At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct penetration tests and security assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
- Company: Join one of the UK's leading cyber security consultancies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, funded training, hybrid working, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for research and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in penetration testing and strong technical reporting skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid (UK)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Security Clearance: Current SC preferred
About Citation Cyber
Citation Cyber is one of the UK's leading cyber security consultancies, delivering penetration testing, Cyber Essentials certification, consultancy, training and managed cyber security services to organisations across both the public and private sectors. As an NCSC CHECK provider and CREST member company, we're continuing to grow our penetration testing team and are looking for a talented Security Consultant to join us.
The Role
You'll work as part of our penetration testing team delivering a wide range of technical security assessments across client environments, helping organisations identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their cyber resilience. Your work will include:
- Infrastructure or Web application penetration testing
- Cloud security assessments
- Producing clear, high-quality technical reports
- Presenting findings and remediation advice to clients
- Supporting vulnerability validation and re-testing
- Contributing to internal tooling, research and knowledge sharing
What we're looking for
Essential
- Commercial penetration testing experience within a consultancy or equivalent environment
- Strong technical reporting skills
- Experience conducting infrastructure and web application penetration tests
- Good understanding of Windows, Linux and Active Directory environments
- Familiarity with Azure and/or AWS security testing
- Experience using industry-standard penetration testing tools and methodologies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A passion for continuous learning and technical development
Desirable
- Current CHECK Team Member (CTM) status
- Current SC Security Clearance (or eligibility to obtain it)
- CREST CRT / Cyber Scheme CSTM or equivalent certification
- OSCP or equivalent practical penetration testing certification
- Experience with API, mobile or wireless security testing
- Scripting or automation experience using Python, PowerShell or Bash
Why Join Citation Cyber?
We're building a consultancy where technical excellence, innovation and professional development go hand in hand. When you join us you'll benefit from:
- Working for an NCSC CHECK provider and CREST member
- A varied mix of commercial, defence and public sector projects
- Funded training and industry certifications
- Clear progression towards CHECK Team Member, CHECK Team Leader and senior technical roles
- Hybrid and flexible working
- A collaborative technical culture where knowledge sharing is encouraged
- Opportunities to contribute to research, tooling and new service development
- Competitive salary and benefits
About You
You're passionate about offensive security and enjoy solving complex technical challenges. You produce high-quality work, communicate clearly with clients and are always looking to improve your skills. Whether you're already delivering CHECK assessments or you're looking to achieve CHECK status in the near future, you'll be joining a team that will support your professional development and provide exposure to challenging and rewarding engagements.
Ready to Apply?
If you're looking to take the next step in your penetration testing career and want to work with an ambitious, growing cyber security consultancy, we'd love to hear from you.
Penetration Tester in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Citation Cyber
At Citation Cyber, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the cyber security sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to funded training and industry certifications ensures that you can continuously develop your skills in a supportive environment. Join us to work on diverse projects across public and private sectors, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact in strengthening cyber resilience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Penetration Tester in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Citation Cyber, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Citation Cyber
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Citation Cyber. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Penetration Tester in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Citation Cyber insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Citation Cyber that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Citation Cyber
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Citation Cyber to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Citation Cyber.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
