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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$120K - $202K *

Lead the Security Platforms team to design and manage critical security tools for effective threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management within a collaborative and innovative cybe...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$86K - $138K *

Shape the future of aviation by ensuring optimal performance of critical infrastructure. Collaborate with top engineers to maintain and enhance facilities, focusing on telecommunications systems and p...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $138K *

Play a key role in maintaining critical infrastructure for air traffic management, ensuring optimal performance of facilities and telecommunications systems while overseeing vendor operations and powe...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $138K *

Join a team that's dedicated to maintaining critical infrastructure for air traffic management. You'll oversee facilities, manage installations, and ensure optimal performance of telecom systems, cont...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $150K *

Champion security initiatives by designing and enhancing identity and access management systems, ensuring robust cloud security, and driving Zero Trust capabilities across enterprise environments...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $190K *

Shape the future of our technology landscape by architecting scalable, secure systems that empower a high-growth environment through innovative SaaS and AI strategies. Lead the implementation of best...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by leading regional marketing strategies that drive revenue growth. Collaborate with sales teams to create integrated plans, execute impactful events, and manage a growing team to...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Grow your career with a strategic role in field marketing, driving regional marketing initiatives and collaborating with sales to enhance pipeline and revenue. Lead a team to execute integrated market...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leveraging your cybersecurity expertise in ICS and OT environments. Collaborate with clients to enhance their security posture through innovative networking, architecture, and...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic company by leading a Sales Development Rep team to achieve and exceed monthly goals, crafting engaging email content, and ensuring effective prospecting strategies thr...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$159K - $202K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance application security through rigorous analysis, automation, and mentoring. Collaborate across departments to address vulnerabilities and implement best practices, drivin...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$200K - $215K *

Transform security for millions by designing robust systems that protect creators. Engage in hands-on engineering to enhance authentication, fraud detection, and internal tools, ensuring a secure digi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Deliver impactful vulnerability management solutions by supporting and enhancing security platforms. Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot, automate, and improve processes, ensuring robus...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on enhancing cybersecurity measures. You'll design, implement, and maintain advanced security technologies while supporting incident response and...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$112K - $179K *

Empower network performance by providing Tier II support, troubleshooting, and advanced diagnostics. Collaborate with engineers to resolve issues and enhance LAN/WAN operations, ensuring optimal avail...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $85K *

Optimize network performance by providing expert support for LAN/WAN infrastructure, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring seamless operations across the medical network. Collaborate with teams to enha...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $85K *

Innovate network solutions by providing expert support for LAN/WAN infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations and troubleshooting for the Department of Defense's medical network services...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Optimize cloud infrastructure and database environments, ensuring security, scalability, and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain reliable systems that support critical app...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$198K - $251K *

Join a dynamic team to analyze and reverse engineer malware, utilizing advanced tools like Ghidra and IDA Pro. Collaborate on malware detection, mitigation strategies, and enhance cybersecurity measur...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's transforming cybersecurity deployments into effective systems. Lead technical delivery, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure successful project execution that drives...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$132K - $176K *

Join a dynamic team to research, hunt, and mitigate evolving cyber threats using advanced analytics and AI tools. Leverage expertise in threat detection across global networks while collaborating with...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Engage in innovative system integration solutions, designing seamless workflows between Oracle and warehouse systems while ensuring data quality and synchronization. Collaborate and lead processes to...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join our team to lead technical deployments of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. Drive day-to-day execution, coordinate with diverse teams, and transform complex projects into impactful realities...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $145K *

Support enterprise security architecture by identifying vulnerabilities, coordinating incident responses, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards through active monitoring and remediation pr...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$113K - $138K *

Unlock potential by managing Azure environments and supporting Army training initiatives. Collaborate with teams to ensure secure, efficient cloud operations while overseeing hardware and software con...

1 week ago

  •   15+ 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.