Penetration Tester (Senior)

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Penetration Tester for a dynamic cybersecurity firm near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will identify vulnerabilities in client systems, applications, and networks through simulated attacks, documenting findings and delivering actionable remediation guidance.

This fully remote role offers diverse projects across industries, with potential on-site meetings for Durban-area clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in CS/IT.
• Minimum 4 years hands-on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Proficiency with Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark.
• Strong knowledge of networks, Windows and Linux, and web technologies.
• Scripting in Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
• OSCP, CEH, CISSP are desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; clear documentation.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive penetration tests on web apps, networks, mobile apps, and cloud environments.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and security audits for clients.
• Develop and maintain attack scripts, tools, and methodologies.
• Analyze test results, document findings, and provide actionable remediation recommendations.
• Present detailed reports to clients, including technical and executive summaries.
• Stay current with the latest penetration testing techniques, tools, and threat vectors.
• Collaborate with client security teams to ensure effective remediation of identified vulnerabilities.
• Participate in red teaming exercises and social engineering assessments.
• Contribute to the development of new service offerings and methodologies.
• Maintain a high level of ethical conduct and professionalism throughout engagements.

Skills

Penetration testing

Independent work

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Information Technology or related field

Tools

Metasploit

Burp Suite

Nmap

Wireshark

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic cybersecurity firm based near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is looking for a skilled Senior Penetration Tester to join their expanding offensive security team. In this critical role, you will be responsible for identifying vulnerabilities in client systems, applications, and networks through simulated attacks. Your expertise will help clients proactively strengthen their defenses before malicious actors can exploit weaknesses. This role demands a creative mindset, technical proficiency, and a passion for ethical hacking. You will work on diverse projects for a wide range of clients, from startups to large enterprises, gaining exposure to various technologies and industries. The ideal candidate is a meticulous individual who enjoys the challenge of finding and exploiting security flaws in a controlled and ethical manner. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding environment, offering significant intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to hone advanced offensive security skills. You will be an integral part of our mission to secure the digital world.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive penetration tests on web applications, networks, mobile applications, and cloud environments.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and security audits for clients.
• Develop and maintain attack scripts, tools, and methodologies.
• Analyze test results, document findings, and provide actionable remediation recommendations.
• Present detailed reports and findings to clients, including technical and executive summaries.
• Stay current with the latest penetration testing techniques, tools, and threat vectors.
• Collaborate with client security teams to ensure effective remediation of identified vulnerabilities.
• Participate in red teaming exercises and social engineering assessments.
• Contribute to the development of new service offerings and methodologies.
• Maintain a high level of ethical conduct and professionalism throughout engagements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Proficiency with a wide range of penetration testing tools (e.g., Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark).
• Strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems (Windows, Linux), and web technologies.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
• Knowledge of common vulnerabilities (e.g., OWASP Top 10) and their exploitation.
• Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CEH, CISSP are highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document complex technical findings clearly.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• This is a fully remote position, but candidates located near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal will have an advantage for potential on‑site client meetings.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rates.
• Flexible remote working arrangements.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging security projects.
• Access to a wide array of cutting‑edge security tools and lab environments.
• Professional development budget for training and certifications.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Potential for long‑term engagement based on performance.
• Contribution to impactful security initiatives for clients.