At a Glance
- Tasks: Uncover vulnerabilities and strengthen digital defences as a Penetration Tester.
- Company: Join Ultima, a leading tech provider transforming technology into meaningful outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, life assurance, and a Cycle to Work scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values commitment, collaboration, and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while growing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in penetration testing and relevant qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious cybersecurity professional with a passion for uncovering vulnerabilities and strengthening digital defences? Join Ultima’s Security Testing Practice as a Penetration Tester and play a key role in protecting our clients’ critical systems. Working alongside experienced consultants, you’ll deliver high-quality penetration testing engagements, contribute to continuous improvement, and grow your expertise in a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment.
What you’ll be doing
- Maintain your penetration testing qualifications and continue developing your technical expertise in line with business and client needs.
- Support the delivery of IT Health Checks and penetration tests, identifying vulnerabilities and providing clear, actionable recommendations to clients.
- Work closely with senior consultants, sharing insights and best practices while contributing to a strong culture of learning within the Security Testing Practice.
- Expand your skill set to deliver a range of security testing services that support evolving business and client requirements.
You’ll also:
- Be passionate about the full security lifecycle
- Engage confidently with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and a solution-focused mindset
- Translate complex technical findings into clear, accessible reports
What we’re looking for
- Hands-on experience in penetration testing or IT Health Check delivery
- A current penetration testing qualification such as: CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA), CREST Registered Tester (CRT), Cyber Scheme Team Member (CSTM)
- 2+ years’ penetration testing experience (or equivalent practical experience)
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearances
- Familiarity with common tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, etc.
- Understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, OSI model) and common web application vulnerabilities
Our values
At Ultima, you will live and breathe our values of Commitment, Collaboration, Inclusion, Innovation, and Inspiration.
Benefits
We offer competitive pay alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 25 days’ holiday (rising to 27) plus bank holidays
- 2 volunteering days and 1 personal day
- Life assurance
- Enhanced parental leave
- Cycle to Work scheme
- And more
About Ultima
Transforming technology into meaningful outcomes. Ultima is a leading technology and managed services provider, helping organisations realise the full value of their IT investments. With deep expertise across security, cloud, data, and digital workplace solutions, we partner with customers to deliver secure, innovative, and impactful outcomes.
Ultima is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Information Technology
Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting
Penetration Tester in Reading employer: Ultima
Trustmarque Ultima is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in security architecture, particularly within the vibrant tech landscape. With a commitment to employee growth, a diverse working environment, and flexible benefits, we empower our team to thrive while designing secure and compliant solutions for our clients. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also fosters innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Penetration Tester in Reading
✨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 Ultima, 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 Ultima
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Ultima. 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 in Reading
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 Ultima 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 Ultima that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ultima
✨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 Ultima 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 Ultima.
✨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.
