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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$150K - $180K *

Lead and empower a high-performing DevOps team to drive infrastructure automation, CI/CD excellence, and AI adoption, enhancing operational reliability and scalability across cloud environments while...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $180K *

Shape the future of cyber defense by leading incident response efforts, analyzing threats, and coordinating enterprise-wide security operations. Engage with stakeholders to enhance organizational resi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing a comprehensive IAM product strategy, driving innovation and compliance while managing a high-performing team to enhance security and customer experience acro...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Drive a transformative IAM strategy by leading a high-performing team, defining product roadmaps, and integrating AI to enhance security and customer experience while ensuring compliance and measurabl...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $155K *

Architect a robust enterprise cybersecurity strategy, balancing long-term vision with immediate business needs. Collaborate across functions to integrate security into systems and operations, ensuring...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$135K - $145K *

Drive cybersecurity excellence across the Americas by enhancing incident response, compliance, and security operations. Collaborate with global teams to ensure robust protection and continuous improve...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform cloud security by securing infrastructure, services, and deployment patterns. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed security in cloud architecture and operations, ensuring robust...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$166K - $170K *

Drive effective cybersecurity solutions by leading incident response, threat hunting, and security operations. Collaborate closely with national security teams to fortify defenses and ensure a resilie...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Develop robust, maintainable software solutions for AWS Security, enhancing threat detection and incident response. Collaborate with teams to ensure operational excellence and scalability while mentor...

Yesterday

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

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by designing and supporting threat detection systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance cybersecurity measures using the MITRE ATT&CK framework and Agile methodolo...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$123K - $156K *

Unlock your potential as you enhance security across cloud applications and infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to implement robust security controls and standards, ensuring safe development and de...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $210K *

Unlock potential by leading cross-functional teams to enhance security through AI/ML innovations. Drive technical direction, mentor stakeholders, and shape the future of secure technology across diver...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$103K - $121K *

Transform cybersecurity practices by integrating robust security measures into system architectures, ensuring compliance with government standards while collaborating with diverse teams to enhance mis...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Transform security operations by evaluating and optimizing enterprise and AWS-native security tools, ensuring effective integration and compliance with industry standards while enhancing overall secur...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $216K *

Lead the charge in identifying and characterizing cyber threats through all-source analysis, leveraging SIGINT tools to support national security initiatives and deliver operational outcomes for USCYB...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $121K *

Unlock your potential as you integrate cybersecurity into system architectures, ensuring compliance with government standards while collaborating with engineers and stakeholders to deliver secure, res...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Unlock potential by leading mechanical test operations for the Orion program. Ensure safe, efficient execution of test procedures while coordinating support across 24/7 shifts. Drive compliance and in...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$316K - $414K *

Lead threat intelligence initiatives to identify and counter adversaries targeting the platform. Analyze data to inform security strategies and enhance defenses, shaping risk prioritization across tea...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$316K - $414K *

Unlock potential by leading threat intelligence efforts to counter adversaries targeting our platform. Analyze data, recommend defenses, and influence teams to enhance security, trust, and safety as t...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$316K - $414K *

Analyze and counter threats targeting our platform, users, and business. Lead investigations, translate tactics into defenses, and influence teams to enhance security measures as the platform evolves...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$316K - $414K *

Lead the charge in threat intelligence, analyzing adversaries targeting our platform. Shape security strategies by translating insights into actionable defenses, ensuring robust protection against eme...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$114K - $268K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by managing IAM delivery, ensuring quality service execution, and fostering strong client relationships while mentoring a skilled team to drive co...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by driving cybersecurity risk management and vulnerability assessments. Collaborate across teams to translate technical findings into actionable insights, ensuring compliance and enha...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that's redefining software security in semiconductor technology. As a Senior DevSecOps Engineer, you'll enhance product security, manage vulnerabilities, and collaborate across teams to en...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$196K - $294K *

Unlock potential by defining and leading the cybersecurity strategy for a connected insulin delivery platform, ensuring robust security across mobile apps, cloud services, and embedded systems in a re...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.