A penetration tester job description should explain that the person will legally simulate attacks on your systems, applications and networks to find weaknesses before real attackers do, then report the findings and help teams fix them. Strong postings define the scope of testing, the environments involved and the reporting expected, so experienced testers can quickly judge the fit. Below is a ready-to-use penetration tester job description template, plus guidance on skills, certifications and interview focus.
What Does a Penetration Tester Do?
Penetration testers, often called pen testers or ethical hackers, test security controls by trying to break them under an agreed scope and rules of engagement. NIST’s Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment (SP 800-115) describes penetration testing as one of several technical assessment methods, alongside vulnerability scanning and security reviews.
In a typical engagement, a penetration tester will:
- Plan the test with stakeholders, including scope, timing and rules of engagement.
- Gather information about targets and map the attack surface.
- Identify and safely exploit vulnerabilities in networks, web apps, cloud services or APIs.
- Document every finding with evidence, risk rating and clear steps to reproduce.
- Present results to technical teams and leadership, then retest fixes.
The role overlaps with the vulnerability analysis work described in the NICE Workforce Framework. CISA’s NICCS page on the vulnerability analysis work role is a helpful reference when you map tasks and skills.
Penetration Tester Job Description Template
Copy this penetration tester job description template and edit the bracketed parts.
Job title
Penetration Tester [or Senior Penetration Tester / Offensive Security Engineer]
About the role
[Company] is hiring a Penetration Tester to assess the security of our applications, infrastructure and cloud environments. You will plan and run authorized tests, report findings clearly and work with engineering teams to fix issues. This role reports to the [Security Manager / Head of Offensive Security] and works closely with application security, infrastructure and the security operations team.
Responsibilities
- Plan and perform authorized penetration tests on [web applications, internal and external networks, cloud environments, mobile apps, APIs].
- Follow agreed scope, rules of engagement and safe testing practices.
- Identify, validate and safely exploit vulnerabilities, then assess business impact.
- Write clear reports with evidence, risk ratings and remediation guidance.
- Brief technical teams and leadership on findings and priorities.
- Retest fixes and track remediation progress.
- Support red team or social engineering exercises where in scope.
- Keep up with new attack techniques and improve internal testing methods.
Required qualifications
- Hands-on experience performing penetration tests or security assessments.
- Strong knowledge of networking, operating systems and web application security.
- Experience with common testing tools and manual testing techniques.
- Scripting ability in a language such as Python, Bash or PowerShell.
- Clear written and verbal communication, especially in reports.
Preferred qualifications
- Relevant hands-on certifications, such as [certification names].
- Experience testing cloud platforms or containers.
- Familiarity with secure code review.
Location, schedule and pay
[Remote / hybrid / on-site in City, State]. [Pay range, where required or chosen.] [Benefits summary.] [Note any background check or clearance requirement.]
Key Skills to List in a Penetration Tester Job Description
Separate core skills from nice-to-haves, since long requirement lists discourage capable candidates.
Technical skills
- Network and web application testing, including common vulnerability classes.
- Active Directory and identity attack paths.
- Cloud security testing for the platforms you use.
- Scripting and tool customization.
Professional skills
- Report writing that both engineers and executives can act on.
- Judgment to stay within scope and avoid disrupting production systems.
- Integrity, because testers handle sensitive access and findings.
For help weighing credentials, see our guide to cybersecurity certifications to look for when hiring.
Penetration Tester vs Related Security Roles
A clear penetration tester job description helps candidates see how the role differs from nearby jobs.
| Role | Main focus | Typical outputs |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration tester | Simulating attacks within an agreed scope | Test reports, exploited findings, retest results |
| Vulnerability analyst | Finding and prioritizing weaknesses, often with scanning tools | Vulnerability reports, risk rankings |
| SOC analyst | Monitoring and responding to alerts | Triage notes, escalations, incident tickets |
| Red team operator | Long-running, goal-based adversary simulation | Campaign reports, detection gap analysis |
| Application security engineer | Building security into software development | Code reviews, threat models, secure design guidance |
If you are also hiring for monitoring roles, our SOC analyst job description template is a useful companion. And to see where testing fits in a wider team, read our guide to cybersecurity team structure.
Tips for Writing and Using the Job Description
Keep the posting specific and fair. First, describe the real scope, for instance “mostly web applications and APIs” or “mostly internal networks,” so candidates can self-select. Next, state whether the role tests your own systems or client systems, because consulting work brings travel and report deadlines.
Also, keep language neutral and job-related. The EEOC’s guidance on prohibited employment practices explains that job ads should not show a preference based on protected traits.
Finally, line up the interview loop with the job description. A practical exercise, such as reviewing a sample report or walking through a test plan, shows skill better than trivia questions.
Sample Interview Questions for Penetration Testers
Use questions that test the skills in your penetration tester job description. For example:
- Walk me through a recent test plan. How did you define scope and rules of engagement?
- Tell me about a finding you were proud of. How did you confirm its impact safely?
- How do you decide the risk rating for a vulnerability?
- What would you do if you found sensitive data outside the agreed scope?
- How do you explain a critical finding to a non-technical executive?
- How do you keep your skills current as attack techniques change?
Ask every candidate the same core questions and score answers against a shared rubric. In addition, ask for a redacted sample report, because report quality is often what separates good testers from great ones. Our list of cybersecurity interview questions offers more ideas.
Authorization and Rules of Engagement
Penetration testing is only legitimate when the system owner authorizes it in writing. So your job description and onboarding should make clear that every test follows a signed scope, approved timing and agreed contacts for emergencies. As a result, testers know exactly what they may touch, and your operations team is not surprised by unusual activity.
Penetration Tester Job Description FAQ
What skills are needed for a penetration tester?
Penetration testers need strong networking, operating system and web application knowledge, hands-on experience with testing tools and manual techniques, scripting ability and clear report writing. Good judgment and integrity matter just as much.
What are the responsibilities of a penetration tester?
A penetration tester plans and runs authorized tests, finds and safely exploits vulnerabilities, documents findings with evidence and helps teams fix and retest them.
Is penetration testing a hard job?
It is demanding because attack techniques change constantly and every environment is different. Testers also need to explain technical risk clearly, so the job combines deep technical work with communication.
Do penetration testers need certifications?
Certifications are not legally required, but many employers value hands-on credentials as proof of practical skill. Even so, real testing experience and strong sample reports often carry the most weight.
Hire Penetration Testers With Bridgecore Partner
Need offensive security talent for a project or a permanent role? Bridgecore Partner’s cybersecurity talent services can help you find penetration testers and other security specialists. Contact Bridgecore Partner to talk through your needs.