Penetration Tester - Ethical Hacking Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Conference attendance

Paid time off

Access to security labs

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, is seeking a skilled Penetration Tester to simulate cyber-attacks, identify vulnerabilities, and deliver detailed remediation recommendations for diverse client systems.

You will perform network, web, and mobile application tests, write professional reports with severity assessments, stay current with threats, and collaborate with client security teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field; equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years hands-on experience in penetration testing and ethical hacking.
• Experience conducting network, web, and/or mobile application tests.
• Proficiency with common pen-testing tools and frameworks.
• Strong understanding of networking, OS (Windows/Linux), web tech, and OWASP Top 10.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive penetration tests on networks, applications, and systems.
• Identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses using diverse testing methodologies.
• Document findings with severity and remediation guidance in professional reports.
• Conduct reconnaissance and information gathering on targets.
• Exploit vulnerabilities to demonstrate impact and risk.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Cybersecurity

Tools

Metasploit

Burp Suite

Nmap

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding cybersecurity consultancy, is seeking a highly skilled Penetration Tester to join their elite team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role involves simulating cyber-attacks against client systems to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. You will conduct various types of penetration tests, including network, web application, and mobile application testing, and provide detailed reports with actionable remediation recommendations. The ideal candidate is passionate about offensive security, possesses excellent analytical skills, and thrives in a challenging, fast-paced environment. This is a prime opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and technologies, honing your ethical hacking skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive penetration tests on networks, applications, and systems.
• Identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses through various testing methodologies.
• Utilize a wide range of penetration testing tools and techniques (e.g., Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap).
• Document findings in detailed, professional reports, including severity assessment and remediation advice.
• Conduct thorough reconnaissance and information gathering on target systems.
• Exploit identified vulnerabilities to demonstrate impact and potential risks.
• Stay current with the latest hacking techniques, tools, and threat landscapes.
• Collaborate with client security teams to validate findings and discuss remediation strategies.
• Participate in red teaming exercises and security assessments.
• Develop custom scripts and tools to automate testing processes where applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in penetration testing and ethical hacking.
• Proven ability to conduct network, web application, and/or mobile application penetration tests.
• Proficiency with common penetration testing tools and frameworks.
• Strong understanding of networking protocols, operating systems (Windows, Linux), web technologies, and common vulnerabilities (e.g., OWASP Top 10).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly and effectively.
• Ability to work independently and manage testing projects efficiently.
• Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CEH, GPEN, or LPT are highly desirable.
• A strong ethical mindset and a passion for cybersecurity.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and certifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Significant investment in professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Work with a team of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals in Bloemfontein, Free State .
• Exposure to a wide array of challenging and diverse client projects.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing consultancy.
• Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Access to the latest security testing tools and lab environments.