Ethical Hacker job description.
An ethical hacker conducts authorized penetration tests and vulnerability assessments to identify security weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. They simulate real-world attacks against networks, applications, and systems, then document findings and recommend remediation steps, working closely with security and IT teams to strengthen the organization's overall security posture.
The Ethical Hacker job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Ethical Hacker Reports to: Information Security Manager
An ethical hacker conducts authorized penetration tests and vulnerability assessments to identify security weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. They simulate real-world attacks against networks, applications, and systems, then document findings and recommend remediation steps, working closely with security and IT teams to strengthen the organization's overall security posture.
- Conduct authorized penetration tests against networks, applications, and systems
- Perform vulnerability assessments and identify security gaps
- Simulate real-world attack techniques to test defensive controls
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
5 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Information Security Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Conduct authorized penetration tests against networks, applications, and systems
- Perform vulnerability assessments and identify security gaps
- Simulate real-world attack techniques to test defensive controls
- Document findings, exploit paths, and severity ratings in detailed reports
- Recommend remediation steps and validate fixes after implementation
- Use industry-standard tools for scanning, exploitation, and analysis
- Stay current on emerging threats, exploits, and attack techniques
- Ensure all testing activity complies with legal and ethical guidelines and scope agreements
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or equivalent experience
- Strong knowledge of networking, operating systems, and web application security
- Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools and methodologies
- Understanding of common security frameworks and attack techniques
- Strong analytical skills and clear technical report writing
- CEH, OSCP, or equivalent security certification
- Experience with red team or adversary simulation engagements
- Scripting skills in Python, Bash, or similar languages
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Ethical Hacker job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Ethical Hacker job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Information Security Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- How is an ethical hacker different from a security analyst?
- An ethical hacker actively attempts to breach systems under authorized engagement rules, while a security analyst more broadly monitors, detects, and responds to threats.
- What certifications should I look for when hiring an ethical hacker?
- Certifications such as CEH or OSCP are common industry signals, though hands-on penetration testing experience and a clean track record matter just as much.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Penetration Tester
A Penetration Tester simulates cyberattacks against networks, applications, and systems to identify security vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
Network Security Engineer
A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains an organization's network defenses against unauthorized access, breaches, and other cyber threats.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst monitors, investigates, and responds to threats against an organization's information systems and networks.
This Ethical Hacker job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.