Security / Penetration Testing Engineer – London in England

Security / Penetration Testing Engineer – London in England

England Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct penetration testing and identify security vulnerabilities in applications.
  • Company: Join Cognizant, a leader in quality engineering and assurance.
  • Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing digital security for global clients.
  • Qualifications: Must have CREST certification and hands-on penetration testing experience.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

Security / Penetration Testing Engineer – London

Role will be part of our Quality Engineering & Assurance (QE&A) Practice.

With more than 650 clients across industry verticals and a global footprint, Cognizant QE&A practice is a recognized thought leader in quality engineering and Assurance.

As enterprises simplify, modernize and secure their legacy environments for the digital era, robust quality Engineering and assurance is essential.

Quality takes an end-to-end connotation and must straddle both legacy and digital systems.

Cognizant QE&A is reimagining QE&A, employing an end-to-end ecosystem approach with intelligent and automated QA processes.

In so doing, increasing quality and speed to promote faster business and technology change, as well as a better customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

  • Gather security requirements and define penetration testing scope by reviewing design and interface documents.
  • Prepare detailed test plans, scenarios, and rules of engagement aligned with CREST and OWASP standards.
  • Conduct API penetration testing (REST, Graph QL, SOAP) focusing on authentication, authorization, and business logic flaws.
  • Perform UI/Web application penetration testing for vulnerabilities such as XSS, CSRF, SQL Injection, and session management issues.
  • Identify and document security issues with clear reproduction steps, evidence, and remediation recommendations.
  • Raise defects in tracking tools and collaborate with development teams for timely resolution.
  • Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and elevate risks or challenges proactively.
  • Prepare comprehensive test reports including executive summaries, technical details, and risk ratings (CVSS).
  • Support re‑testing after fixes and validate remediation effectiveness.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards (OWASP ASVS, API Top 10, ISO 27001, PCI‑DSS).
  • Recommend security best practices and contribute to continuous improvement of testing methodologies.
  • Maintain strong documentation and communication throughout the engagement lifecycle.
  • Required Skills & Certifications
  • CREST certification (CRT/CPT/CPSA or equivalent) is a must.
  • Penetration Testing Expertise – Strong hands‑on experience in API and UI/Web application penetration testing.
  • Security Standards Knowledge – OWASP Top 10, OWASP API Top 10, ASVS, CVSS scoring, and CREST methodologies.
  • API Security – REST/Graph QL/SOAP testing, OAuth2/OIDC, JWT handling, rate limiting, and authorization flaws (BOLA/BFLA).
  • Web Application Security – XSS, CSRF, SQL Injection, Clickjacking, session management, CSP/CORS issues.
  • Documentation & Reporting – Ability to create detailed test plans, risk logs, and clear vulnerability reports.
  • Compliance Awareness – Familiarity with ISO 27001, PCI‑DSS, NIST guidelines.
  • Seniority Level
  • Associate
  • Employment Type
  • Full‑time
  • Job Function
  • Information Technology
  • Industries
  • IT Services and IT Consulting

Security / Penetration Testing Engineer – London in England employer: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation

Cognizant is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Manager in Intelligent Process Automation, you'll engage in high-profile transformation programmes while benefiting from a culture that prioritises consulting excellence and continuous learning. With clear career progression pathways, competitive compensation, and flexible hybrid working arrangements, Cognizant empowers its employees to grow and succeed in their careers.

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Contact Details:

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Security / Penetration Testing Engineer – London in England

✨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 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, 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 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation

Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation. 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 Security / Penetration Testing Engineer – London in England

CREST certification (CRT/CPT/CPSA or equivalent)
Penetration Testing Expertise
API Security testing (REST, GraphQL, SOAP)
Web Application Security (XSS, CSRF, SQL Injection)
Security Standards Knowledge (OWASP Top 10, ASVS, CVSS)
Documentation & Reporting skills
Compliance Awareness (ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, NIST guidelines)

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 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation 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 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation

✨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 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation 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 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation.

✨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.