Pentester

Pentester

Cambridge Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Darktrace

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Identify and mitigate security risks through hands-on penetration testing and real-world attack simulations.
  • Company: Join Darktrace, a global leader in AI cybersecurity, protecting thousands of organisations worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 23 days holiday, private medical insurance, life insurance, and a cycle to work scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while working with cutting-edge technology and a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in penetration testing, strong communication skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools required.
  • Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for mentorship and career growth in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Overview

Darktrace is a global leader in AI for cybersecurity that keeps organizations ahead of the changing threat landscape every day. Founded in 2013, Darktrace provides the essential cybersecurity platform protecting nearly 10,000 organizations from unknown threats using its proprietary AI. The Darktrace Active AI Security Platform delivers a proactive approach to cyber resilience to secure the business across the entire digital estate – from network to cloud to email. Breakthrough innovations from our R&D teams have resulted in over 200 patent applications filed. Darktrace’s platform and services are supported by over 2,400 employees around the world. To learn more, visit http://www.darktrace.com.

Role: Senior – Level Penetration Tester

What will I be doing?

As the Senior Penetration Tester within the internal cybersecurity team, you’ll play a key role in identifying and mitigating security risks across the organisation’s digital landscape. This position requires hands-on experience in offensive security and a deep understanding of network, application, and cloud-based vulnerabilities. You’ll be responsible for conducting thorough penetration tests, simulating real-world attacks, and delivering actionable insights to both security and development teams. Collaboration and continuous learning are central to the role, ensuring our defences stay ahead of emerging threats.

Key Responsibilities

  • Performing penetration tests on web applications, networks, APIs, mobile apps, and cloud environments.
  • Simulating real-world attack scenarios to assess system and infrastructure resilience.
  • Producing detailed technical reports and executive summaries for stakeholders.
  • Collaborating with internal teams to validate findings and support remediation efforts.
  • Staying up to date with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and offensive security techniques.

Note: This is a hybrid role, with a compulsory attendance of 2 days a week in either the Cambridge or London office.

What experience do I need?

Qualifications

  • Solid background in penetration testing or offensive security, with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and frameworks.
  • Strong grasp of security principles and methodologies, and the ability to communicate findings clearly and effectively.
  • Proficiency with tools like Burp Suite, Nmap, Metasploit, Nessus, and Kali Linux, plus scripting skills in Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
  • Strong understanding of OWASP Top 10, MITRE ATT&CK, CVSS scoring, and familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and container security.
  • Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CREST CRT, or eCPPT are highly desirable, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Attributes

  • Ability to mentor junior testers and contribute to internal tooling.

Benefits

  • 23 days’ holiday + all public holidays, rising to 25 days after 2 years of service.
  • Additional day off for your birthday.
  • Private medical insurance which covers you, your cohabiting partner and children.
  • Life insurance of 4 times your base salary.
  • Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
  • Enhanced family leave.
  • Confidential Employee Assistance Program.
  • Cycle to work scheme.

Seniority level

  • Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Full-time

Job function

  • Information Technology

Industries

  • Computer and Network Security

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Pentester employer: Darktrace

Darktrace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the fast-paced field of cybersecurity. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to mentor junior testers, all while working in a hybrid model from either our vibrant Cambridge or London offices. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, private medical insurance, and a supportive environment that prioritises your well-being and professional development.
Darktrace

Contact Detail:

Darktrace Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Pentester

✨Tip Number 1

Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with professionals in the cybersecurity field. Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences where you can chat with potential employers and showcase your skills. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Darktrace. Send them a message expressing your interest in their work and how you could contribute as a Pentester. You never know what opportunities might arise!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and being ready to demonstrate your knowledge. Practice common penetration testing scenarios and be prepared to discuss your past experiences. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a problem-solver!

✨Tip Number 4

Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team. Let’s get you that dream job in cybersecurity!

We think you need these skills to ace Pentester

Penetration Testing
Offensive Security
Network Vulnerability Assessment
Application Vulnerability Assessment
Cloud Security
Technical Reporting
Collaboration
Burp Suite
Nmap
Metasploit
Nessus
Kali Linux
Python Scripting
Bash Scripting
PowerShell Scripting
OWASP Top 10
MITRE ATT&CK
CVSS Scoring
AWS
Azure
GCP

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Senior Penetration Tester. Highlight your hands-on experience with penetration testing tools and frameworks, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications you hold. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about cybersecurity and how your experience makes you a perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your skills in offensive security.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Senior Penetration Tester, you’ll need to communicate findings clearly. In your application, demonstrate your ability to write technical reports and executive summaries. We love seeing candidates who can bridge the gap between technical jargon and clear communication!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there, which can help you tailor your application even further!

How to prepare for a job interview at Darktrace

✨Know Your Tools Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the tools mentioned in the job description, like Burp Suite and Metasploit. Practise using them in real-world scenarios so you can confidently discuss your experience during the interview.

✨Stay Updated on Cybersecurity Trends

Cybersecurity is always evolving, so keep yourself informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities. Being able to discuss recent incidents or trends will show your passion for the field and your commitment to continuous learning.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical questions that test your knowledge of penetration testing methodologies and frameworks. Brush up on concepts like OWASP Top 10 and MITRE ATT&CK, and be ready to explain how you would approach specific scenarios.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Senior Penetration Tester, you'll need to communicate findings effectively. Prepare to discuss how you would present technical reports to non-technical stakeholders, highlighting your ability to bridge the gap between security and development teams.

Pentester
Darktrace
Location: Cambridge
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