At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead penetration testing engagements and deliver impactful security assessments for diverse clients.
- Company: Established cyber security and AI consultancy with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, study time for certifications, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a supportive environment for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and advance into specialist roles in AI security and red teaming.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years of penetration testing experience and relevant security accreditations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are working with a well-established cyber security and AI consultancy that is looking for a mid-level Security Testing Consultant to join their growing testing practice in London. This is a great opportunity to work within an accredited testing team, delivering hands-on technical engagements for a varied client base. The consultancy has a clear, structured route into specialist service lines including AI security, assumed breach exercises and red teaming over the next 2 years - making this a strong move for someone who wants more than a standard testing role.
Location: London (3 days onsite)
Salary: £55,000-60,000 + competitive package
What You'll be Doing:
- Owning the full delivery of penetration testing engagements, from scoping through to testing, reporting and client debriefs
- Testing across web applications, infrastructure, cloud platforms and APIs, with mobile and wireless work as project mix demands
- Producing clear, well-written reports and presenting findings confidently to both technical and executive audiences
- Providing remediation guidance and follow-up support once engagements are complete
- Contributing to the ongoing development of the team's testing methodology and tooling
- Supporting and mentoring junior members of the testing team
- Staying current with offensive security research, techniques and emerging threats
Key Skills and Experience Needed:
- Around 3-5 years' hands-on penetration testing experience
- Strong web application testing skills aligned to OWASP WSTG, with solid Burp Suite experience
- Confident infrastructure and network testing background, including Active Directory
- Cloud security testing experience in at least one of AWS, Azure or GCP
- API testing experience - REST essential, GraphQL desirable
- Confident use of core offensive tooling: Kali, Burp Suite, Nmap, a vulnerability scanner (Nessus, Qualys or similar), and Metasploit
- Good understanding of common application, network and cloud security controls, and how they can fail
- At least one current accreditation such as CREST CPSA/CRT, OSCP or OSWE (or equivalent)
- Strong written English and the ability to produce clear, structured reports
Desirable Skills:
- Familiarity with mobile testing concepts (OWASP MASTG) and/or wireless testing
- Containerisation (Docker/Kubernetes) or CI/CD security knowledge
- Red team or social engineering exposure
- Any hands-on AI/LLM security testing experience
Why This Role?
This isn't a "testing treadmill" position. There's a clearly mapped progression path that moves successful consultants from core testing work into higher-value, more specialist services - including AI security assessments, assumed breach exercises and red team operations. Study time and funded certifications (potentially including OSCP, OSWE, OSEP, CRTO, CCT and emerging AI security accreditations) are built into the personal development plan, alongside conference attendance.
If this sounds right for you, apply now for immediate consideration!
CREST Penetration Tester in Slough employer: Oscar
Join a leading cyber security and AI consultancy in London, where you will be part of an accredited testing team that values hands-on experience and professional growth. With a clear progression path into specialist areas like AI security and red teaming, along with funded certifications and a supportive work culture, this role offers a unique opportunity to advance your career while making a meaningful impact in the field of security testing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CREST Penetration Tester in Slough
✨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, 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
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Oscar. 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 CREST Penetration Tester in Slough
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 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 that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oscar
✨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 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.
✨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.
