Senior Penetration Tester in Belfast
Senior Penetration Tester

Senior Penetration Tester in Belfast

Belfast Full-Time 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Instil

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead penetration testing projects and identify security weaknesses for diverse clients.
  • Company: Join Instil, an award-winning tech company with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, and generous holiday allowance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in offensive security while mentoring junior testers.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years of penetration testing experience and CHECK Team Member status required.
  • Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with opportunities for growth and volunteering.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

We are looking for a Senior Penetration Tester with CHECK to join our growing team. You will play a critical role in delivering high-quality 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. This is a hands‐on role where your expertise will help identify and remediate security weaknesses, while contributing to the development of our methodologies and mentoring junior testers. If you're passionate about offensive security and want to work on varied, challenging projects in a supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Essential Skills

  • CHECK Team Member (CTM) status
  • Current UK Security Clearance
  • At least 2+ years of penetration testing experience
  • Strong experience with web application and network penetration testing methodologies
  • In‐depth 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, and Kali Linux
  • Knowledge of scripting languages (Python, Shell, etc.)

Nice‐to‐Have

  • CHECK Team Lead (CTL) status (Infrastructure or Applications)
  • Relevant certifications (OSCP, Cyber Scheme)
  • Experience with Hack the Box or Capture the Flag simulations

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‐sized 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.

Job Details

  • Seniority level: Mid‐Senior level
  • Employment type: Full‐time
  • Job function: Information Technology
  • Industries: Software Development

Senior Penetration Tester in Belfast employer: Instil

Instil is an exceptional employer located in Belfast, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for Senior Penetration Testers. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a vibrant culture, we prioritise your well-being and professional growth while providing opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects. Join us to be part of a recognised Great Place to Work, where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
Instil

Contact Detail:

Instil Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Penetration Tester in Belfast

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry meetups, conferences, or local tech events. Chatting with fellow penetration testers and potential employers can open doors that online applications just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects, including any Hack the Box or Capture the Flag challenges you've tackled. This gives us a tangible way to see what you can do.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you see a job at Instil that excites you, drop us a message on LinkedIn or through our website. A personal touch can make all the difference in getting noticed.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for the interview! Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss your past experiences. We love candidates who can articulate their thought process during testing scenarios.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Penetration Tester in Belfast

CHECK Team Member (CTM) status
Current UK Security Clearance
Penetration Testing Experience
Web Application Penetration Testing Methodologies
Network Penetration Testing Methodologies
Operating Systems Knowledge (Linux, Windows, Active Directory)
Cloud Security Reviews
Proficiency with BurpSuite Pro
Proficiency with Nmap
Proficiency with Nessus
Proficiency with Kali Linux
Knowledge of Scripting Languages (Python, Shell)
CHECK Team Lead (CTL) status (Nice-to-Have)
Relevant Certifications (OSCP, Cyber Scheme)
Experience with Hack the Box or Capture the Flag Simulations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Penetration Tester role. Highlight your CHECK status, relevant experience, and any specific tools you've used. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for offensive security and mention any unique projects or experiences that set you apart. Let us know why you're excited about joining our team at Instil.

Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don't just list your skills—show us how you've applied them in real-world scenarios. Whether it's a challenging penetration test or a cloud security review, we want to hear about your hands-on experience!

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 makes the process smoother for everyone involved!

How to prepare for a job interview at Instil

✨Know Your Tools Inside Out

Make sure you're well-versed in the tools mentioned in the job description, like BurpSuite Pro and Nmap. Practise using them in real-world scenarios or labs to demonstrate your hands-on experience during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Methodologies

Be prepared to discuss your approach to penetration testing. Highlight specific methodologies you've used in past projects, especially for web applications and cloud environments. This will show that you not only have the skills but also a structured way of thinking.

✨Brush Up on Security Clearance Knowledge

Since current UK Security Clearance is essential, be ready to talk about your clearance status and any relevant experiences. Understanding the implications of security clearance in your work can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Offensive Security

Share examples of how you've engaged with the offensive security community, whether through Hack the Box challenges or Capture the Flag events. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to staying updated in the field, which is crucial for a Senior Penetration Tester.

Senior Penetration Tester in Belfast
Instil
Location: Belfast

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