Security Vulnerability and Penetration Testing Engineer

Baker McKenzie; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker McKenzie in Belfast seeks a VAPT Engineer to lead penetration testing across our systems, platforms and applications. You will act as SME for the VAPT function and manage core tools, platforms, and processes.

You will deliver clear technical assessment reports with actionable recommendations, stay ahead of threats, and work with teams to improve security controls and risk posture.

Qualifications

• Possess a Computer Science Bachelor's Degree or substantial equivalent experience.
• CISSP required.
• GIAC GPEN, GAIPT or GWAPT preferred.
• Offensive Security OSCP required.

Responsibilities

• Lead security penetration testing activities across the firm's systems, platforms, and applications.
• Act as SME for the VAPT function, owning core tools, platforms, and processes.
• Deliver clear assessment reports with actionable recommendations.
• Maintain and update training materials and documentation.

Skills

VAPT concepts

Penetration testing

Vulnerability reporting

OWASP/CVE

Scripting languages

API testing

AI-assisted testing

Threat landscape

Communication skills

English fluency

Education

Computer Science Bachelor's Degree

CISSP

GIAC GPEN

GAIPT

GWAPT

OSCP

Tools

Nessus

AppScan

Burp Suite

Nipper

Trustwave

Wireshark

Kali

Metasploit

Mobile security tools

Job description

The Security Vulnerability and Penetration Testing (VAPT) Engineer oversees and serves as technical resource for all assessment activity related to the security posture of existing and proposed firm systems, platforms, and processes to protect and continually improve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems in accordance with the firm's business objectives, regulatory requirements, and strategic goals.

Main responsibilities:

As the VAPT Engineer, you will lead security penetration testing activities across the firm's systems, platforms, and applications. Acting as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the VAPT function, you will own and manage core VAPT tools, platforms, and processes. You will deliver clear, audience-appropriate technical assessment reports and provide practical, actionable recommendations based on sound cybersecurity and risk management principles.

Skills and experience :

• Commanding knowledge of VAPT concepts and best practices, including the requirements for WhiteHat/ethical hacking.
• Expert understanding of the difference between a vulnerability assessment and a penetration test in the context of assessment scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Extensive experience with common automated VAPT tools such as Nessus, Appscan, Burp Suite, Nipper, and Trustwave.
• Expertise with common attack tools and frameworks such as Wireshark, Kali, and Metasploit, etc.
• Expertise with mobile platform security technology, including vulnerability identification and exploitation tools as well as mobile platform security best practices, frameworks, etc.
• Ability to validate the presence of identified vulnerabilities with accuracy.
• Authoritative mastery of OWASP, CVE, general security controls, and other foundational topics such as the latest application and operating system exploits.
• Expert knowledge of common scripting and programming languages is advantageous.
• Experience of in API testing methodologies highly desirable.
• Demonstratable experience of using AI to enhance the penetration testing and risk assessment of AI-enabled applications and agents
• Ongoing commitment to understanding the threat landscape and common adversary motivations/practices. Ability to quickly adapt practices to evolving circumstances.
• Ability to maintain critical thinking and composure under pressure.
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to convey complex concepts to non-technical constituents. Proficiency in oral and written English.
• Capable of providing assistance with the preparation of internal training materials and documentation.
• Ability to be productive and maintain focus without direct supervision.
• Understands VAPT in the context of risk management and organizational priorities.
• Passionate in the practice and pursuit of VAPT excellence.

Qualifications :

• Possess a Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree or substantial equivalent experience
• CISSP required
• GIAC GPEN, GAIPT or GWAPT preferred
• Offensive Security OSCP required

Reports to: Manager, Vulnerability & Penetration testing team