Penetration Tester

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 750,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Professional development support

Engaging and challenging security work

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a skilled Penetration Tester to join a rapidly expanding cybersecurity consultancy. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement and involvement with diverse clients, testing web apps, networks, and mobile apps to uncover vulnerabilities and improve defenses.

You will exploit and document findings, prepare detailed reports with risk assessments and remediation recommendations, and collaborate with clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Proficiency with common penetration testing tools and frameworks.
• Strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and web app security.
• Experience in exploit development or reverse engineering is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CEH, GWAPT are highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive penetration tests on web applications, networks, and mobile applications.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and security audits for clients.
• Identify, exploit, and document security vulnerabilities.
• Develop detailed penetration testing reports, including findings, risk assessments, and remediation recommendations.
• Utilize various penetration testing tools and techniques (e.g., Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap).
• Engage with clients to understand their security requirements and scope of testing.
• Stay abreast of the latest exploitation techniques, vulnerabilities, and security trends.
• Provide technical guidance and support to clients for vulnerability remediation.
• Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of client information.

Skills

Penetration testing

Vulnerability assessment

Security reporting

Client interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Information Security

Tools

Metasploit

Burp Suite

Nmap

Reverse engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding cybersecurity consultancy, is seeking a skilled Penetration Tester to join their dynamic team. This role is based in **Paarl, Western Cape**, with a hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility. As a Penetration Tester, you will be responsible for simulating cyberattacks on client systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and assess their security posture. Your findings will be critical in helping clients strengthen their defenses against real-world threats. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of attack vectors, exploitation techniques, and security assessment methodologies. You should be passionate about 'breaking' systems ethically and possess strong reporting skills to clearly articulate findings and provide actionable recommendations. This position is perfect for a motivated security professional looking to work on diverse and challenging engagements. You will collaborate with clients and internal teams to ensure the security and integrity of their digital assets. We are committed to providing top-tier security assessment services.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive penetration tests on web applications, networks, and mobile applications.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and security audits for clients.
• Identify, exploit, and document security vulnerabilities.
• Develop detailed penetration testing reports, including findings, risk assessments, and remediation recommendations.
• Utilize various penetration testing tools and techniques (e.g., Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap).
• Engage with clients to understand their security requirements and scope of testing.
• Stay abreast of the latest exploitation techniques, vulnerabilities, and security trends.
• Provide technical guidance and support to clients for vulnerability remediation.
• Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of client information.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Proficiency with common penetration testing tools and frameworks.
• Strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and web application security.
• Experience in exploit development or reverse engineering is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and client interaction.
• Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CEH, GWAPT are highly advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Competitive contractor rate of R per annum.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Opportunities to work with a diverse range of clients and technologies.
• Support for professional development and certifications.
• Engaging and challenging security projects.