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 - $273K *

Bring your expertise to a dynamic team focused on automating deployment and configuration for Kubernetes-based applications, enhancing operational efficiency through innovative solutions and AI-driven...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity data operations by leading quality assurance efforts for enterprise-scale data platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable data delivery and...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading QA automation efforts for technology projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality through functional, manual, and automated testing, focusing on API and sanctions tes...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$123K - $166K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing national security through innovative DevSecOps practices. Collaborate with engineers and security teams to automate and secure application delivery, ensuring...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of product security by leading advisory engagements, guiding clients through complex regulatory landscapes, and enhancing their security programs with expert insights and strategic re...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$176K - $282K *

Lead the charge in developing and maintaining robust software applications for critical data management within the Intelligence Community, ensuring high availability and performance across environment...

4 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$176K - $282K *

Lead the charge in developing and maintaining web applications for IC, supporting signal analysis workflows, and enhancing collaboration across mission partners through robust application management a...

4 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading quality assurance initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Collaborate across multiple functions while driving improvements and ensuring compliance with...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$100K - $200K *

Drive innovative reverse engineering efforts to analyze and mitigate malware threats. Collaborate with teams to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and deliver actionable insights that enhance system i...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's leading the charge in Identity, Credentialing, and Access Management solutions. Drive the implementation of cutting-edge security measures while mentoring junior engineers and colla...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$105K - $200K *

Unlock potential by providing engineering support to the U.S. Navy's Foreign Military Sales Directorate, ensuring compliance and integration of systems while managing schedules and technical documenta...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Join us to lead incident response initiatives, enhance security operations, and drive cross-functional collaboration. Your expertise will shape scalable solutions and foster team growth while addressi...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Advance your career by supporting reverse engineering efforts to analyze malicious binaries and develop effective detection and mitigation strategies, contributing to the cybersecurity landscape...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$99K - $206K *

Drive innovation in software engineering by developing scalable systems that integrate advanced machine learning and AI-driven analytics for mission-critical operations. Join a dynamic team dedicated...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$68K - $161K *

Lead the charge in ensuring high-quality delivery through robust test automation and data validation. Collaborate with stakeholders to validate complex data flows and enhance digital marketing platfor...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to solving complex challenges through full-stack development and systems integration. Collaborate closely with users and stakeholders to deliver impactful software solutio...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$126K *

Transform the software development landscape by optimizing environments and integrating security practices. Collaborate with teams to enhance CI/CD pipelines and ensure robust deployment processes, co...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K *

Join a team that's dedicated to modernizing critical systems while enhancing security practices. Contribute to the infrastructure, build, and deployment processes, collaborating with development teams...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Innovate your career by leading product strategy for Code Security, driving growth and differentiation in a competitive market while managing a talented team to deliver exceptional customer value and...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$171K - $311K *

Transform your career by leading engineering excellence and innovation. Collaborate with executives, mentor teams, and tackle complex production challenges while driving the adoption of cutting-edge t...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$92K - $110K *

Drive software quality and performance by leading testing strategies, facilitating design discussions, and ensuring system stability through hands-on coding and collaboration with cross-functional tea...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $158K *

Join a team that's pioneering advanced cyber data analysis and pipeline development. As a key contributor, you'll design and optimize analytics to extract insights from large datasets, collaborating w...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $158K *

Unlock your potential by driving innovative cyber data analysis and pipeline development. Collaborate with mission analysts and engineers to transform operational needs into technical solutions using...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$127K - $246K *

Unlock potential by leading offensive security initiatives, driving technical vision, and enhancing system architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust solutions while mento...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$112K - $179K *

Empower seamless connectivity by designing and troubleshooting hybrid network services across cloud and on-premises environments, ensuring secure communication and operational efficiency for enterpris...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.