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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$110K - $130K *

Explore technical ownership of security opportunities, driving strategy and engagement. Lead demos and evaluations while mastering endpoint and AI security. Enable partners and enhance the installed b...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to lead cybersecurity efforts in mergers and acquisitions. Collaborate with project teams to identify risks and develop security architectures, balancing urgent transaction needs w...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Drive cybersecurity excellence by managing risks in mergers and acquisitions. Collaborate with project teams to integrate security measures, develop architectures, and guide stakeholders, balancing ur...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Drive cybersecurity excellence by leading risk assessments and architecture for mergers and acquisitions. Collaborate with project teams to ensure security integration throughout the transaction lifec...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Champion the future of cybersecurity by leading risk assessments and security architecture for mergers and acquisitions. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure robust security measures are integrate...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in ensuring the successful testing and implementation of SNAP EBT services. Collaborate with state personnel and processors to develop comprehensive test plans, validate requirements...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $216K *

Lead critical Systems Engineering initiatives by collaborating with stakeholders, managing requirements, and supporting integration efforts in a dynamic environment. Drive project success through effe...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$66K - $106K *

Drive mission-critical systems engineering efforts, collaborating across teams to design, implement, and maintain cross-domain technologies while ensuring compliance and security in a dynamic environm...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$155K *

Support the management of Cybersecurity tools, ensuring system integrity and data security. Collaborate with a dedicated team to monitor, assess, and enhance information security programs while meetin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Support cybersecurity operations and compliance in a FedRAMP cloud environment. Collaborate with technical teams to assess vulnerabilities, maintain security documentation, and ensure alignment with F...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$153K - $297K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of cyber operations, leading high-severity incident responses and transforming complex findings into actionable insights for executive leadership. Drive innovation...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Innovate AI-driven automation across the software development lifecycle, enhancing build, CI, testing, and release processes. Collaborate with engineers to establish foundational tools and methodologi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer trust and security. Manage inquiries, review contracts, and drive improvements in security systems while leveraging AI tools to streamline p...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's enhancing digital security by leading the evolution of certificate management platforms. Your expertise in PKI, cloud security, and automation will drive data protection and bolster...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $187K *

Drive enterprise security innovation by architecting robust solutions across hybrid environments, ensuring compliance and resilience while mentoring teams to embed security practices into development...

Today

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

$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

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.