Penetration Tester

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work

Health benefits

Tools & training

Diverse engagements

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Penetration Tester to join its cybersecurity team, primarily remote with Bloemfontein support. You will simulate attacks, plan, execute, and report findings with actionable remediation advice to strengthen security.

The role suits a creative problem-solver with portfolio-ready engagements and strong Python/Bash scripting abilities, focusing on continuous improvement in a security-focused organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven experience as a Penetration Tester or ethical hacker with a portfolio of engagements.
• Proficiency with Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap and Kali Linux.
• Solid understanding of network protocols, OS and web app security principles.
• Experience scripting with Python or Bash and strong written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive penetration tests on web apps, networks and mobile apps.
• Identify and exploit vulnerabilities, document findings with technical detail.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and advise remediation strategies.
• Develop and maintain scripts/tools to automate testing processes.
• Prepare detailed reports with methodologies, findings and recommendations.
• Stay updated on latest testing techniques and threat landscapes.

Skills

Penetration testing

Python scripting

Bash scripting

Communication skills

Networking knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity

Tools

Metasploit

Burp Suite

Nmap

Kali Linux

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and ethical Penetration Tester to join their cybersecurity team, operating primarily remotely but supporting their Bloemfontein operations. In this role, you will simulate attacks on computer systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and reporting on penetration tests, providing detailed findings and actionable remediation advice. The ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver with a passion for breaking and then fixing systems to make them more secure. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing security-focused organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive penetration tests on web applications, networks, and mobile applications.
• Identify and exploit vulnerabilities, documenting findings with clear technical details and potential business impact.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and recommend remediation strategies.
• Develop and maintain scripts and tools to automate penetration testing processes.
• Prepare detailed reports outlining test methodologies, findings, and actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest penetration testing techniques, tools, and threat landscapes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven experience as a Penetration Tester or ethical hacker, with a strong portfolio of previous engagements.
• Proficiency with common penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Kali Linux.
• Solid understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and web application security principles.
• Experience with scripting languages like Python or Bash.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical vulnerabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Flexible remote working arrangements.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Access to state-of-the-art penetration testing tools and training resources.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging engagements.
• A collaborative team environment with opportunities for growth.