Penetration Tester

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rate

Flexible working arrangements

Training and tools access

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, South Africa, is seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to join its offensive security team. You will assess client networks, apps and systems, mimicking real-world attacks to uncover flaws and deliver actionable remediation guidance.

The role emphasizes creative and analytical problem-solving, with opportunities for ongoing learning and growth in cybersecurity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, Cybersecurity, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 3 years of professional penetration testing or offensive security.
• Hands-on with Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark.
• Scripting in Python or Bash for tool automation.
• Strong understanding of OWASP Top 10 and cloud security (AWS/Azure).
• Certs such as OSCP, CEH, GPEN, GXPN are advantageous.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute comprehensive penetration tests against targets (web apps, networks, cloud).
• Identify and exploit vulnerabilities using manual and automated techniques.
• Document findings with severity, impact, and remediation steps.
• Prepare clear reports and present findings to clients.
• Guide clients' teams on security best practices and remediation.
• Stay current with attack vectors and security tools.
• Contribute to new testing methodologies and tools.

Skills

Penetration testing

Scripting (Python, Bash)

Network security

Web security (OWASP Top 10)

Cloud security assessments

Report writing & communication

Independent work / teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity

Equivalent practical experience

Tools

Metasploit

Burp Suite

Nmap

Wireshark

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent cybersecurity consulting firm, is looking for a highly skilled Penetration Tester to join their offensive security team. This role is based in Rustenburg, North West , and involves conducting in-depth security assessments of client networks, applications, and systems to identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations. You will be at the forefront of simulating real-world cyber-attacks to test and improve our clients' security defenses. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and analytical security professional to work on diverse and challenging projects, helping organizations strengthen their security posture. The ideal candidate is passionate about ethical hacking and has a keen eye for detail, uncovering hidden flaws that others might miss. This position offers a chance to continuously learn and grow in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute comprehensive penetration tests against various targets, including web applications, network infrastructure, and cloud environments.
• Identify and exploit security vulnerabilities using a range of manual techniques and automated tools.
• Document findings, including the severity of vulnerabilities, potential impact, and detailed remediation steps.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise reports and presentations to clients, explaining complex technical findings.
• Collaborate with clients' technical teams to provide guidance on security best practices and remediation efforts.
• Stay current with the latest attack vectors, exploitation techniques, and security tools.
• Assist in the development of new testing methodologies and tools.
• Maintain ethical conduct and confidentiality at all times.
• Participate in post-engagement reviews and knowledge sharing sessions.
• Contribute to the firm's reputation through high-quality security assessments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in penetration testing or offensive security.
• Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for tool automation.
• Strong understanding of common web vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10) and network security concepts.
• Experience with cloud security assessments (AWS, Azure).
• Demonstrated ability to think like an attacker and approach security challenges creatively.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CEH, GPEN, or GXPN are highly advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple engagements simultaneously.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive contract rate, flexibility in working arrangements, and opportunities to work with a diverse range of clients.
• You will have access to the latest security tools and training, allowing you to stay at the cutting edge of the field.
• This role provides a dynamic work environment where your skills in ethical hacking will be highly valued and continuously challenged in the North West region.