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.
$100K - $155K *
Transform cybersecurity by leveraging your technical expertise to enhance system security. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities, implement solutions, and ensure compliance with federal s...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $155K *
Empower teams by ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are implemented and maintained. Collaborate with developers and operations to identify vulnerabilities, recommend solutions, and enhance securit...
3 weeks ago
Senior Security Engineer - Threat Detection
$157K - $238K *
Empower our security initiatives as you develop and enhance threat detection systems, streamline data pipelines, and leverage AI for more effective monitoring and response, ensuring safety for our cus...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Security Engineer - Threat Detection
$157K - $238K *
Pioneer innovative threat detection engineering solutions that protect our infrastructure. Collaborate across teams to enhance our detection platform through advanced telemetry, improve pipeline relia...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Cyber - Operational Technology - Manager - Consulting
$144K - $265K *
Champion OT cybersecurity by leading client engagements to assess, design, and enhance safeguards for critical industrial systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and resilie...
Reposted today
$120K - $140K *
Manage day-to-day Security Operations and Incident Response, monitoring threats, coordinating responses, and conducting threat intelligence. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective vulnerability ma...
1 week ago
Senior Associate, Cyber Forward Deployed Engineer
$90K - $168K *
Elevate security measures by designing and deploying robust cyber solutions, ensuring reliability and scalability in high-stakes environments while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance client de...
3 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer - US National Security
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's empowering government clients to secure cloud infrastructures, enhance software delivery, and implement cutting-edge technologies. You’ll collaborate closely with customers, driving...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage in comprehensive HUMINT targeting support, driving operational planning and analysis. Collaborate with multi-INT resources to enhance collection efforts and produce detailed Targeting Packages...
2 weeks ago
Director, Operational Technology Security
$256K - $356K *
Champion the security of global data center infrastructure by leading strategic initiatives, managing high-impact teams, and driving innovative security architectures to mitigate complex cyber and phy...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Analyze product performance and reliability through comprehensive testing. Develop test plans and fixtures, collaborate with engineering teams, and ensure compliance with industry standards for high-q...
4 weeks ago
Colorado ICT/Security Team Lead
$110K - $130K *
Transform operations by leading a dynamic team focused on production, staff development, and client engagement. Drive project success through effective management and collaboration while ensuring qual...
5 days ago
Product Cybersecurity Engineer, Secure Product Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Advance secure software engineering by collaborating with product teams, building tools, and providing technical guidance to enhance cybersecurity across diverse platforms and products, ensuring robus...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to securing embedded flight systems through innovative cryptographic solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional engineers to integrate security from design to deployment...
6 days ago
Endpoint Security Engineer III
$127K - $164K *
Manage and optimize the Tenable product suite on Linux, ensuring robust vulnerability management and security protocols. Collaborate with IT teams to enhance security measures and provide training on...
1 week ago
Systems Administrator/Engineer (O&M)
$104K - $166K *
Unlock potential by overseeing system health and security, troubleshooting issues, and managing large clusters. Collaborate with teams to ensure infrastructure support while providing after-hours assi...
1 week ago
Cyber Security Assessment Manager - Digital Assets
$104K - $213K *
Lead the charge in managing cybersecurity risks for financial institutions, guiding teams and enhancing client strategies through critical insights, advanced technologies, and best practices in a rapi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cyber Security Assessment Manager - Digital Assets
$104K - $213K *
Lead and manage cybersecurity risk engagements for financial institutions, using advanced critical thinking and emerging technologies to develop pragmatic solutions that enhance client outcomes and en...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cyber Security Assessment Manager - Digital Assets
$104K - $213K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity management for financial services, guiding clients through evolving technology challenges by leveraging your expertise in risk assessment and oper...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cyber Security Assessment Manager - Digital Assets
$104K - $213K *
Drive your career forward by leading cybersecurity initiatives, engaging with advanced technologies in financial services while enhancing client relationships and ensuring robust risk management throu...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cyber Security Assessment Manager - Digital Assets
$104K - $213K *
Unlock potential by leading cybersecurity and tech-risk engagements for financial institutions. Guide project execution, deepen client relationships, and apply emerging technologies to enhance securit...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cyber Security Assessment Manager - Digital Assets
$104K - $213K *
Unlock potential by leading cybersecurity engagements in the financial sector. Collaborate across teams to evaluate technology risks, enhance client relationships, and provide actionable insights in a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cyber Security Assessment Manager - Digital Assets
$104K - $213K *
Empower the future of finance by leading cybersecurity efforts for clients in the rapidly evolving financial services sector. Leverage your expertise to mitigate risks associated with emerging technol...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cyber Security Assessment Manager - Digital Assets
$104K - $213K *
Lead the charge in cybersecurity for financial institutions, leveraging emerging technologies to manage risk and enhance operational resilience while fostering client relationships and guiding project...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cyber Security Assessment Manager - Digital Assets
$104K - $213K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity for financial institutions by leading innovative risk management initiatives. Collaborate across teams to integrate emerging technologies and enhance client relations...
Reposted 2 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.