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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$88K - $154K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as you craft and execute comprehensive software test plans for mission-critical applications, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-paced, innovative en...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $154K *
Contribute to critical software testing efforts in a fast-paced environment, ensuring quality and performance of mission-driven applications for the Intelligence community. Collaborate with cross-func...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive the security posture and infrastructure of our organization, implementing systems and managing vendor relationships while ensuring compliance and scalability as we grow. Collaborate cross-functi...
1 week ago
Staff Security Engineer, Threat Intelligence
$190K - $225K *
Elevate security by integrating threat intelligence into detection systems, enhancing response capabilities, and operationalizing insights to protect infrastructure, cloud, and enterprise systems agai...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Security Engineer, Threat Intelligence
$190K - $225K *
Join a team that's enhancing security through actionable threat intelligence. In this high-impact role, you'll connect external insights with internal systems to improve detection and response across...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Security Engineer, Threat Intelligence
$190K - $225K *
Build and scale threat intelligence capabilities to enhance security outcomes. Collaborate with teams to translate adversary insights into actionable detections, improving defenses across infrastructu...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Security Engineer, Threat Intelligence
$190K - $225K *
Transform security outcomes by integrating threat intelligence with internal systems. This high-impact role enhances detection and response capabilities, ensuring actionable insights from adversary ta...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Champion security excellence by driving secure SDLC practices, managing compliance, and leading incident response. Collaborate with DevOps and ensure robust risk management practices to protect vital...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $250K *
Design, deploy, and automate infrastructure as a DevOps Engineer to enhance mission-critical systems. Collaborate on modernization programs, ensuring tools operate flawlessly while handling outages an...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $250K *
Lead the charge in automating critical tech infrastructure and software deployment. Collaborate on a high-priority modernization program, optimizing systems and enhancing capabilities with secure, sca...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
IAM (Identity & Access Management) Engineer
$112K - $179K *
Transform identity and access management by designing, automating, and sustaining secure services across complex platforms. Collaborate with teams to integrate identity capabilities, ensuring robust a...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $180K *
Accelerate client success by providing strategic oversight and driving business growth. Lead a diverse team to ensure exceptional service delivery and foster long-term relationships with key stakehold...
1 week ago
$120K - $160K *
Transform mission-critical systems through innovative DevSecOps practices, integrating security seamlessly across development lifecycles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance automation...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, DevOps
$180K - $270K *
Elevate your career by designing and managing systems that empower engineering teams to deliver code rapidly and reliably. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance CI/CD pipelines and cloud...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, DevOps
$180K - $270K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software delivery by designing and managing robust systems and infrastructure, enabling rapid, safe, and reliable code deployment across diverse environments...
1 week ago
Security Risk Analyst, Risk Engineering
$270K - $345K *
Lead the transformation of security risk management by driving data-informed decisions, conducting quantitative analyses, and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance risk assessment and treatm...
3 weeks ago
Security Risk Analyst, Risk Engineering
$270K - $345K *
Transform security risk management by driving data-informed decisions, leveraging quantitative analysis, and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance risk assessment and treatment strategies ac...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to safeguarding our enterprise from evolving cyber threats. In this hands-on role, you'll manage advanced security technologies, lead incident response initiatives, and fo...
4 weeks ago
DevSecOps - Classified Compute
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate secure software delivery by designing and implementing DevSecOps solutions for classified environments. Collaborate across teams to enhance automation, security, and operational efficiency...
Reposted today
Principal Security Architect, Identity Resilience
$180K - $270K *
Engineer robust identity security architectures to enhance enterprise resilience. Lead initiatives in threat modeling, recovery trust, and incident response across diverse identity platforms, ensuring...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that’s driving innovation by identifying hardware weaknesses and ensuring reliability through comprehensive testing, automation, and root cause analysis, directly impacting product develop...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$104K - $166K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing secure Windows environments while ensuring compliance and performance. Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to manage vulnerabilities and support mission-crit...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Elevate cybersecurity performance by analyzing data, engaging stakeholders, and enhancing metrics tools. Collaborate with technical teams to improve methodologies and support decision-making for PAE M...
1 week ago
Systems Administrator/Hardware Technician
$80K - $95K *
Support and maintain IT systems and specialized hardware for U.S. State Department passport operations. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot, install, and ensure optimal performance of desktop and s...
4 days ago
$99K - $130K *
Support our Dive-XL Field Operations team by testing and operating AUVs in challenging environments. Leverage your technical skills to ensure system reliability and contribute to innovative subsea tec...
3 weeks ago
What is a penetration tester?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.