Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 48000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for a highly skilled Lead Penetration Tester with CHECK Team Lead (CTL) status to join our dynamic security team. This is a senior, handsâon role where you will 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 will play a pivotal role in shaping our offensive security services, coordinating endâtoâend 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 would love to hear from you.
What You Will Do
- Lead and execute penetration tests across infrastructure, cloud, web, and mobile applications.
- Manage endâtoâend engagements: from scoping and kickâoff 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 cuttingâedge.
- Support preâsales efforts as a subjectâmatter expert in penetration testing.
- Communicate findings effectively to both technical and nonâtechnical stakeholders.
- Contribute to thought leadership through blogs, white papers, or speaking engagements.
Essential Skills
- CHECK Team Lead (CTL) status â Infrastructure or Web Applications
- 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.
NiceâtoâHave
- 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 isnât 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, cycleâtoâwork scheme, and regular social events to keep our culture vibrant.
- Time to Recharge: 35 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and familyâfirst policies so you can focus on what matters most.
- Learning Never Stops: From courses to certifications, we will invest in your development so you can keep growing and shaping whatâs 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 worldâclass 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 cuttingâedge applications, we help our clients navigate an everâchanging digital landscape with confidence and agility.
We are proud to be an awardâwinning 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 mediumâsized 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 will support your journey, because your success is part of ours.
Lead Penetration Tester in London employer: Instil
Contact Detail:
Instil Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Lead Penetration Tester in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get involved in local tech meetups or online forums related to penetration testing. Connecting with industry professionals can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
â¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past penetration testing projects, including detailed reports and methodologies. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
â¨Tip Number 3
Donât shy away from reaching out directly! If you see a company youâd love to work for, drop them a message on LinkedIn or their website. Express your interest and share how your skills align with their needs.
â¨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and stay updated! The cybersecurity field is always evolving, so make sure you're up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Consider taking relevant courses or certifications to boost your profile.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Penetration Tester in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your CHECK Team Lead status and relevant experience in penetration testing. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so donât be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why youâre passionate about offensive security and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal â we love a good story!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Donât forget to mention your expertise with tools like BurpSuite Pro and your scripting skills. Weâre looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us youâre keen on joining our awesome team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instil
â¨Know Your Stuff
As a Lead Penetration Tester, you need to be well-versed in the latest penetration testing methodologies and tools. Brush up on your knowledge of BurpSuite Pro, Nmap, and Metasploit, and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past engagements.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring junior testers and managing end-to-end engagements, be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in coordinating testing efforts and how youâve contributed to the growth of others.
â¨Communicate Clearly
Youâll need to convey complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects and their outcomes in simple terms, focusing on the impact of your work and the actionable steps you recommended.
â¨Stay Ahead of the Curve
Demonstrate your passion for continuous learning by discussing recent trends in cybersecurity and any new offensive techniques you've researched. Mention any relevant certifications or courses you've taken to show your commitment to staying current in the field.
