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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$125K - $150K *

Unlock your potential as you empower deployment and automation solutions in high-security environments. Leverage your expertise in DevOps and platform engineering to ensure robust operations across fe...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$92K - $110K *

Transform security incident response by analyzing threats, managing alerts, and collaborating with teams to enhance defenses. Drive continuous improvement through audits, playbook development, and thr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$181K - $302K *

Unlock the potential of AI in vulnerability management by leading teams to transform threat exposure strategies. Drive innovation in risk reduction and build reusable capabilities while managing clien...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$109K - $181K *

Join a team that's designing and implementing robust LAN/WAN solutions, managing network traffic for on-premises and cloud environments, and troubleshooting connectivity issues to support enterprise a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $155K *

Champion advanced security initiatives by leading Red Team efforts to identify vulnerabilities and enhance protection across enterprise systems through penetration testing and adversarial emulation, w...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$150K - $250K *

Empower AI safety by leading research on white-box methods, publishing findings, and engaging with the community to improve algorithm alignment and risk management in real-world applications with a fo...

4 weeks ago

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

$150K - $170K *

Elevate cybersecurity readiness by developing and implementing training programs, managing certifications, and supporting joint exercises to ensure mission success in a federal defense environment...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$150K - $170K *

Innovate cybersecurity training programs to enhance workforce readiness and operational effectiveness. Collaborate with teams to develop curricula, assess training needs, and ensure compliance with Do...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$145K - $175K *

Join a team that's redefining cyber security by integrating robust security architectures into IT systems, leading development efforts, and ensuring compliance with industry standards while mentoring...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $142K *

Drive quality assurance in hardware products by designing and implementing manufacturing test strategies. Collaborate with teams and contract manufacturers to ensure successful product launches and co...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading IT security initiatives, assessing risks, and driving remediation efforts across the enterprise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security posture and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$185K - $240K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and enhance complex software systems, focusing on analytics, algorithms, and large data sets. Collaborate on innovative solutions while ensuring adherence to design requ...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $240K *

Elevate your career by developing innovative software solutions that enhance performance and security. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment to tackle complex challenges and deliver high-quality t...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$188K - $282K *

Lead the charge in architecting scalable automated test frameworks while driving quality assurance strategies across product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure resilient so...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$188K - $282K *

Transform the quality assurance landscape by architecting robust automated test frameworks and leading cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality software delivery throughout the product lifecycle...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $338K *

Transform the future of AI security by leading the development of high-performance, low-latency applications in a multi-tenant B2B SaaS environment, while mentoring junior developers and driving innov...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $338K *

Transform cloud infrastructure for a cutting-edge AI security platform. Architect scalable solutions, optimize CI/CD pipelines, and ensure system reliability while leveraging serverless technologies a...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$206K - $310K *

Join us to lead the development of high-performance, low-latency applications in a multi-tenant B2B SaaS environment, enhancing security and efficiency through innovative AI tools and collaborative ar...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$259K - $388K *

Innovate the realm of AI security by architecting scalable cloud infrastructure, enhancing system reliability and performance. Drive automation, manage container orchestration, and ensure compliance i...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$259K - $388K *

Unlock cutting-edge cloud infrastructure design and management as you enhance our AI security platform. Drive innovation in DevOps practices while ensuring scalability, security, and reliability in a...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$206K - $310K *

Engage in the architecture and development of low-latency applications for a multi-tenant B2B SaaS platform, driving performance, security, and innovation while mentoring junior talent and fostering c...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $142K *

Deliver robust manufacturing test strategies to ensure quality and reliability of hardware products. Collaborate with teams and contract manufacturers to enhance processes and resolve issues, driving...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in shaping market narratives and product positioning for integrated security offerings. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop compelling messaging that resonates with decision-make...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Engineer in Cloud Security, enhancing security controls across a modern platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust security measures, compliance...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Innovate secure network solutions by engineering and supporting robust infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security technologies, ensuring reliable connectivity and comp...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.