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- Tasks: Lead complex penetration tests across various platforms and mentor junior testers.
- Company: Join Instil, an award-winning tech company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 35 days holiday, and a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while pushing your technical boundaries.
- Qualifications: Must have CHECK Team Lead status and 5+ years of penetration testing experience.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture with opportunities for growth and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re looking for a highly skilled Principal Penetration Tester with CHECK Team Lead (CTL) status to join our dynamic security team. This is a senior, hands‑on role where you’ll lead and deliver complex penetration testing engagements across infrastructure, cloud, web, and mobile applications for a diverse range of clients, including software, fintech, manufacturing, engineering, legal, and public sector organisations. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our offensive security services—coordinating end‑to‑end testing, mentoring junior testers, and contributing to the evolution of our methodologies. If you thrive on tackling challenging security problems, enjoy working in a collaborative environment, and want to keep pushing your technical boundaries, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and execute penetration tests across infrastructure, cloud, web, and mobile applications.
- Manage end‑to‑end engagements: from scoping and kick‑off sessions to delivery and client debriefs.
- Produce detailed, actionable reports outlining vulnerabilities and tailored remediation steps.
- Stay ahead of emerging threats by researching new offensive techniques and integrating them into our methodology.
- Automate repetitive tasks and streamline testing processes through scripting.
- Mentor and coach junior testers, supporting their technical growth and career development.
- Enhance tools and methodologies, ensuring our services remain cutting‑edge.
- Support pre‑sales efforts as a subject‑matter expert in penetration testing.
- Communicate findings effectively to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Contribute to thought leadership through blogs, white papers, or speaking engagements.
Essential Skills
- CHECK Team Lead (CTL) status – Infrastructure preferred; Applications also considered.
- Current UK SC Clearance.
- Minimum 5 years’ penetration testing experience, with a proven track record of complex engagements.
- Proven experience in cloud security reviews (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Deep expertise in web, mobile, and network penetration testing methodologies.
- Advanced knowledge of operating systems (Linux, Windows, Active Directory).
- Familiarity with cloud environments and ability to perform cloud security reviews.
- Proficiency with tools such as BurpSuite Pro, Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, and Kali Linux.
- Strong scripting skills (Python, Shell, etc.).
- Excellent communication and technical report writing skills.
Nice‑to‑Have
- Additional certifications: OSCP, CSTL/CCT, Cyber Scheme, CREST.
- UK Cyber Security Council Chartership (Principal or above).
- Experience with Hack The Box or Capture the Flag simulations.
- Exposure to advanced testing techniques and red team engagements.
Why Join Instil?
- Recognition That Matters: A discretionary annual performance bonus that rewards your impact and contribution to our success.
- Flexibility Built In: Flexible working arrangements and summer hours, because life isn’t 9 to 5, and balance matters.
- Financial Security: A highly competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions, private healthcare, and life assurance for peace of mind.
- Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, cycle‑to‑work scheme, and regular social events to keep our culture vibrant.
- Time to Recharge: 35 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and family‑first policies so you can focus on what matters most.
- Learning Never Stops: From courses to certifications, we’ll invest in your development so you can keep growing and shaping what’s next.
- Community & Culture: Opportunities to volunteer, give back, and be part of initiatives that make Instil a truly inclusive and connected workplace.
Instil has been delivering world‑class software engineering and technology solutions for over 20 years, trusted by global brands to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. From modernising legacy systems to building cutting‑edge applications, we help our clients navigate an ever‑changing digital landscape with confidence and agility.
We’re proud to be an award‑winning employer, reflecting how our people are at the heart of everything we do: Recognised as a Great Place to Work® for three consecutive years, and in 2024 ranked in the Top 20 Best Workplaces in the UK for medium‑size companies. Winner of Company of the Year at the Digital DNA Awards 2022, celebrating excellence in Northern Ireland’s tech sector. Driven by a love for technology and a commitment to excellence, we bring together people who want to make a difference. We’ll support your journey, because your success is part of ours.
Lead Penetration Tester in Belfast employer: Instil Software Ltd
Contact Detail:
Instil Software Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Penetration Tester in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects, including any complex engagements you've led. This not only highlights your expertise but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and the company culture. This can give you valuable insights and help you stand out during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and sharing! Stay updated on the latest trends in penetration testing and offensive security. Write blogs or share insights on social media. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also shows potential employers your passion for the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Penetration Tester in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Penetration Tester role. Highlight your CHECK Team Lead status and relevant experience in penetration testing across various platforms. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of complex engagements you've led or contributed to. Whether it’s cloud security reviews or web application testing, let us know how you tackled those challenges. This helps us understand your hands-on experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for offensive security and how you’ve mentored junior testers. We love seeing candidates who are not just skilled but also enthusiastic about growing the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our dynamic team at Instil!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instil Software Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your penetration testing methodologies, especially for infrastructure, cloud, web, and mobile applications. Be ready to discuss specific tools like BurpSuite Pro and Metasploit, and how you've used them in past engagements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Penetration Tester, you'll be expected to mentor junior testers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, and think about how you can contribute to their growth and development.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to convey complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects and results in simple terms, focusing on actionable insights and remediation steps.
✨Stay Ahead of the Game
Research emerging threats and offensive techniques relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you keep your skills sharp and how you would integrate new methodologies into the team's practices.
