DV-cleared Penetration Tester

Synergize Consulting Ltd; Preston; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in the UK is seeking an experienced DV-cleared Penetration Tester to conduct security assurance and offensive testing activities in a high-assurance defense and aerospace environment. The ideal candidate should have proven penetration testing experience, strong knowledge of network testing, and current DV clearance. Responsibilities include defining testing scopes, producing detailed reports, and validating security weaknesses. This role is essential for supporting security posture and assurance objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Penetration Tester in secure or regulated environments.
• Current DV clearance due to project requirements.
• Strong knowledge of network, infrastructure, and system testing.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage penetration testing scopes and boundaries.
• Produce clear, high-quality penetration testing reports with risk ratings and remediation guidance.
• Validate misconfigurations and security weaknesses through controlled exploitation.

Skills

Penetration Testing

Network Testing

Vulnerability Scanning

OSINT

Technical Communication

Job description

We are seeking an experienced DV-cleared Penetration Tester to support security assurance and offensive testing activities within a high-assurance defence and aerospace environment. This role involves conducting controlled penetration testing against sensitive systems, directly supporting security posture, accreditation, and assurance objectives.

Role Overview

• Define and manage penetration testing scopes and boundaries
• Map system and network architectures to identify attack surfaces
• Identify exposed services, endpoints, and potential weaknesses
• Gather and analyse OSINT to inform realistic attack scenarios
• Perform manual and automated penetration testing, including vulnerability scanning
• Validate misconfigurations and security weaknesses through controlled exploitation
• Document attack paths, exploit chains, and real-world impact
• Assess overall risk exposure and contribute to assurance decisions

Reporting & Assurance

• Produce clear, high-quality penetration testing reports with risk ratings and remediation guidance
• Support remediation validation and re-testing activities
• Maintain and update security accreditation evidence
• Package testing artefacts and deliverables for governance and assurance review
• Contribute to security reviews, working groups, and assurance discussions

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Penetration Tester in secure or regulated environments
• Strong knowledge of network, infrastructure, and system testing
• Experience with OSINT, vulnerability scanning tools, and manual exploitation techniques
• Ability to communicate technical risk clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience working within defence, aerospace, or high-assurance environments
• DV clearance - current and transferable prior to a start, due to the nature of the project