At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct penetration tests on web apps, APIs, and infrastructure while leading client engagements.
- Company: Join a leading UK offensive security consultancy with a dynamic team of 70 testers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work, travel expenses, and overnight bonuses.
- Other info: Flexible roles available with excellent career growth and clearance sponsorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while working on diverse and exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in penetration testing and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Fully Remote, UK (with client site visits as required)
Salary: £55,000 - £90,000 DOE + expenses + overnight bonus for site work
Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Summary: We are looking for experienced Penetration Testers to join one of the UK's larger dedicated offensive security practices. With a team of around 70 testers split across CHECK and CREST work, this is a well-established consultancy delivering high-quality assessments across a broad client base, with genuine variety in engagement type, sector, and technical depth. The team is structured across two streams, more commercially-driven engagements through CREST, and deeper, security-led work through CHECK, so there's a clear path whichever direction you want to lean. Multiple roles are available across mid and senior levels, and the company is flexible on starting clearance level.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver web application, API, and infrastructure penetration tests, taking ownership of engagements end-to-end from scoping through to final report delivery.
- Lead client-facing engagements, communicating high-risk findings as they are identified to support swift remediation.
- Produce clear, professional reports tailored to client-specific context and business risk.
- Support broader offensive security activities including red and purple team engagements, phishing simulations, and assumed-breach style assessments where relevant.
- Contribute to internal QA, mentor more junior consultants, and support report quality across the team.
- Stay up to date with the evolving threat landscape and contribute to internal R&D, tooling, and knowledge sharing.
Requirements:
- CHECK Team Member (CTM), CHECK Team Leader (CTL), CREST Registered Tester (CRT), or CREST Certified Tester (CCT) qualified, or actively progressing along either pathway at a senior level.
- Hands-on experience delivering web application, API, and/or infrastructure penetration tests in a professional consultancy setting.
- Strong understanding of common vulnerability classes (e.g. OWASP Top 10), exploitation techniques, and remediation guidance.
- Confident client-facing communication skills, with the ability to explain technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong written reporting skills, with the ability to produce clear, well-structured deliverables.
- A genuine passion for offensive security, demonstrated through CTFs, labs (e.g. Hack The Box, TryHackMe), research, certifications, or community involvement.
Clearance: Clearance requirements vary by role, some do not require any clearance, others are looking for SC or DV. The company will put successful candidates through the relevant clearance process where required, so existing clearance is welcomed but not essential across the board.
Benefits:
- Salary: £55,000 - £90,000, depending on experience, certifications and clearance level
- Fully remote working
- Overnight bonus for client site visits
- Travel and expenses covered for client work
- Clearance sponsorship (SC / DV) where required for the role
- Company pension scheme
Locations
Penetration Tester (CHECK / CREST) in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Oscar Associates (UK) Limited
Contact Detail:
Oscar Associates (UK) Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Penetration Tester (CHECK / CREST) in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow penetration testers and industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects, CTFs, 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 your client-facing communication skills. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. We want to see how you can engage with clients and make them feel at ease while discussing their security needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Penetration Tester (CHECK / CREST) in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Penetration Tester role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in web application and API testing, and don’t forget to mention any certifications like CHECK or CREST that you have.
Show Off Your Skills: In your written application, showcase your strong understanding of vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about offensive security and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it professional but let your personality come 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 during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oscar Associates (UK) Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially around web application, API, and infrastructure penetration testing. Be ready to discuss common vulnerabilities like the OWASP Top 10 and demonstrate your understanding of exploitation techniques.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves client-facing engagements, practice explaining complex technical findings in a way that non-technical folks can understand. Think about how you would communicate high-risk issues to clients and prepare some examples.
✨Tailor Your Reports
Prepare to discuss how you produce clear and professional reports. Bring examples of your previous work if possible, and be ready to explain how you tailor your reports to fit the client's specific context and business risk.
✨Stay Current with Trends
The threat landscape is always changing, so show your passion for offensive security by discussing recent trends or tools you've been exploring. Mention any CTFs or labs you've participated in, as this demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning.