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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$200K - $315K *

Create and implement robust security architectures across enterprise, cloud, and infrastructure environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards while guiding security initiatives and influen...

Carlsbad, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$86K - $135K *

Transform naval technology by designing cloud solutions and DevSecOps pipelines. Leverage your expertise in AWS and systems integration to support U.S. Navy programs, ensuring robust software developm...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Unlock quality assurance excellence by developing and executing test plans, ensuring compliance with federal standards, and validating performance metrics for a critical IT modernization project...

Denver, CORemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$141K *

Shape the future of software security by integrating DevSecOps practices into CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with state agencies to enhance critical systems while fostering a culture of growth and innov...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$77K - $163K *

Transform cloud infrastructure by developing and delivering robust solutions. Collaborate across departments to implement high-level architectures, ensuring seamless support for diverse workloads whil...

Sterling, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$77K - $163K *

Empower innovation by developing and delivering a robust cloud platform. Collaborate across departments to implement high-level cloud architecture and solve complex problems, ensuring seamless support...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $145K *

Champion operational readiness by designing and executing training programs for Special Operations Forces. Leverage military experience and curriculum development expertise to enhance effectiveness ac...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Transform your career by owning US income tax provision and compliance for a fast-growing multinational. Collaborate with external providers and auditors while managing ASC 740, compliance calendars...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the US income tax provision and compliance efforts, managing external engagements and ensuring accurate reporting. Collaborate with Big 4 advisors to design controls and support tax positions, dr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $165K *

Drive security excellence by managing vulnerabilities, enhancing cloud security, and collaborating with engineering teams to integrate security practices, ensuring robust protection of platforms and c...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$140K - $155K *

Empower sales teams by providing technical expertise and support during product evaluations, collaborating to close deals, and onboarding clients with a focus on cloud security solutions and customer...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Tackle complex security incidents by monitoring, analyzing threats, and enhancing SOC operations. Collaborate with teams to improve detection workflows and serve as a subject matter expert in incident...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $138K *

Drive cybersecurity excellence by assessing and securing technology environments during mergers and acquisitions, ensuring compliance and integration of critical systems across diverse platforms...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Elevate security standards by building an insider risk program from the ground up. Collaborate across teams to implement technical controls and manage incidents, ensuring the protection of critical in...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$57K - $104K *

Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions to counter Cyber, EW, and PNT threats. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance detection measures and protect US weapon systems against...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $125K *

Deliver robust Burn-in test programs to ensure product quality and reliability. Collaborate with R&D teams for NPI testing, debug environments, and maintain documentation to support diverse product mo...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by leading software testing initiatives, defining test cases, and implementing automation solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance quality engineering strategies and ensure com...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $187K *

Drive enterprise security architecture and standards across hybrid environments. Lead security initiatives, integrate security as code, and mentor teams to deliver resilient, compliant solutions that...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$264K - $350K *

Lead the charge in transforming software development operations, enhancing security, and streamlining access controls across Amazon. Engage cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$146K - $234K *

Unlock potential by developing and implementing data engineering solutions for web-based applications that streamline data management and compliance, enhancing data movement and integration across cus...

4 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Accelerate progress at threat detection by engineering advanced use cases and custom SIEM scripts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security analytics and ensure high-fidelity alerti...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$86K - $138K *

Elevate your career by ensuring the reliability of critical infrastructure. Join our Telecom team to manage facilities, oversee vendor operations, and maintain telecommunications systems that support...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to shape the future of cyber security by architecting and integrating robust security solutions into IT systems, leading development efforts, and ensuring compliance with industry...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join our cybersecurity team to design and develop secure RESTful APIs using C#/.NET. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance our endpoint protection platform while writing maintainable code...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Drive cybersecurity excellence by leading DoD RMF processes, managing authorization packages, and ensuring compliance with security standards. Collaborate with engineering teams to protect critical sy...

1 week 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.