At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead penetration testing projects and mentor junior testers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Instil, an award-winning tech company with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with opportunities for growth and volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in offensive security while working on diverse projects.
- Qualifications: CHECK Team Member status and 2+ years of penetration testing experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
Benefits
- 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.
Company Description
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. We’ll support your journey, because your success is part of ours.
Senior Penetration Tester in Birmingham employer: Instil
Instil is an award-winning employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a supportive work culture in Birmingham. With flexible working arrangements, a competitive pension scheme, and a commitment to professional development, we empower our team to thrive while tackling diverse and challenging projects in the field of cybersecurity. Join us to be part of a vibrant community that values recognition, inclusivity, and making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Penetration Tester in Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Penetration Tester role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects. Whether it's a blog, GitHub repo, or even a personal website, let your work speak for itself. We love seeing what you can do!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your methodologies and tools like BurpSuite Pro and Nmap. Practice common interview questions and scenarios to show us you're the right fit for our team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates like you to join our growing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Penetration Tester in Birmingham
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 tools you’ve mastered. 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! Share your passion for offensive security and why you want to join our team at Instil. Let us know how your experience can contribute to our diverse projects.
Showcase Your Projects:If you’ve worked on interesting penetration testing projects or have relevant certifications, don’t hold back! We love seeing real examples of your work and how you tackle challenges in the field.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instil
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your penetration testing methodologies, especially for web applications and networks. Familiarise yourself with tools like BurpSuite Pro and Nmap, as well as scripting languages like Python. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience confidently will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for offensive security shine through. Share examples of challenging projects you've worked on or any Capture the Flag simulations you've participated in. This not only shows your skills but also your commitment to the field.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Instil’s values and culture before the interview. They pride themselves on being a supportive environment that values flexibility and community. Mention how you align with these values and how you can contribute to their vibrant workplace.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about their approach to mentoring junior testers or how they handle varied projects. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
