Graduate Penetration Tester

FSP Retail Team; Reading, Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A cybersecurity consultancy in Reading is seeking a Graduate Penetration Tester to assist in penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and some experience in ethical hacking or cybersecurity. This role offers opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration with experienced professionals, and a chance to contribute to meaningful projects in a supportive environment. The company provides hybrid working options and industry-leading mentoring.

Benefits

Hybrid working environment

Industry leading coaching and mentoring

Competitive salary and benefits package

Qualifications

• Recently achieved or working towards a relevant university degree.
• Some hands-on experience or academic background in penetration testing, ethical hacking, or vulnerability research.
• Basic understanding of web application and infrastructure security.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering technical cybersecurity projects under the guidance of senior team members.
• Participate in penetration testing engagements across various environments.
• Help analyse and report findings to internal teams and clients.

Skills

Hands-on experience in penetration testing

Programming or scripting language (Python, Java, C#)

Attention to detail

Education

Relevant university degree

Job description

Role Overview

We’re excited to offer an opportunity for a Graduate Penetration Tester to join our growing Cyber Security practice. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about cybersecurity and eager to develop hands-on experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. You’ll be supported by experienced professionals and have the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that help protect our clients and our organisation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering technical cybersecurity projects under the guidance of senior team members
• Participate in penetration testing engagements across various environments
• Learn and contribute to assessments in areas such as:
  • Network and platform security
  • Authentication systems
  • Application security
  • Security architecture
• Help analyse and report findings to internal teams and clients
• Support the development and use of tools for vulnerability research and testing
• Contribute ideas to improve internal cybersecurity practices and frameworks

About you

• Recently achieved or working towards a relevant university degree.
• You have some hands-on experience or academic background in penetration testing, ethical hacking, or vulnerability research
• You’re familiar with at least one programming or scripting language (e.g., Python, Java, C#, etc.)
• You’re curious, detail-oriented, and eager to learn from experienced professionals
• You have a basic understanding of web application and infrastructure security
• You’re a team player who enjoys solving problems and continuously improving

What we look for in our people

• Strong alignment with FSP values and ethos
• Commitment to teamwork, quality and mutual success
• Proactivity with an ability to operate with pace and energy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Dedication to excellence and quality

Who are FSP?

FSP is a leading consultancy specialising in Digital, Security and AI solutions. Our success is enabled by our unwavering commitment to excellence, our people centric culture alongside best-in-class operations, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes for our clients.

As a long standing and highly accredited Microsoft Partner, with extensive solution designations, we partner with clients across a range of commercial sectors, enabling digital transformation, innovation and robust cyber security.

We navigate the complexities of data sensitivity, confidentiality, governance and compliance. We blend strategic insight, depth of technical expertise, delivery and operational excellence to meet the specific requirements outlined.

We take a collaborative, one team approach with our clients to drive sustainable change, providing outstanding client experience and delivering exceptional results that are aligned with business priorities.

Our commitment to security and quality is reinforced by our ISO27001 and ISO9001 certifications (UKAS), as well as our CREST approved penetration testing and SOC capabilities. Additionally, we are an IASME Cyber Essentials Certification Body and Cyber Essentials Plus certified.

Why work for FSP?

At FSP, we are committed to providing:

• A collaborative and supportive environment in which you can grow and develop your career
• The tools and opportunity to do work you can be proud of
• A chance to work alongside some of the best people in the industry, who always seek to share their knowledge and experience
• Hybrid working – we empower you to make smart choices about when and where to work to achieve great results
• Industry leading coaching and mentoring
• Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package

Equal and Fair Opportunity

FSP is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all suitable candidates. We consider all applicants for employment regardless of age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief.

Research suggests that applicants from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles if they do not precisely meet requirements, or if they felt there were clear barriers as to who should apply. If you are excited about a potential role with us but are concerned that you may not be a perfect fit, please do apply, as you may be the ideal candidate for this role or for a different vacancy within FSP.

We endeavour to always provide fair opportunity for applicants to showcase themselves in the best way possible during any interviews or meetings. If you require any adjustments for a call or in-person meeting, please let us know.