from evolving cyber threa...

North York, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $140K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as a DevOps Engineer, focusing on deploying and maintaining containerized applications in Kubernetes environments. Contribute to mission-critical operations...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$185K - $210K *

Elevate security practices by designing and maintaining secure CI/CD pipelines, automating infrastructure provisioning, and integrating security controls into DevOps workflows for optimal performance...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Drive the creation of engaging technical content in cybersecurity and identity security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex concepts into clear messaging, ensuring accuracy a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$116K - $160K *

Analyze digital evidence to strengthen national security through collaborative investigations. Leverage your expertise in computer forensics, security, and programming while working with a dedicated t...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $113K *

Engineer and enhance enterprise security solutions by integrating technologies and ensuring robust protections across platforms. Collaborate with IT and security teams to automate processes, remediate...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $110K *

Accelerate progress at quality assurance initiatives by managing testing for functional, regression, and integration systems. Utilize automation tools and data verification to ensure optimal functiona...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Join our analytics team to extract structured facts from complex documents, ensuring traceability and accuracy. Contribute to a trusted system that supports human review, operating within a secure env...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$163K - $233K *

Empower growth by leading the strategic direction for partnerships across the Americas. Foster collaboration with global and regional system integrators and technology alliances to enhance sales perfo...

Denver, CORemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $216K *

Advance your career by conducting in-depth malware analysis and digital forensics. Collaborate with mission partners to enhance cybersecurity operations and develop detection strategies, ensuring robu...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $216K *

Join us in advancing cybersecurity as a Senior Forensic and Malware Analyst, where you'll analyze malware, conduct digital forensics, and collaborate with mission partners to enhance threat detection...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $134K *

Elevate industrial cybersecurity initiatives by leading R&D projects, developing curriculum, and managing complex proposals. Collaborate with industry partners to enhance operational technology and en...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $115K *

Elevate cybersecurity efforts by analyzing and mitigating threats in Operational Technology environments. Collaborate with experts to enhance protection, conduct root cause analysis, and ensure robust...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance enterprise cybersecurity platforms, focusing on Microsoft Defender and cloud security. Leverage your engineering expertise to optimize security tools, ensuring robust pr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$175K - $235K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leading incident response, detection engineering, and threat hunting teams. Drive strategy and build capabilities to protect critical payment p...

United StatesRemote

1 week 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.