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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$131K - $161K *

Explore advanced signal analysis and network troubleshooting, leveraging expertise in communications signals and security. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance network performance and security t...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $163K *

Champion innovative infrastructure solutions by designing, deploying, and maintaining scalable systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance, security, and adaptability in a fast-paced enviro...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career forward by leading cybersecurity initiatives, enhancing security operations, and managing risk across cloud and infrastructure environments. Collaborate with teams to ensure robust p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$272K - $408K *

Champion secure development and lead a talented team to drive product security initiatives, aligning engineering practices with business priorities while scaling automation and enhancing security stan...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's driving impactful change in IT Procurement. As a Principal Consultant, you'll lead global teams, develop strategies, and deliver measurable outcomes while collaborating closely with...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$272K - $408K *

Drive product security excellence by leading a team to embed security into engineering, shaping architecture, and fostering high-quality security standards as we scale...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$135K - $175K *

Champion secure DevSecOps solutions by automating CI/CD pipelines and improving delivery processes, ensuring compliance with DoD security standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $179K *

Join a team that's shaping cyber strategy for USSPACECOM. Engage with leadership, align mission objectives, and provide strategic advice on cyber policy and operations while fostering international pa...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Optimize security processes and workflows by leading detection, investigation, and response initiatives. Collaborate across teams to enhance application and cloud infrastructure resilience, leveraging...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$104K - $166K *

Elevate your career by leading integration and testing efforts across complex systems. Collaborate with diverse engineering teams to ensure seamless functionality and operational readiness of intercon...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Empower our security team by developing and enhancing detection content for our EDR and ITDR platforms. Collaborate with experts to identify threats, improve detection accuracy, and ensure alignment w...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform security landscapes by ensuring robust compliance and risk management. Leverage your expertise in maintaining security postures across diverse environments while managing accreditation proje...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $100K *

Shape the future of cloud security by embedding automated guardrails and compliance controls into CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate across teams to enhance software delivery while ensuring a secure, scalab...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovative intelligence solutions by analyzing remotely sensed data, enhancing customer relationships, and articulating operational needs to develop impactful products tailored to key intelligen...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI security by developing and integrating innovative tools and safeguards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure AI adoption while enhancing...

Edmonton, ABIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of AI security by developing tools and safeguards to protect applications and data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure AI adoption, integrating security into dev...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $110K *

Champion the future of cybersecurity by leading vulnerability management efforts. Collaborate across IT and OT environments to enhance security, automate workflows, and drive timely remediation while...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Champion cybersecurity risk management by driving timely resolutions, shaping informed decisions, and translating complex risks into actionable insights to enhance enterprise security posture and acco...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Analyze and address cybersecurity risks by driving timely resolutions, evaluating control gaps, and enhancing remediation strategies to ensure sustainable risk reduction across the enterprise while le...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Unlock your potential as a Cyber Security Systems Engineer, driving network defense initiatives across diverse projects. Collaborate with teams to enhance security measures and protect vital systems w...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the development of next-gen Fleet Management Systems, driving hands-on engineering and mentoring teams. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure high-quality software delivery, integrating AI too...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Elevate the future of fleet management by leading the development of innovative web and SaaS applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality software delivery while mentor...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$108K - $140K *

Transform information security practices by leading complex programs, ensuring compliance, and enhancing cybersecurity protocols. Collaborate with diverse teams to protect critical systems and deliver...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance cyber defense capabilities, ensuring robust protection of networked systems in a high-security cloud environment. Collaborate effectively while independently managing in...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$82K - $132K *

Optimize test engineering processes to ensure high-performance semiconductor products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain test programs, enhance test coverage, and drive y...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 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.