At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver penetration tests, identify vulnerabilities, and produce clear reports.
- Company: Renowned cyber security consultancy with a focus on high-end services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, funded certifications, modern tools, and performance-based incentives.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel, client engagement, and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact in cyber security.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 2 years of hands-on penetration testing experience.
Salary: £45,000 - 45,000 per year
Requirements
- A degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Security, or a related discipline
- CHECK Team Member, CREST Registered Tester, or an equivalent recognised certification
- At least 2 years of hands-on experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment
- Solid grounding in network protocols, operating systems, and core security technologies
- Confident use of tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with genuine curiosity about current threats and attack techniques
- Comfortable communicating technical findings clearly to both technical teams and senior stakeholders
- Able to work independently on client sites as well as collaboratively within a wider consulting team
- Confident presenting and delivering training where required
- Beneficial, but not essential: code review experience
- Beneficial, but not essential: exposure to audit frameworks such as ISO 27001, CTAS, or CAS(T)
- Beneficial, but not essential: experience mentoring or informally leading within a technical team
Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver penetration tests across networks, systems, and applications, identifying vulnerabilities and security weaknesses
- Carry out detailed vulnerability assessments, security audits, and risk analysis, producing clear reports with practical remediation guidance
- Work alongside the red team to run realistic attack simulations and evaluate client security controls
- Build and use exploitation tools to demonstrate real-world impact and help clients understand their risk exposure
- Write well-structured, client-ready reports covering findings, risk ratings, and recommended fixes
- Act as a key point of contact for clients by scoping engagements, presenting results, and advising on how to strengthen their security posture
- Keep up to date with emerging threats and testing techniques, and continually refine tools and methodology
- Take on elements of project and client management as part of engagement delivery
Technologies
- Network Security
We are a well-established and highly regarded cyber security consultancy delivering high-end penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and red teaming services to clients across critical sectors including telecoms, finance, defence, rail, and aerospace. Our team has a strong track record of working on complex, high-stakes engagements ranging from national infrastructure projects to global enterprise clients. This role is based out of our Bristol office with regular travel to client sites. You will join a collaborative technical team with real investment in development, including funded certifications, access to modern tooling, and the chance to contribute to wider security research initiatives. Performance-based incentives sit on top of a competitive base salary.
Penetration Tester - Bristol employer: Oscar Associates Limited
Oscar Associates Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on meaningful projects within the UK government and public sectors, employees benefit from competitive salaries, fully covered travel expenses, and the flexibility of remote work, making it an ideal environment for skilled professionals looking to make a significant impact in cybersecurity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Penetration Tester - Bristol
✨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 Oscar Associates Limited, 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 Oscar Associates Limited
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Oscar Associates Limited. 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 Penetration Tester - Bristol
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 Oscar Associates Limited 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 Oscar Associates Limited that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oscar Associates Limited
✨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 Oscar Associates Limited 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 Oscar Associates Limited.
✨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.
