AI Offensive Security Engineer - LLM & Penetration Testing

AI Offensive Security Engineer - LLM & Penetration Testing

Temporary 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a leading financial services firm to enhance security using AI and penetration testing.
  • Company: Global financial services organisation with a focus on innovation and security.
  • Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate with experts and develop cutting-edge security solutions.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by merging AI with offensive security in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in application security or penetration testing, with AI experience preferred.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

AI Offensive Security Engineer - LLM & Penetration Testing - BANKING CLIENT - LONDON

Location

London - Hybrid (8 days onsite per month)

Contract

12 months (initial)

Day Rate

Competitive, depending on experience €500 - €800 per day

IR35 Status

Inside IR35 - MUST USE UMBRELLA

The Opportunity

We are looking for a hands-on AI Offensive Security Engineer to join the Offensive Security function of a leading global financial services organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Application Security and Ethical Hacking, helping to develop and operationalise AI-powered security testing capabilities.

The organisation is investing in the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI agents to enhance how security vulnerabilities are identified, assessed and validated across enterprise applications and infrastructure.

You will work alongside experienced Offensive Security specialists, AI engineers and application development teams, using AI-assisted tools to support penetration testing, source-code analysis, vulnerability discovery and security automation.

This is a practical, hands-on engineering role rather than a purely strategic or governance-focused position.

Key Responsibilities

  • AI-Assisted Offensive Security Testing
  • Perform application security assessments, penetration testing and vulnerability analysis using traditional and AI-assisted security tools.
  • Execute Static Application Security Testing (SAST), Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), web and API security assessments.
  • Use LLMs and AI agents to support vulnerability identification, code analysis, test-case generation and security testing automation.
  • Configure AI models, prompts and testing workflows to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of security assessments.
  • Conduct authorised offensive security testing in accordance with established security methodologies and rules of engagement.
  • Vulnerability Analysis & Validation
  • Investigate potential security vulnerabilities identified through automated and AI-assisted testing.
  • Validate findings to distinguish genuine security weaknesses from false positives.
  • Assess exploitability, attack paths, code reachability and potential business impact.
  • Produce clear technical findings, supporting evidence and remediation recommendations.
  • Collaborate with developers and security teams to address vulnerabilities and validate fixes.
  • Security Automation & Engineering
  • Develop and maintain Python scripts and automation tools to support offensive security activities.
  • Improve AI-assisted testing workflows, prompts, configurations and reusable testing scenarios.
  • Support the integration of security testing capabilities into development environments and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Work with cloud, containerised and enterprise application environments.
  • Contribute to the development of repeatable, scalable and secure testing processes.
  • Operationalisation & Continuous Improvement
  • Help transition AI-assisted offensive security capabilities from experimentation into an operational service.
  • Develop technical documentation, testing procedures and reusable security-testing patterns.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness, accuracy and reliability of AI-generated security findings.
  • Collaborate with technical leads, security engineers and external providers to continuously improve testing capabilities.

Essential Skills & Experience

We are particularly interested in candidates who combine strong offensive security fundamentals with practical experience using AI or LLM technologies.

  • Minimum 3 years' experience in Application Security, Penetration Testing, Offensive Security or Security Engineering.
  • Strong hands-on experience with

SAST, DAST, vulnerability assessments and penetration testing .

  • Experience testing web applications, APIs and identifying common application security vulnerabilities.
  • Practical experience using

LLMs, Generative AI or AI agents for security analysis, coding, automation or technical testing.

  • Ability to investigate vulnerabilities, validate exploitability and identify false positives.
  • Good scripting or programming skills, ideally

Python .

  • Knowledge of security testing methodologies and frameworks, including OWASP, CWE, CVE and MITRE ATT&CK.
  • Experience working with source code, Git, security-testing tools and technical documentation.
  • Understanding of secure development practices and enterprise security controls.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical vulnerabilities and remediation options.

Desirable Experience

  • Experience with tools such as Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Semgrep, Checkmarx, Fortify or similar.
  • Exposure to LLM frameworks, AI agents, prompt engineering or AI-powered security automation.
  • Experience developing or integrating automated security-testing workflows.
  • Knowledge of Azure, Docker, Kubernetes and cloud security.
  • Experience integrating security tools into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Familiarity with AI security threats, adversarial testing or MITRE ATLAS.
  • Experience working within banking, financial services or other highly regulated environments.
  • Relevant certifications such as OSCP, OSWE, CREST, CEH or equivalent.

If you have a strong background in Application Security or Penetration Testing and have been exploring how AI can improve security testing, we would be keen to hear from you.

  • *Rates depend on experience and client requirements
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

AI Offensive Security Engineer - LLM & Penetration Testing employer: Xpand Group

Xpand Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the retail sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills through continuous learning opportunities while working on cutting-edge planning solutions for a leading consumer brand. The hybrid work model offers flexibility, allowing employees to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.

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Contact Details:

Xpand Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land AI Offensive Security Engineer - LLM & Penetration Testing

✨Get Engaged in Cybersecurity Communities

Dive into online forums or local meetups, like OWASP events or Cybersecurity conferences. These spaces are packed with pros who can share insights and might even know about temporary roles at places like Xpand Group.

✨Showcase Your Skills Publicly

Link your GitHub or create a series of blogs sharing your knowledge on cybersecurity topics. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and attract attention from hiring managers, especially when they see your passion in action.

✨Stay On Top of Temp Opportunities

Keep an eye on platforms that list temporary positions specifically in tech. Websites focusing on contract roles in cybersecurity can lead straight to employers like Xpand Group.

✨Make Contact with Recruiters Specialising in Cybersecurity

Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on cybersecurity roles. They often have insights into temporary roles before they’re advertised and can put your name forward to companies like Xpand Group.

We think you need these skills to ace AI Offensive Security Engineer - LLM & Penetration Testing

Application Security
Penetration Testing
Offensive Security
Security Engineering
Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
Vulnerability Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:In cybersecurity, it's vital to highlight your skills with relevant tools and technologies. Make sure your CV showcases your experience with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and any cybersecurity frameworks you've worked with. This gives Xpand Group a clear view of your capabilities right off the bat.

Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, flaunt them! These not only validate your skills but also show that you’re committed to the field. Add a section to your CV specifically for this, because in a temporary role like this, those credentials can really set you apart.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:For a temporary position, we want to see your willingness to learn and adapt quickly. Make your cover letter specific to the role at Xpand Group; mention why you’re excited about the opportunity and how it fits your career goals. A personal touch can make a big difference!

Don’t Forget the Soft Skills:In cybersecurity, technical skills are crucial, but so are soft skills like teamwork and communication. Make sure to weave examples of how you've collaborated with teams or communicated complex ideas into your application. This shows that you're not just a tech whizz but also a great team player, perfect for a temporary role at Xpand Group.

How to prepare for a job interview at Xpand Group

✨Brush Up on Technical Skills

Make sure you’re familiar with the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques, like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and malware analysis. During the interview with Xpand Group for the AI Offensive Security Engineer - LLM & Penetration Testing, be prepared to discuss specific scenarios where you tackled security threats or vulnerabilities.

✨Show Your Problem-Solving Prowess

Cybersecurity is all about thinking on your feet. Expect technical questions that require you to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. You might be presented with a mock security breach scenario, so practising your responses to potential threats can be a game changer!

✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability

As this is a temporary role, showing that you're adaptable and quick to learn is crucial. Talk about times you've picked up new skills or reacted to changing situations quickly. Employers want to know you can hit the ground running and keep things secure during your short stay at Xpand Group.

✨Bring Relevant Certifications

If you have any relevant cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CEH, be sure to mention them. This can really help you stand out during a temporary hiring process, as it showcases your commitment to the field and your readiness to take on the AI Offensive Security Engineer - LLM & Penetration Testing role at Xpand Group.