Principal Penetration Tester

Instil Software; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company specialising in human-focused security and penetration testing services is seeking a Principal Penetration Tester in Belfast. This role involves conducting thorough security assessments for a variety of clients while mastering advanced methodologies and technologies in a collaborative environment. The position offers competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth through certifications. Applicants should have extensive experience and a robust knowledge of penetration testing procedures.

Benefits

Competitive Salary & Annual Bonus

Hybrid Working

Flexible Working Hours

Summer Working Hours

35 Days Holiday

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in penetration testing.
• Expertise in web, mobile or network penetration testing.
• Strong knowledge of operating systems, particularly Linux and Windows.

Responsibilities

• Conduct penetration tests and vulnerability assessments across diverse technologies.
• Write detailed reports outlining vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations.
• Mentor junior penetration testers and contribute to their professional development.

Skills

Penetration Testing

Vulnerability Assessment

Ethical Hacking

Communication

Technical Report Writing

Education

Relevant Security Certifications (e.g. OSCP, CREST)

Tools

BurpSuite Pro

Nmap

Nessus

Metasploit

Kali Linux

Job description

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At (an Company), we specialise in providing human-focused security and penetration testing services for web applications, cloud infrastructure and mobile applications.

The Role

We are looking for a Principal Penetration Tester to join our dynamic team in Belfast. As a Pen Tester, you will be part of the delivery team, conducting penetration tests and vulnerability assessments across a range of technologies and a wide range of customers including software, fintech, manufacturing, engineering, legal, and public sector. Your insights will be crucial in identifying security weaknesses and helping clients fortify their systems.

We offer varied, challenging work in a supportive environment where you will find yourself constantly evolving and learning, whilst studying towards CREST (CPSA/CRT/CCT) or Cyber Scheme (CSTM/CSTL) certifications. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.

Location Requirements

This role is based in Belfast and may require some onsite work with clients. Therefore, candidates should be located in Northern Ireland.

• Competitive Salary & Annual Bonus
• Hybrid Working
• Flexible Working Hours
• Summer Working Hours
• 35 Days Holiday
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Day to Day

• Co-ordinate and execute system/network level pen tests and ethical hacking exercises in client's Infrastructure/cloud, Web Applications and Mobile Applications.
• Write detailed reports outlining vulnerabilities and providing tailored actionable recommendations.
• Manage end-to-end testing, collaborating with clients during kick-off and discovery sessions, providing expert advice and follow up.
• Stay current with the latest security threats, vulnerabilities, and trends.
• Research offensive security techniques to assess and validate infrastructure and technologies, including cloud-based systems continuously incorporating new techniques into the team's methodology.
• Automate repetitive tasks by developing scripts to streamline testing processes.
• Mentor junior penetration testers and contribute to their professional development.
• Play a key role in enhancing existing tools, methodologies, and reports.
• Support pre-sales efforts by acting as a penetration testing subject-matter expert.
• Communicating Security Vulnerabilities to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to thought leadership by writing blogs/white papers and/or speaking at conferences.

Need to Have

• At least 5 years of experience in penetration testing.
• Subject matter expertise in web, mobile or network penetration testing with track record of end to end testing of complex systems.
• Advanced knowledge of various web technologies, operating systems, particularly Linux, Windows, and Active Directory.
• Knowledge of Scripting Languages e.g. Python, Shell Scripting etc.
• Strong expertise with web application and network pen testing methodologies.
• Proficiency in using penetration testing tools such as BurpSuite Pro, Nmap, Nessus, and Metaspolit.
• Experienced in using Kali Linux and the associated penetration testing tool suite.
• Advanced completion of penetration testing simulations like Hack the Box or Capture the Flag or ideally one of the following certifications: CSTL/CCT, OSCP, OCWE, or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and technical report writing skills.
• Right to work in the UK (we are unable to provide VISA sponsorship)

Nice to Have

• Relevant security certifications (e.g. OSCP, CREST, Cyber Scheme.)