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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1
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$108K - $163K *

Drive enterprise security architecture and standards across hybrid environments, ensuring secure solutions that are resilient and compliant. Lead teams in integrating security practices into delivery...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$80K - $95K *

Elevate laboratory operations by overseeing phlebotomy functions, ensuring quality control, and providing technical training. Collaborate with staff to maintain compliance and efficiency while managin...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $130K *

Join a team that's enhancing cloud security through proactive monitoring and remediation. This role focuses on managing CNAPP capabilities, coordinating with engineering teams, and improving platform...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$106K - $150K *

Optimize financial software solutions by leading development and integration efforts for complex Oracle Federal Financials applications, ensuring compliance and enhancing operational efficiency within...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $195K *

Unlock your potential by building advanced entity matching solutions. Collaborate with a dedicated team to transform complex data into actionable insights, ensuring transparency and accuracy in every...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$70K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional technical support and solutions. Collaborate with customers and internal teams to drive product knowledge and sales effectiveness while managing...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$162K - $219K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software excellence through rigorous testing and validation. Collaborate with developers and analysts to deliver high-quality, mission-critical systems while l...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion the reliability and performance of our infrastructure, optimizing compute, storage, and networking. Automate processes and enhance observability to ensure fast, cost-effective builds for cust...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $127K *

Join a team that's dedicated to safeguarding national security through innovative cybersecurity solutions. Leverage your expertise in Risk Management Framework (RMF) to enhance system security and com...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$147K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading application security initiatives, conducting thorough security reviews, and collaborating with development teams to enhance security practices. Drive vulnerability mitigati...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$231K - $340K *

Shape the future of security by establishing robust infrastructure standards and patterns. Collaborate with engineering teams to implement secure design principles, manage risks, and mentor fellow eng...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$131K - $187K *

Lead the evolution of secure software engineering by integrating security into design, development, and delivery processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement secure practices and dr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$76K - $112K *

Lead the charge in underwater inspection excellence by managing complex projects, ensuring safety compliance, and mentoring teams. Drive high-quality inspections while interfacing with clients and sup...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$76K - $112K *

Lead complex underwater inspection projects, ensuring safety and quality. Oversee dive operations, mentor teams, and engage with clients to deliver high-quality inspection services while managing logi...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$76K - $112K *

Lead and execute complex underwater inspections, ensuring safety and quality standards while mentoring teams and interfacing with clients. Drive project success through effective planning, reporting...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$76K - $112K *

Unlock potential by leading underwater inspection projects, ensuring safety and quality while mentoring teams. This role requires expertise in bridge and waterfront inspections, with a focus on client...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$76K - $112K *

Lead complex underwater inspection projects, ensuring safety and quality. Oversee dive operations, mentor teams, and interface with clients to deliver high-quality inspection services while managing l...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$176K - $282K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing secure cloud and data solutions. Utilize your expertise in data engineering, ISSE, and analytics to ensure mission-critical systems are optimized and complian...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive cyber defense initiatives by analyzing security events and mitigating threats. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance project execution and support client objectives in a dynamic cybersecuri...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Empower the organization by enhancing cybersecurity measures and supporting IT operations. Collaborate with teams to secure systems, manage vulnerabilities, and deliver training, ensuring a robust sec...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of testing as you collaborate with teams to enhance test strategies, troubleshoot systems, and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing environments, ensuring quality and efficie...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Solve security challenges by owning and enhancing our security program. Lead CorpSec, SecOps, and compliance efforts while building a robust security culture in a fast-paced, remote environment...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead the optimization of infrastructure and tools for software development, enhancing deployment processes and collaboration across teams. Drive efficiencies within cloud and virtual environments for...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $128K *

Join a team that's leading DevOps engineering efforts to enhance enterprise applications and infrastructure. Mentor engineers, architect CI/CD pipelines, and deliver secure solutions for mission-criti...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $253K *

Lead and optimize a cybersecurity analysis team to enhance threat intelligence and vulnerability assessments for federal entities, ensuring robust defense strategies against emerging cyber threats and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 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.