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- Tasks: Lead complex penetration tests across various platforms and mentor junior testers.
- Company: Join Instil, an award-winning tech company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while advancing your skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of penetration testing experience and CHECK Team Lead status.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on innovation and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join our dynamic security team as a senior, hands-on Principal Penetration Tester with CHECK Team Lead (CTL) status. In this role you will lead and deliver complex penetration testing engagements across infrastructure, cloud, web, and mobile applications for a diverse range of clients.
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 the 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.
- Flexibility Built In: Flexible working arrangements and summer hours.
- Financial Security: Highly competitive pension scheme, private healthcare, and life assurance.
- Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, cycle-to-work scheme, and regular social events.
- Time to Recharge: 35 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and family-first policies.
- Learning Never Stops: From courses to certifications, we invest in your development.
- Community & Culture: Opportunities to volunteer, give back, and be part of inclusive initiatives.
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. We help clients navigate an ever-changing digital landscape with confidence and agility. We’re proud to be an award-winning employer: recognized 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-sized companies; winner of Company of the Year at the Digital DNA Awards 2022. 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
Contact Detail:
Instil 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, webinars, or even local tech events. 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 cool scripts or tools you've developed. This not only highlights your expertise but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on both technical and soft skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate findings to both techies and non-techies alike. Mock interviews can be a game changer!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it gives you a better chance of standing out in the application process. Let's get you that dream job!
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, especially in cloud and web applications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of complex penetration testing engagements you've led. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so don’t hold back on detailing your achievements and the impact they had on clients.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about penetration testing and how you can contribute to our team. We appreciate a personal touch that shows us who you are beyond your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 us you’re keen on joining our team at Instil!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instil
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your penetration testing methodologies, especially for infrastructure, cloud, web, and mobile applications. Familiarise yourself with tools like BurpSuite Pro and Metasploit, as well as scripting in Python or Shell. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past engagements in detail. Highlight complex projects you've led, focusing on your role in scoping, execution, and reporting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled vulnerabilities and communicated findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Stay Ahead of the Game
Research emerging threats and offensive techniques relevant to the industry. Bring insights into the interview about how you would integrate these into your testing methodology. This shows that you're proactive and committed to staying at the forefront of penetration testing.
✨Be a Team Player
Since mentoring junior testers is part of the role, be prepared to discuss your approach to coaching and supporting others. Share examples of how you've contributed to team growth and knowledge sharing in previous positions. This will demonstrate your leadership potential and collaborative spirit.
