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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$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...

1 week 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

$196K - $294K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity for a connected insulin delivery platform. Lead the architecture and strategy, ensuring robust security across mobile apps, cloud services, and embedded systems while...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Champion the design and development of a next-gen Authentication Management System, collaborating with leadership to drive engineering decisions and enhance the developer experience across multiple pr...

Yesterday

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

$100K - $120K *

Deliver exceptional consulting services by managing client implementations, diagnosing technical issues, and providing tailored solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless in...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team to operate and enhance physical security systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance across global sites. Collaborate with various stakeholders to deliver upgrades and mai...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $210K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role driving execution in Application and Platform Security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance program delivery, manage operational rhythms, and ensure...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in driving operational excellence through CI/CD automation, observability, and engineering management. Collaborate with technical teams and stakeholders to enhance system reliability a...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $235K *

Lead the charge in enhancing security for high-growth FinTech and Web3 platforms by developing and integrating comprehensive security programs within the software development lifecycle...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $120K *

Unlock the potential of multi-cloud environments by automating infrastructure, enhancing security, and integrating CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with teams to ensure seamless cloud provisioning and com...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by driving multi-cloud automation and security initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD pipelines, and compliance...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform your career by designing and implementing secure CI/CD pipelines and automation frameworks. Collaborate with engineers and cybersecurity experts to enhance software delivery for national sec...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$146K - $234K *

Reimagine the future of systems integration by leading critical cloud solutions and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance mission capabilities and processes. Drive the development lifecycle and p...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer innovative solutions in a dynamic environment, integrating complex software and technology capabilities. Collaborate with diverse teams to tackle technical challenges, ensuring successful oper...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $202K *

Elevate your career by designing and implementing robust security controls across cloud environments. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities and enhance security measures while guiding jun...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$77K - $202K *

Drive application security excellence by designing and implementing robust security controls across cloud environments. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities and enhance security measures...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$77K - $202K *

Elevate your career by designing and implementing robust application security controls across diverse cloud environments. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities and enhance security measur...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$77K - $202K *

Transform cloud security by designing and implementing robust application controls. Lead vulnerability assessments and incident responses while mentoring junior team members and collaborating with cli...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$77K - $202K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing robust application security controls across diverse cloud environments, while managing workstreams and guiding junior team members to enhance cybersecuri...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$87K - $160K *

Lead the charge in identifying and mitigating cyber threats within the network. Utilize advanced analytics and threat intelligence to proactively hunt for malicious activity, enhancing security measur...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$158K - $237K *

Lead the enterprise vulnerability management program, ensuring compliance with FISMA and NIST standards while enhancing security practices and stakeholder collaboration across various teams and govern...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$200K - $235K *

Join a team that's leading the way in securing innovative FinTech and Web3 platforms. As a crucial player, you'll architect security strategies and automate defenses, helping to shape a robust digital...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$206K - $283K *

Unlock potential by leading technical solutions for a Next-Gen AI-powered security operations platform, collaborating with teams to enhance customer security posture and drive successful implementatio...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$206K - $283K *

Empower organizations by architecting innovative security solutions using our AI-driven Cortex platform. Collaborate with teams to enhance customer security postures and drive technical validation thr...

2 weeks 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.