Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 221,000 - 443,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rate

On-site client work

Exposure to diverse clients

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a skilled Penetration Tester for a contract role, focusing on simulating cyberattacks and assessing security posture across networks, web/mobile apps. On-site work in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, with exposure to diverse client environments.

The role requires 3+ years of experience, strong tool proficiency (Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark), and scripting skills (Python/PowerShell). Certifications are a plus. You’ll report findings and collaborate with client teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in professional penetration testing.
• Proficiency with Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark.
• Strong understanding of networks, OS (Windows/Linux), and web security.
• Scripting experience in Python or PowerShell.

Responsibilities

• Conduct black-box, gray-box, and white-box penetration tests on client networks, applications, and systems.
• Identify and exploit vulnerabilities with detailed reporting of findings.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and provide remediation recommendations.
• Develop and utilize custom scripts and tools to aid testing activities.
• Research new attack vectors and security threats.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and client confidentiality agreements.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest testing tools and methodologies.
• Collaborate with client security teams to improve defenses.

Skills

Penetration testing

Metasploit

Burp Suite

Nmap

Wireshark

Python

PowerShell

Report writing

Independent work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity

Tools

Metasploit

Burp Suite

Nmap

Wireshark

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading cybersecurity consultancy, is actively seeking a skilled Penetration Tester to join their elite team on a contract basis. In this role, you will be responsible for simulating cyberattacks against client systems to identify vulnerabilities and assess their security posture. You will perform comprehensive security assessments, including network, web application, and mobile application penetration tests. This position requires a highly motivated individual with a deep understanding of offensive security techniques and a passion for ethical hacking. You will be working on-site with clients primarily in the Mossel Bay, Western Cape region, providing critical security insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct black-box, gray-box, and white-box penetration tests on client networks, applications, and systems.
• Identify and exploit security vulnerabilities, documenting findings in detailed reports.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and provide remediation recommendations.
• Develop and utilize custom scripts and tools to aid in penetration testing activities.
• Research new attack vectors and security threats.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Adhere to strict ethical guidelines and client confidentiality agreements.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest penetration testing tools and methodologies.
• Collaborate with client security teams to improve their defenses.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in professional penetration testing.
• Proficiency with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark.
• Strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems (Windows, Linux), and web application security.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and identify complex vulnerabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for report writing and client presentations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple engagements.
• Relevant certifications such as CEH, OSCP, GPEN, or CISSP are highly desirable.
• Must be willing to undergo background checks and adhere to client security requirements.

Benefits

• This contract position offers a highly competitive daily rate, providing excellent earning potential.
• You will gain exposure to a diverse range of clients and industries, significantly enhancing your professional experience.
• Our client supports professional development and encourages continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.
• This role requires on-site presence in and around Mossel Bay, Western Cape , offering direct client engagement.