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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$104K - $166K *

Join a team that's enhancing aviation safety by ensuring the reliability and security of critical network infrastructure. Contribute to mission-driven initiatives while gaining valuable experience in...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$149K - $215K *

Lead the charge in enhancing enterprise identity and data security programs. Drive strategy, governance, and risk reduction while collaborating with cross-functional teams to protect sensitive informa...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing enterprise identity solutions, ensuring secure access across cloud and hybrid environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance IAM...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$104K - $134K *

Contribute to a dynamic team designing modernized, secure cloud networks, implementing strategies for data management and optimization while ensuring alignment with governance directives and architect...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$210K - $250K *

Join a team that's redefining cybersecurity strategy at an enterprise level. Lead global initiatives to safeguard information assets while advising executive leadership on cyber risk and resilience, e...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $220K *

Elevate global cybersecurity strategy and operations, ensuring robust protection of information assets while advising executive leadership on cyber risks and compliance. Lead a high-performing team to...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$380K - $450K *

Drive security business growth by collaborating with CISOs and Account Executives. Lead strategies to address vulnerabilities and enhance AI deployment in critical systems, ensuring a safe transition...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$195K - $362K *

Transform complex customer needs into scalable solutions by leading technical deployments, integrations, and automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive value and enhance operational efficiency...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovation in advanced ceramic armor solutions by acting as the technical liaison between customers and internal teams, ensuring high-quality, manufacturable products that meet diverse defense a...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining cyber risk management by leading assessments, treatment plans, and automation initiatives. Collaborate across engineering and compliance to enhance security processes and...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$150K - $350K *

Elevate your career by driving the development of advanced AI models, overseeing pretraining processes, and optimizing training systems to ensure successful outcomes in a collaborative, innovative env...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$188K - $282K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving technical sales excellence by managing and developing the Solutions Engineering team, ensuring alignment with company goals and fostering a customer-focused env...

Olympia Fields, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $165K *

Champion security excellence by managing personnel, physical, and industrial security programs. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and responsiveness, enhancing operational effectiveness in a...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by analyzing complex data and engineering challenges to enhance software solutions. Collaborate with teams to optimize workflows, develop robust applications, and ensure alignment wit...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$205K - $275K *

Explore a fast-paced environment where you'll enhance firewall solutions by collaborating with experienced engineers. Deliver impactful features, streamline processes, and work closely with customers...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $280K *

Engage with us to lead complex software initiatives, driving technical excellence and mentoring teams. You'll shape architecture, tackle challenges, and deliver high-performance solutions that support...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive innovative solutions as a Software Engineer, collaborating within an Agile Scrum team to analyze data, develop algorithms, and enhance missile threat prediction capabilities. Your expertise will...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career as a Software Engineer, supporting critical testing and integration tasks for advanced microprocessor systems. Collaborate on software testing, scripting, and hardware/software int...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $230K *

Manage comprehensive software testing efforts to ensure enterprise applications meet performance, usability, and security standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a secure environment to...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$67K - $100K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance cybersecurity measures, ensuring robust protection and compliance across integrated systems. Drive initiatives to safeguard sensitive information while providing essenti...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$201K - $226K *

Shape the future of product security by leading research initiatives, identifying emerging threats, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance security strategies and drive impactful cha...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Contribute to the development of innovative software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to manage, design, and deploy scalable distributed services in dynamic production environments...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Transform the future of identity security by leading enablement programs that empower sales teams with essential knowledge and skills. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance training and d...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Transform the future of intelligence by bridging mission users and tech teams. Gather and document requirements, perform testing, and support knowledge management in a dynamic, hybrid environment with...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $225K *

Unlock potential by conducting reverse engineering and vulnerability research on embedded systems. Collaborate with experts to enhance national security through innovative software solutions and proto...

6 days ago

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

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.