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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$88K - $154K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee personnel security, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines while protecting sensitive information through effective protocols and collaboration across departments...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity by providing expert engineering support throughout the system lifecycle, optimizing workflows, and addressing complex security challenges to ensure robust sy...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Join us to deliver comprehensive security engineering support, optimizing workflows and resolving complex cybersecurity challenges throughout the system lifecycle. Your expertise will enhance secure s...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$255K - $345K *

Transform product security by leading a high-performing team, redefining processes for the AI era, and ensuring robust security across Intuit's ecosystem while fostering collaboration with business le...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$85K - $95K *

Unlock your potential in software testing, contributing to mission-critical systems development with a dynamic team committed to innovative solutions and continuous learning. Build expertise while sup...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team to ensure high-quality software delivery through effective testing, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving. Contribute to Agile processes and enhance product quality by deve...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $175K *

Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity training programs for DoD initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop curricula, assess workforce readiness, and support mission-critical cyber ope...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$160K - $175K *

Join us in advancing cybersecurity training initiatives for the DoD. This role focuses on developing and enhancing training programs, ensuring workforce readiness, and supporting mission-critical oper...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$188K - $282K *

Elevate your career by leading the Solutions Engineering team, driving technical sales, and shaping strategies to meet company goals. Foster collaboration, develop talent, and ensure customer success...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$207K - $310K *

Champion the Solutions Engineering team by driving technical sales strategies, managing performance, and fostering collaboration to meet organizational goals while ensuring customer success and team d...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation by providing expert technical guidance in system engineering and acquisition for critical defense programs, ensuring the successful development and integration of advanced missile sys...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $165K *

Drive security initiatives as part of engineering teams enhancing HPC environments. Collaborate with experts to implement secure architectures, ensuring robust protection for critical systems, while a...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $165K *

Unlock potential by joining our team to enhance HPC security across diverse systems. Collaborate with top engineers and contribute to critical projects that strengthen national security while advancin...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $140K *

Champion quality assurance by independently owning testing processes, collaborating with teams, and driving improvements in a fast-paced environment. Your expertise will ensure product reliability and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $149K *

Build your career with a dynamic role focused on designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructure. Collaborate across teams to enhance security, scalability, and automation in...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Support cybersecurity acquisition activities for Navy ship platforms, ensuring system security integration and documentation. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance cybersecurity practices within th...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$185K - $235K *

Elevate open-source software security by analyzing vulnerabilities, collaborating with teams, and contributing to projects. Join us to enhance cybersecurity initiatives and drive innovation in softwar...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$196K - $294K *

Shape the future of medical technology by leading cybersecurity strategy for a connected insulin delivery platform. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust security architecture and compliance in a...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$196K - $294K *

Shape the future of medical technology by leading cybersecurity strategy for a connected insulin delivery platform, ensuring robust security across mobile apps, cloud services, and embedded systems wh...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$131K - $161K *

Innovate in cryptography by designing algorithms and models to secure sensitive data. Collaborate on high-performance computing projects to enhance security solutions and analyze vulnerabilities acros...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's advancing cutting-edge solutions in defensive cyber operations. Drive technical leadership and operational delivery while leading a distributed engineering team and engaging directl...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $160K *

Lead day-to-day reliability for our SRE-DevOps team, ensuring production AWS environments are secure and well-documented. Collaborate on automation, incident response, and compliance while working ind...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$194K - $267K *

Unlock potential by leading a team to develop AI-native security solutions, ensuring operational excellence and technical innovation while driving accountability and fostering talent in a dynamic engi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$77K - $163K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer, leading design reviews and infrastructure projects while ensuring compliance with federal standards. Collaborate with senior technical officers and drive s...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $145K *

Lead the charge in complex testing operations, ensuring excellence in hardware development through hands-on execution and collaboration with engineering teams. Drive root cause investigations and main...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.