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- Tasks: Conduct hands-on penetration testing across diverse platforms and mentor junior testers.
- Company: Join Instil, an award-winning tech company known for innovation and a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work hours, competitive salary, health care, and 35 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in offensive security while working on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: CHECK Team Member status and 2+ years of penetration testing experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused workplace with opportunities for growth and learning.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re 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: discretionary annual performance bonus
- Flexibility built in: flexible work arrangements and summer hours
- Financial security: competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions, private health care, and life assurance
- Health & wellbeing: employee assistance programme, mental health support, cycle‑to‑work scheme, regular social events
- Time to recharge: 35 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, family‑first policies
- Learning never stops: investment in courses and certifications
- Community & culture: volunteer opportunities, initiatives for inclusivity
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. Driven by a love for technology and a commitment to excellence, we bring together people who want to make a difference.
Senior Penetration Tester in Manchester employer: Instil
Contact Detail:
Instil Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Penetration Tester in Manchester
✨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 knowledge of tools like BurpSuite Pro and Nmap. Practice common penetration testing scenarios and be ready to discuss your past experiences. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Us
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in joining Instil and makes it easier for us to spot your application. We can't wait to hear from you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Penetration Tester in Manchester
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 or methodologies you've used. 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. Be sure to mention any unique projects or experiences that showcase your expertise.
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 love hearing about your hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 Off Your Certifications
If you've got any relevant certifications like OSCP or CHECK Team Member status, flaunt them! These credentials not only validate your skills but also show your commitment to the field. Be prepared to discuss how these qualifications have shaped your approach to penetration testing.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about past projects where you identified security weaknesses and how you remediated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Instil values a supportive environment, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their culture. Share examples of how you've mentored junior testers or collaborated with teams in previous roles. Showing that you're a team player who aligns with their values can set you apart from other candidates.
