At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Senior Penetration Tester and tackle exciting security challenges.
- Company: Instil, an award-winning tech company with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture that values wellbeing, community, and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in offensive security while mentoring junior testers in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CHECK Team Member status and 2+ years of penetration testing experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ 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 Burp Suite 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?
At Instil, we believe great work starts with happy, motivated people.
That’s why we’ve built a benefits package that supports your wellbeing, growth, and life outside of work, because when you thrive, so do we.
- 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‑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.
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Senior Penetration Tester - CTM in Bristol employer: Instil
Instil is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of Belfast. With flexible hybrid working options and a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills in automation and CI/CD while contributing to impactful projects. Join us to be part of a team that values quality and continuous improvement, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Penetration Tester - CTM in Bristol
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Instil, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Instil
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Instil. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Penetration Tester - CTM in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Instil insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Instil that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Instil
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Instil to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Instil.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
