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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$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

$125K - $150K *

Transform your career by enhancing cybersecurity measures, managing compliance, and leading incident response initiatives. Collaborate with IT teams to safeguard infrastructure and drive security awar...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$230K - $275K *

Lead the charge in vulnerability research and exploitation techniques, transforming real-world threats into automated solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance security measures and validate defens...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing ERP applications, focusing on Infor SyteLine and Infor OS. You'll develop custom solutions, support upgrades, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to d...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $155K *

Elevate the quality of mission-critical Army systems through rigorous testing, collaboration, and innovative strategies. Drive functional, integration, and regression testing to ensure compliance with...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $155K *

Join us to ensure mission-critical Army systems meet quality standards through comprehensive testing. Collaborate with teams to identify defects, execute test plans, and support both manual and automa...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in designing and executing advanced electronic security and technology systems for complex projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions and ment...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of robotics by testing and validating innovative models on real hardware. Collaborate with engineers and researchers to enhance robot performance, troubleshoot issues, and streamline...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $216K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role in securing Army Critical Infrastructure and Operational Technology. Collaborate with a dedicated team to develop operations plans, ensure compliance, and enhance...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $216K *

Transform critical infrastructure security by leading operations planning and assessments for Army OT systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance, develop training, and enhance cybersecurity...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Elevate cybersecurity by guiding network design and architecture development. Engage in critical information assurance tasks across junior to senior levels, ensuring robust defense strategies and comp...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform enterprise cloud security by leading compliance and risk management initiatives. Collaborate with senior stakeholders to implement a modern DevSecOps approach, ensuring robust security polic...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $350K *

Transform the landscape of reinforcement learning by designing evaluations and environments that enhance model training and performance. Collaborate with researchers to identify and address model fail...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $180K *

Drive cloud security initiatives by designing and implementing secure architectures, managing vulnerabilities, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance security posture across cloud en...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on enhancing cybersecurity through the deployment and optimization of advanced security platforms, ensuring compliance and robust endpoint protection...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $115K *

Optimize security measures by leading technical solutions to mitigate information risks. Ensure compliance with corporate policies and oversee incident response, safeguarding all computing platforms a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $180K *

Champion security innovation by architecting advanced detection tools and automating triage processes. Collaborate with elite peers to build a cutting-edge security response framework, treating detect...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$130K - $306K *

Lead the charge in ensuring the security of compute hardware within the cloud infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence design, perform assessments, and define requirements...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $306K *

Join us to define and implement crucial hardware security requirements, ensuring compliance and operational excellence for cloud infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and innovate to...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion cutting-edge security practices by leading technical standards, mentoring teams, and driving innovation in offensive security. Engage with stakeholders to translate complex risks into actiona...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Build and lead a global security function, shaping strategy and execution to protect systems and data while enabling secure AI solutions. Collaborate with teams to establish security capabilities and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.