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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$128K - $214K *

Optimize software security by leveraging advanced analysis tools and methodologies. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities, enhance coding practices, and deliver comprehensive assessments...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $135K *

Elevate OT security by defining and governing architectures, fostering strong cybersecurity practices across global manufacturing environments while mitigating risks and ensuring operational continuit...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $207K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of software delivery by designing and operating CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate across teams to enhance developer efficiency, streamline workflows, and ensure quality...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $207K *

Elevate software delivery by designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, enhancing team efficiency, and integrating automation practices across multiple platforms and teams to ensure consistent and rel...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity measures and protecting vital information systems. You'll develop policies, coordinate technical support, and utilize advanced tools to safeguar...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$135K - $160K *

Elevate corporate security by leading identity governance, endpoint management, and risk assessment. Collaborate cross-functionally to set standards, drive automation, and enhance security posture whi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$136K - $195K *

Contribute to the automation and optimization of software release processes, ensuring timely delivery and high quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance CI/CD pipelines and manage de...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing network security by remediating excessive firewall rules, ensuring compliance with company policies, and collaborating with teams to safeguard digital assets in a complex...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in designing advanced security systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality projects. Engage with clients and mentor staff while ensuring sustainable pra...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$180K - $250K *

Empower design innovation through hands-on engineering and infrastructure management, collaborating intimately with partners and manufacturers to ensure seamless software adoption and operational exce...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $250K *

Join a dynamic team to embed with design partners, building lasting trust and developing innovative software solutions for manufacturing environments while ensuring seamless operational integration...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $250K *

Engineer transformative software solutions by collaborating closely with manufacturing partners, ensuring trust and operational maturity through hands-on engagement and full-stack production code deve...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Champion corporate security by leading identity governance, endpoint management, and risk assessment. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance security posture, set standards, and drive automation, e...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$138K - $165K *

Take ownership of building a robust multi-tenant control plane to enhance our inference infrastructure, focusing on security, auditability, and seamless API integrations for enterprise and sovereign c...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead all aspects of firewall operations and network security engineering. Design and manage secure enterprise architectures while ensuring compliance and system availability. Collaborate with teams to...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower secure network environments by leading firewall operations and engineering. Design and manage enterprise architectures while ensuring compliance and availability. Drive technical planning and...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $200K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative software solutions that address complex customer challenges. Collaborate with diverse teams to design, prototype, and implement impactful applications, leverag...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$135K - $200K *

Transform the future of data-driven solutions by collaborating with clients to tackle complex challenges. Leverage your engineering expertise to design impactful software, driving innovation across cr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Engage in impactful IT audit readiness for U.S. Federal clients, managing teams and enhancing technology controls. Drive performance improvements while ensuring compliance and effective communication...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $231K *

Transform the future of network security by leading autonomous digital forensics and incident response initiatives. Drive complex strategies, enhance organizational standards, and collaborate across t...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$98K - $163K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing Marine Corps test and evaluation efforts. Leverage your technical expertise to validate system requirements and ensure comprehensive testing throughout the pr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$116K - $129K *

Unlock your potential as you lead advanced test engineering initiatives, driving innovation in cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure system reliability and performance, w...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $185K *

Lead our DevSecOps initiatives by automating processes, enhancing security, and collaborating with teams to deliver robust cloud solutions. Drive continuous improvement and mentor others while ensurin...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$70K - $115K *

Empower clients by transforming cyber risk data into actionable insights. Collaborate with senior experts to structure and analyze data, enhancing proactive risk management capabilities and supporting...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Unlock the potential of digital forensics by performing advanced reverse engineering analysis. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance custom tools and tackle complex software challenges, driving i...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.