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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$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

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of security in AI applications. Lead the development of a robust security strategy, build a high-performing team, and ensure secure deployments while earning cust...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $179K *

Unlock innovative solutions by evaluating and prototyping emerging technologies to enhance enterprise platforms and cloud infrastructure. Collaborate with engineering teams to drive technology adoptio...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of ATM software and hardware testing. Lead quality assurance efforts, create test plans, and engage directly with customers while transitioning to automation. Collaborate in an Agile...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $195K *

Champion quality excellence by leading cross-functional initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes, drive continuous improvement, and implement advanced analytics for robust quality systems in a d...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$112K *

Join a dynamic team to implement and maintain cybersecurity solutions, ensuring the security of critical systems while collaborating with senior engineers to enhance your skills and contribute to stat...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K *

Join a dynamic team to implement and monitor cybersecurity solutions, enhancing system security and responding to alerts. Collaborate with senior engineers to ensure the integrity of critical systems...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion the fight against cyber threats by analyzing incidents, managing responses, and collaborating across divisions to enhance security. Lead efforts to monitor networks and produce actionable int...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Help us remediate security vulnerabilities across our infrastructure by driving innovative solutions and implementing effective code changes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance securit...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$251K - $276K *

Transform compliance by bridging legal and technical requirements into efficient, actionable processes. Own cross-functional projects and turn ambiguity into structured systems that engineers can effe...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$64K - $106K *

Transform PCI Compliance by collaborating with IT and businesses to address gaps, leading a team, and implementing robust security measures to ensure ongoing adherence to standards and regulations...

Oakville, ONIn-Person

Reposted yesterday

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

$146K - $234K *

Lead advanced architecture design and engineering initiatives for integrated network systems, ensuring optimal performance, security, and innovative solutions across diverse enterprise environments an...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform cybersecurity efforts by analyzing and mitigating risks in critical IT infrastructures. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance mission assurance for Air Force weapon systems, ensuring rob...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $110K *

Optimize software quality by validating workflows and integrations through comprehensive testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust test coverage, automate processes, and suppor...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $140K *

Advance client success by providing technical guidance and support for Ping solutions. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless implementation and ongoing optimization, fostering strong relationshi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join our team as a Cybersecurity Specialist, providing expert compliance management, technical support, and proactive monitoring for GovCon and commercial clients. Take charge of cybersecurity systems...

Huntsville, ALRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.