Penetration Tester

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Penetration Tester for a contract position. The role involves planning and executing tests on web apps, networks, and mobile apps, identifying vulnerabilities, and delivering detailed remediation recommendations while maintaining ethical standards.

This fully remote opportunity operates across South Africa, with a strong emphasis on independent work and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience specifically in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Proficiency with a wide range of penetration testing tools (Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, Kali Linux).
• Strong understanding of OWASP Top 10 web vulnerabilities and network protocols.
• Experience in scripting (Python, Bash) for test automation and tool customization.
• Demonstrated ability to document technical findings clearly and concisely.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ethical compass and professional integrity.
• Ability to work independently and manage project timelines remotely.
• Certifications such as OSCP, CEH, GPEN, or LPT are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, scope, and execute penetration tests on web applications, networks, and mobile applications.
• Identify and exploit security vulnerabilities (SQLi, XSS, buffer overflows, misconfigurations).
• Perform vulnerability assessments and provide detailed analysis of findings.
• Develop comprehensive penetration test reports with methodologies, findings, risks and remediation.
• Communicate test results effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest penetration testing techniques and threat landscapes.
• Adhere to ethical hacking principles and company policies.
• Collaborate with development and security teams to address vulnerabilities promptly.
• Maintain and improve penetration testing tools and methodologies.
• Participate in security architecture reviews to provide input on threat modeling.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Independent work

Ethical hacking

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Information Security

Tools

Burp Suite

Metasploit

Nmap

Kali Linux

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading digital solutions provider with a national footprint and a strong base in George, Western Cape , is seeking a highly skilled and ethical Penetration Tester for a contract position. This role is essential for identifying vulnerabilities in our client's systems, applications, and networks before malicious actors can exploit them. You will conduct comprehensive security assessments, simulate real-world attacks, and provide detailed reports with actionable recommendations for remediation. The ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver with a deep understanding of attack vectors and security best practices. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, scope, and execute penetration tests on web applications, networks, and mobile applications.
• Identify and exploit security vulnerabilities, including but not limited to SQL injection, XSS, buffer overflows, and misconfigurations.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and provide detailed analysis of findings.
• Develop comprehensive penetration test reports outlining methodologies, findings, risks, and remediation recommendations.
• Communicate test results effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest penetration testing techniques, tools, and threat landscapes.
• Adhere strictly to ethical hacking principles and company policies.
• Collaborate with development and security teams to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
• Maintain and improve penetration testing tools and methodologies.
• Participate in security architecture reviews to provide input on threat modeling.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience specifically in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Proficiency with a wide range of penetration testing tools (e.g., Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, Kali Linux).
• Strong understanding of common web application vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10) and network protocols.
• Experience in scripting (e.g., Python, Bash) for test automation and tool customization.
• Demonstrated ability to document technical findings clearly and concisely.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ethical compass and professional integrity.
• Ability to work independently and manage project timelines effectively in a remote setting.
• Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CEH, GPEN, or LPT are strongly preferred.

Benefits

• As a contractor, you will receive a competitive daily or project-based rate, equivalent to an annual salary of .
• This is a fully remote position, offering maximum flexibility.
• You will have the opportunity to work on diverse and challenging security projects for a reputable client, enhancing your professional portfolio.
• Access to a wide array of modern penetration testing tools and resources will be provided.
• This is an excellent opportunity for experienced professionals seeking engaging contract work within the cybersecurity domain, operating from anywhere in South Africa .