At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to simulate real-world cyber threats and enhance Defence security.
- Company: Ncounter, a specialist Defence consultancy with exciting projects.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for contract extension, and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a difference in Defence by testing and improving security measures.
- Qualifications: Experience in Red Team operations and active SC or DV clearance required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and challenging environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ncounter is supporting a specialist Defence consultancy on two upcoming Red Team engagements within a major Defence programme. These are initial 3-month contracts, with a strong likelihood of extension, forming the first wave of a wider pipeline of similar work expected over the next 12 months.
The focus of these engagements is true adversary simulation. Working from standard user credentials, you will help define and execute realistic Red Team activity, assessing how an attacker could infiltrate, move laterally, elevate privileges, and exfiltrate data within sensitive environments. You will play a key role in shaping the technical approach, rather than simply delivering pre-defined tests.
Work will be based primarily out of SW sites or nearby Defence related sites, with an expectation of 2 to 3 days per week onsite.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting confirmation of scope sessions and contributing to detailed Red Team test plans
- Designing and executing adversary simulation and penetration testing activity against Defence systems
- Exploiting networks to enumerate services, elevate privileges, and move laterally
- Simulating advanced threat actor behaviour including command and control and data exfiltration
- Producing high quality technical and management level reports with clear remediation guidance
- Participating in technical replays with Blue Teams to support detection and mitigation
To be considered, you will bring:
- Proven Red Team or offensive cyber experience within Defence or similarly regulated environments
- Active SC or DV clearance, ideally DV
- Strong understanding of insider threat scenarios and post-compromise activity
- Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CRTO, or GIAC, or equivalent hands-on expertise
- The ability to operate confidently onsite within Defence environments
If you are an experienced Red Team operator looking to be involved in high impact Defence work with genuine follow-on opportunities, get in touch with Ncounter for a confidential discussion.
Penetration Tester in England employer: Ncounter Limited
Contact Detail:
Ncounter Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Penetration Tester in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, meetups, or even online webinars related to penetration testing. Connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past Red Team engagements or personal projects. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios. Role-playing with a friend can help you articulate your thought process during a penetration test, which is crucial for impressing interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Penetration Tester in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Penetration Tester role. Highlight your relevant experience in Red Team operations and any certifications you hold, like OSCP or GIAC. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about offensive cyber work and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical prowess. Mention specific tools and techniques you've used in previous roles, especially those related to adversary simulation and penetration testing. We’re keen to see your hands-on expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ncounter Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills and knowledge related to penetration testing and Red Team operations. Familiarise yourself with the latest tools and techniques used in adversary simulation, as well as any relevant certifications like OSCP or CRTO.
✨Understand the Environment
Since the role involves working within Defence environments, it’s crucial to understand the specific challenges and regulations that come with it. Research the company’s previous projects and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their unique needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to think like an attacker. Practice articulating your thought process when it comes to lateral movement, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Penetration Tester, you'll need to produce high-quality reports and communicate findings effectively. Be prepared to discuss how you would present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders during the interview.