Penetration Tester

Penetration Tester

Derby Entry level 24000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) Home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct penetration tests and support red-team engagements while producing detailed technical reports.
  • Company: Specialist cyber security consultancy known for high-impact testing and advanced security assessments.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship, funded training, and clear progression routes.
  • Why this job: Accelerate your career in cyber security with hands-on experience and innovative projects.
  • Qualifications: First-Class Honours in Computer Science and strong understanding of offensive security principles.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with exposure to diverse client environments and continuous learning opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 48000 £ per year.

Opus is partnered with a specialist cyber security consultancy renowned for delivering high-impact penetration testing, red-team engagements, and advanced security assessments to clients across finance, government, defence, and enterprise sectors. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Junior–Mid Level Penetration Tester with exceptional academic credentials and a strong technical foundation.

This role is ideal for someone who has already gained hands-on experience in offensive security—either commercially or through structured labs, CTFs, or research—and is ready to accelerate their career within a consultancy that invests heavily in technical development.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct penetration tests across web applications, APIs, mobile applications, cloud environments, and internal/external infrastructure.
  • Support red-team and adversary simulation engagements under senior guidance.
  • Produce clear, detailed, and actionable technical reports for clients.
  • Present findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Contribute to internal research, tooling, and methodology development.
  • Stay current with emerging vulnerabilities, exploitation techniques, and security trends.
  • Work collaboratively with senior testers and consultants to deliver high-quality engagements.
Essential Skills & Experience
  • Minimum Academic Requirement - First-Class Honours in Computer Science - This requirement is non-negotiable due to the technical depth and analytical rigour expected by the consultancy.
  • Strong understanding of offensive security principles, vulnerabilities, and exploitation techniques.
  • Experience with common tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, Metasploit, Kali Linux, and associated frameworks.
  • Knowledge of web technologies (HTTP, REST, authentication flows, common web vulnerabilities).
  • Familiarity with OWASP Top 10, MITRE ATT&CK, and secure coding concepts.
  • Ability to analyse and break down complex technical systems.
  • Strong written communication skills, particularly in producing structured technical reports.
  • Demonstrable passion for cyber security—e.g., CTFs, Hack The Box, TryHackMe, personal research, GitHub projects.
Desirable
  • Industry certifications (e.g., OSCP, OSWE, CRT, eJPT, eCPPT).
  • Exposure to cloud security testing (Azure, AWS, GCP).
  • Scripting or programming experience (Python, Bash, PowerShell, JavaScript, etc.).
  • Experience in mobile application testing (iOS/Android).
  • Understanding of Active Directory attack paths and privilege escalation.
What the Consultancy Offers
  • Mentorship from highly experienced penetration testers and red-team operators.
  • Funded training, certifications, and structured development pathways.
  • Exposure to diverse, challenging client environments.
  • A collaborative, research-driven culture that encourages innovation.
  • Clear progression routes from junior to senior consultant.

Penetration Tester employer: Opus Recruitment Solutions

Opus is an exceptional employer for aspiring Penetration Testers, offering a dynamic remote work environment that fosters professional growth and technical development. With a strong emphasis on mentorship from seasoned experts, funded training opportunities, and a collaborative culture, employees are encouraged to innovate and excel in their careers while tackling diverse challenges across various sectors. This consultancy not only values academic excellence but also invests in the future of its team members, making it an ideal place for those passionate about cyber security.
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Contact Detail:

Opus Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Penetration Tester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the cyber security field on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects, CTF achievements, or any relevant research. 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 brushing up on common technical questions and scenarios. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key when presenting findings to both techies and non-techies alike.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to dive into the world of penetration testing. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!

We think you need these skills to ace Penetration Tester

Penetration Testing
Offensive Security Principles
Vulnerability Assessment
Exploitation Techniques
Burp Suite
Nmap
Metasploit
Kali Linux
Web Technologies (HTTP, REST)
OWASP Top 10
MITRE ATT&CK
Technical Report Writing
Cloud Security Testing (Azure, AWS, GCP)
Scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell, JavaScript)
Mobile Application Testing (iOS/Android)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your technical skills and any hands-on experience you've got in offensive security. Whether it's through CTFs, labs, or personal projects, we want to see what you've done!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor them to the role by mentioning specific tools and techniques you’re familiar with, like Burp Suite or OWASP Top 10. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience to our needs.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate structured and well-organised reports, so make sure your application reflects that. Keep it professional but let your personality shine through!

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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Opus Recruitment Solutions

✨Know Your Tools Inside Out

Make sure you’re familiar with the common tools mentioned in the job description, like Burp Suite and Metasploit. Practise using them in real scenarios or labs so you can confidently discuss your experience during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Passion

Bring up any personal projects, CTFs, or research you’ve done in cyber security. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also demonstrates your commitment to staying current with industry trends and techniques.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to be asked about offensive security principles and vulnerabilities. Brush up on the OWASP Top 10 and MITRE ATT&CK frameworks, and be ready to explain how you would approach a penetration test on different platforms.

✨Practice Your Reporting Skills

Since producing clear technical reports is part of the role, practise summarising complex findings in a straightforward manner. You might even want to prepare a mock report to showcase your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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