Lead Penetration Tester

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health benefits

Training budget

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth seeks a Lead Penetration Tester to drive offensive security initiatives across web, network, and cloud environments. You will lead tests, develop methods, and present findings to help strengthen defenses.

Requires 5+ years in pentesting, OSCP/CEH/GPEN preferred, and scripting skills (Python, Bash). A hybrid work model, competitive salary, and ongoing training are offered to grow security expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Expertise with Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan, scope, and execute penetration tests against web applications, networks, and cloud environments.
• Identify, analyze, and document security vulnerabilities with remediation recommendations.
• Develop and maintain custom scripts and tools to automate penetration testing processes.
• Lead and mentor junior penetration testers, providing technical guidance.
• Communicate findings and recommendations through detailed reports to technical teams and management.
• Stay current with latest exploitation techniques and threat intelligence.

Skills

Penetration testing

Vulnerability assessment

Scripting (Python Bash)

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related

Tools

Metasploit

Burp Suite

Nmap

Wireshark

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Lead Penetration Tester to join their elite cybersecurity team in Port Elizabeth. You will lead offensive security operations, identifying vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications before malicious actors can exploit them. This role requires a deep technical understanding of attack vectors, security tools, and ethical hacking methodologies. Join a company that values proactive security, offers challenging engagements, and fosters a collaborative environment for its security experts in the Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, scope, and execute penetration tests against web applications, networks, and cloud environments.
• Identify, analyze, and document security vulnerabilities and provide actionable remediation recommendations.
• Develop and maintain custom scripts and tools to automate penetration testing processes.
• Lead and mentor junior penetration testers, providing technical guidance and oversight.
• Communicate findings and recommendations effectively to technical teams and management through detailed reports.
• Stay current with the latest exploitation techniques, tools, and threat intelligence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Expertise with various penetration testing tools (e.g., Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark).
• Strong understanding of network protocols , operating systems, and web application security.
• Experience in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ruby, Bash) for security tool development.
• Possession of relevant certifications such as OSCP, CEH, GPEN is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Excellent base salary with project-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous budget for training, certifications, and conference attendance.
• A hybrid work model allowing for a flexible work-life balance.
• Exciting challenges and opportunities for growth in the field of offensive security in Port Elizabeth.