Junior Penetration Tester

Hamilton Barnes ?; Fareham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development programme

Sponsored certifications

Hands-on client engagements

Job summary

Hamilton Barnes is seeking a Junior Penetration Tester in Fareham for an office-based role. You will support penetration tests across networks, infrastructure, and web apps under the guidance of senior consultants, with a clear path to becoming a consultant through hands-on client work.

The role emphasizes learning through a structured development programme, sponsored certifications from day one, and exposure to real client engagements in a collaborative office setting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in an IT-based role.
• Demonstrable passion for cyber security through self-learning or certifications (e.g. eJPT, CompTIA PenTest+, CRT, OSCP).
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals, Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Curious, analytical mindset with willingness to learn and take feedback.
• Good written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical findings clearly.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior consultants in delivering penetration tests across networks, infrastructure, and web applications.
• Use industry-standard tools to identify and validate vulnerabilities under guidance.
• Develop practical knowledge of cloud and mobile testing through training and shadowing.
• Support pre-engagement activities, including scoping and information gathering.
• Contribute to technical reports documenting findings, vulnerabilities, and remediations.
• Present findings to clients as experience grows; stay updated on threats and techniques.
• Participate in knowledge sharing and collaborate with cyber security teams.

Skills

Cyber security passion

Networking fundamentals

Windows & Linux basics

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Education

3+ years IT experience

Tools

TryHackMe

Hack The Box

Job description

Junior Penetration Tester | Up to £30,000 | Office-Based, Fareham

Join one of the UK's multi award-winning MSSPs as a Junior Penetration Tester, based in their Fareham office, where you'll take your first step into a professional offensive security career. Working alongside experienced Senior and Lead Penetration Testing Consultants, you'll support penetration tests and security assessments across systems, networks, and applications, helping to identify vulnerabilities and recommend security improvements.

If you've been building your skills through TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or self-study and are ready to turn that passion into a career, this is the opportunity.

Why this role stands out:

• A structured career development programme designed to grow you into a fully fledged consultant
• Fully sponsored certifications to build your industry credentials from day one
• Hands-on exposure to real client engagements, learning directly from senior testers in the office every day

• Assist senior consultants in delivering penetration tests across networks, infrastructure, and web applications
• Use industry-standard tools and techniques to identify and validate vulnerabilities under guidance
• Develop practical knowledge of cloud and mobile penetration testing through shadowing and training
• Support pre-engagement activities, including scoping calls and gathering information on client environments
• Contribute to technical reports documenting findings, vulnerabilities, and recommended remediations
• Work towards presenting findings to clients as your confidence and experience grow
• Stay up to date with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques
• Participate in internal knowledge sharing sessions and continuous learning within the team
• Collaborate with the wider cyber security teams to strengthen overall security posture
• 3+ years' experience in an IT-based role (e.g. IT support, infrastructure, networking, systems administration, or development)
• A strong passion for cyber security, demonstrable through self-driven learning such as TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or relevant certifications (e.g. eJPT, CompTIA PenTest+, CRT, OSCP)
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals, operating systems (Windows and Linux), and common security concepts
• A curious, analytical mindset with a willingness to learn and take on feedback
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical findings clearly
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem solving
• Able to commute to Fareham for a fully office-based role

Salary: Up to £30,000 basic salary per annum