Senior Penetration Tester
Senior Penetration Tester

Senior Penetration Tester

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Instil

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to deliver high-quality penetration testing across diverse sectors.
  • Company: Instil, a supportive tech company focused on employee wellbeing and growth.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, generous holiday, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in offensive security while mentoring junior testers.
  • Qualifications: CHECK Team Member status and 2+ years of penetration testing experience required.
  • Other info: Enjoy a vibrant culture with community initiatives and social events.

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

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.

For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.

Senior Penetration Tester employer: Instil

At Instil, we prioritise the wellbeing and growth of our employees, offering a supportive work culture that fosters flexibility and recognition. With a comprehensive benefits package including a competitive pension scheme, private healthcare, and ample holiday time, we ensure our team members can thrive both personally and professionally while engaging in meaningful projects across various sectors.
Instil

Contact Detail:

Instil Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Penetration Tester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cybersecurity field, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Penetration Tester role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects, methodologies, and any cool tools you've developed. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common penetration testing scenarios and challenges. Practice explaining your thought process and how you approach security weaknesses – this will help you stand out during the interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it makes the application process smoother for everyone involved.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Penetration Tester

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) (Nice-to-Have)
Experience with Hack the Box or Capture the Flag Simulations (Nice-to-Have)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Penetration Tester role. Highlight your CHECK status, relevant tools you've used, and any specific projects that showcase your expertise in penetration testing.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for offensive security and how you can contribute to our team. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description and show us why you're the perfect fit.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t shy away from listing your technical proficiencies! Include your experience with tools like BurpSuite Pro and Nmap, as well as any scripting languages you know. This will help us see your hands-on capabilities right from the start.

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 whole process smoother for both of us!

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 the tools mentioned in the job description, like BurpSuite Pro and Nmap, so you can confidently discuss your experience and how you've used them in past projects.

✨Show Off Your Skills

Prepare to talk about specific projects where you've identified and remediated security weaknesses. Use examples that highlight your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills, especially in diverse environments like cloud and mobile applications.

✨Get Ready for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions or scenarios during the interview. Practice explaining your thought process when tackling penetration tests, and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of operating systems and scripting languages like Python or Shell.

✨Cultural Fit Matters

Instil values a supportive environment, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their culture. Share your experiences mentoring junior testers or participating in team initiatives, as this shows you're not just about the technical skills but also about building a great team dynamic.

Senior Penetration Tester
Instil

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