Lead Penetration Test Engineer

S&P Global; New York (NY); On-site; USD 135,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

S&P Global is seeking a Lead Penetration Test Engineer to conduct comprehensive pentests of web apps, infrastructure, and cloud environments across multiple sites in the US. You will develop scripts, drive vulnerability management, and lead threat simulations to strengthen security across development and production lifecycles.

The role requires 8+ years in information security, hands-on pentesting with Burp Suite/Nessus/Metasploit/Nmap, and certifications like OSCP or CREST.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in computer science, information systems, or related field.
• 8+ years in information security focusing on pentesting, app security, and vulnerability management.
• Hands-on experience with pentesting tools (Burp Suite, Nessus, Metasploit, Nmap) and methods (OWASP Top 10, MITRE ATT&CK, PTES).
• Expertise in identifying and exploiting common infra and web app vulnerabilities (XSS, SQLi, IDOR).
• Familiarity with vulnerability scoring (CVE, CVSS, CWE).
• Strong scripting/programming (Bash, Python, Go, PowerShell, JavaScript).
• Experience integrating security testing into CI/CD pipelines and producing actionable reports.
• At least one OSCP/OSCE3/OSEP/GXPN/CREST CRT/CCT certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform penetration tests across web apps, infrastructure, and cloud environments.
• Develop custom scripts/tools to enhance testing and automate security checks in CI/CD.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and threat modeling to improve security controls.

Skills

Penetration testing

Scripting

CI/CD security

Threat modeling

Cloud security

Communication to executives

Vulnerability assessment

Security reporting

OSCP/OCSE3/SEP/GPEN/CREST

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IS or related field

Tools

Burp Suite

Nessus

Metasploit

Nmap

Job description

Lead Penetration Test Engineer

Location: Hybrid 2 days per week onsite on one of the following sites:

• US: Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Englewood, CO; Raleigh, NC; Princeton, NJ; New York, NY; Southfield, MI; Washington, DC.
• Canada: Toronto, ON; Calgary, AB.

About the Role

The S&P Global Corporate team focuses on protecting our clients and users from modern security threats. Our mission is to safeguard systems and data by developing innovative solutions to the industry’s most complex security challenges.

Responsibilities and Impact

We are seeking a Lead Penetration Test Engineer with extensive experience in penetration testing and offensive security. The ideal candidate will conduct penetration tests, re‑testing, vulnerability scanning, and threat assessments across diverse environments.

Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Assessments

• Conduct comprehensive penetration testing of web applications, infrastructure, and cloud environments using both manual and automated techniques.
• Develop custom scripts, tools, and methodologies to enhance penetration testing capabilities and automate security testing within CI/CD pipelines.
• Apply cloud‑specific offensive techniques, including IAM abuse, container and serverless exploitation, and cloud misconfiguration testing.

Vulnerability Management & Remediation

• Collaborate with engineering and development teams to analyze vulnerabilities, develop remediation plans, and strengthen application security across development and production lifecycles.
• Perform detailed security assessments using DAST, SAST, and SCA tools to ensure continuous validation and improvement of security controls.

Attack Simulations & Research

• Lead and participate in attack simulations and tabletop exercises to validate security controls and improve organizational response capabilities.
• Research emerging threats, attack vectors, and adversarial techniques to inform offensive and defensive strategies.
• Partner with internal teams to design and execute threat assessments based on intelligence feeds and threat actor analysis.

Security Communication & Reporting

• Communicate and present penetration testing and security assessment findings to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Provide actionable remediation guidance and risk mitigation strategies to strengthen the organization’s overall security posture.

What We’re Looking For

Basic Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in information security with a strong focus on penetration testing, application security, and vulnerability management.
• Hands‑on experience with penetration testing tools (e.g., Burp Suite, Nessus, Metasploit, Nmap) and methodologies (e.g., OWASP Top 10, MITRE ATT&CK, PTES).
• Expertise in identifying and exploiting common infrastructure and web application vulnerabilities (e.g., XSS, SQL Injection, IDOR).
• Familiarity with vulnerability classification and scoring frameworks (CVE, CVSS, CWE).
• Strong scripting or programming skills (e.g., Bash, Python, Go, PowerShell, JavaScript).
• Experience performing security assessments (DAST, SAST, SCA, credential scanning) and integrating security testing into CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable reports and confidently brief cross‑functional teams and executives.
• At least one recognized offensive security certification (OSCP, OSCE3, OSEP, GXPN, GPEN, or CREST CRT/CCT).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud security across AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Knowledge of AI/ML security and adversarial testing methods, including evaluating LLMs and other models for manipulation, evasion, and data integrity risks.
• Demonstrated involvement in the infosec community (e.g., open‑source projects, bug bounties, CVE research, conference talks, or security publications).
• Experience applying the MITRE ATT&CK Framework to offensive security operations and threat emulation.
• Familiarity with secure software development practices and the software development lifecycle.
• Experience with Java application technologies, deployment frameworks, and associated security best practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams while independently owning deliverables and maintaining accountability to deadlines.

Right to Work Requirements for US‑Based Candidates

This role is open only for candidates with indefinite right to work within the United States.

Compensation / Benefits Information (US Applicants Only)

Anticipated base salary range: $135,000 USD – $200,000 USD. Final base salary will be based on the individual’s geographical location as well as experience and qualifications for the role.

Additional benefits are available. For more information on S&P Global benefits, visit https://spgbenefits.com/benefit-summaries/us.

Right to Work Requirements for Canada‑Based Candidates

This role is open for candidates with indefinite right to work within Canada.

Compensation / Benefits Information (Canadian Applicants)

Anticipated compensation range: 135,000 CAD – 180,000 CAD. Final compensation will be based on performance, geographic location, and experience level, skill set, training, licenses, and certifications.

S&P Global will not use artificial intelligence in the hiring process. Candidates will be informed of hiring decisions within 45 days of their interview. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

S&P Global is an equal‑opportunity employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military veteran status, or other legally protected status. Only electronic submissions will be considered for employment.

If you need an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please send an email to [e-mail]. Your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person.