At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct hands-on penetration tests on web applications, APIs, and systems for a global law firm.
- Company: Join a leading global law firm investing heavily in cyber security and AI.
- Benefits: Earn £70,000 - £110,000 with private medical insurance, pension matching, and generous leave.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working in Belfast with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the security of innovative AI-enabled applications.
- Qualifications: Hands-on penetration testing experience and strong knowledge of OWASP and API testing.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 110000 £ per year.
A hands-on penetration testing role delivering web application, API and systems assessments for a global law firm, based in Belfast with 2/3 days a week on site, paying £70,000 - £110,000.
About the Company
Our client is a global law firm making a major investment in cyber security and AI.
They are creating three new Penetration Tester roles to increase testing capacity, clear existing backlogs and help secure the firm’s applications, platforms, systems and new AI-enabled solutions.
The Role
You will join the in-house penetration testing team and deliver assessments independently, with much of your time spent on manual testing of live web applications and APIs.
This is a hands‑on technical role where your testing ability matters far more than polish.
As the firm’s AI adoption grows, you will also help assess the security of AI-enabled applications and agents.
Offensive, hands‑on experience from any sector is welcome, whether that is consultancy, financial services, tech, government, defence or elsewhere.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver hands‑on penetration tests across the firm’s applications, platforms and systems, working independently.
- Carry out manual web application testing against live applications using OWASP‑based methodologies.
- Test APIs, including REST and Graph QL services and their authentication and authorisation controls.
- Identify, validate and exploit vulnerabilities, accurately confirming which findings are real.
- Write clear reports with practical, actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Contribute to application architecture reviews.
- Help assess the security of AI-enabled applications and agents as the firm’s use of AI grows.
- Work with the team to clear the existing testing backlog and increase testing capacity.
- What You’ll Need
- Hands‑on penetration testing, including significant manual web application testing, is essential, and the single most important thing we are looking for.
- Strong hands‑on use of Burp Suite and Kali Linux is essential.
- Solid knowledge of the OWASP Top 10, CVEs and exploitation techniques is essential.
- A clear understanding of how a vulnerability assessment differs from a penetration test is essential.
- The ability to write clear reports and explain technical findings to non-technical colleagues is essential.
- API testing experience across REST, Graph QL, authentication and authorisation is highly advantageous.
- Experience of application architecture reviews is highly advantageous.
- Experience testing AI-enabled applications or agents, or using AI to support your testing, is a strong advantage.
- OSCP is a strong advantage, though practical testing experience counts for more than certifications alone.
- Experience with Nessus, App Scan, Nipper, Metasploit or Wireshark is desirable.
- CISSP, GPEN, GWAPT, GAIPT, CEH or other GIAC certifications are desirable.
Why Apply?
- Join one of three new roles created as part of a major investment in cyber security and AI.
- Focus on hands‑on technical testing, where your ability is valued above polish.
- Work on the security of AI-enabled applications and agents, an area few testing roles offer.
- Hybrid working in Belfast, 2 days a week on site, with all formal interview stages available virtually.
- A salary of £70,000 to £110,000, plus private medical insurance, pension matching up to 8% and life assurance at 4x salary.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 28 days.
- A clear two‑stage process, including time with the Chief Security Officer.
- Note For Applicants
All candidates must be currently residing in NI and have full UK Right to Work. Visa Sponsorship for this role is not provided.
Senior Penetration Tester employer: Ocho
Join a forward-thinking UK technology company that is at the forefront of AI innovation, where you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive and fast-paced environment. With a strong emphasis on mentorship from senior engineers, flexible working patterns, and the chance to own your projects early on, this role offers a unique pathway for professional growth in AI engineering. The company's commitment to an AI-first culture ensures that you will be working with cutting-edge tools and technologies, making a real impact in complex customer environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Penetration Tester
✨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 Ocho, 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 Ocho
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Ocho. 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
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 Ocho 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 Ocho that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocho
✨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 Ocho 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 Ocho.
✨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.
