Associate Penetration Tester

Opportunity Overview: Associate Penetration Tester in Manchester

This is an exciting opportunity for aspiring cybersecurity professionals to launch or significantly advance their careers in penetration testing. As an Associate Penetration Tester, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding the digital infrastructure of a leading organization by proactively identifying and helping to remediate security vulnerabilities across systems and applications.

This position offers a dynamic and supportive environment where you'll be an integral part of a dedicated cybersecurity team. You'll gain hands-on experience, collaborate with seasoned professionals, and be exposed to a wide array of offensive security technologies and methodologies. If you possess practical experience in security testing, a demonstrable drive for technical growth, and are eager to tackle increasingly complex challenges within a structured setting, this role is an excellent springboard for your career.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Career Growth & Development: This role is explicitly designed for individuals looking to grow. You will be supported to develop your technical expertise, acting as an advisor within your area and gaining exposure to a broad spectrum of technologies.
• Hands-On Experience: The opportunity provides direct experience in penetration testing of web-based applications, REST-based APIs, and network infrastructure, along with practical report writing skills.
• Structured Environment: You'll work within a structured and supportive framework, allowing for consistent learning and the application of your skills in a meaningful way.
• Impactful Role: Your work will directly contribute to the security posture of the organization, ensuring the safety of critical IT systems, applications, servers, and networks.
• Collaboration and Learning: Work alongside experienced professionals and collaborate with IT teams to identify emerging cyber-attack techniques, contributing to the development of robust testing methodologies.
• Skill Enhancement: The role emphasizes not only technical skills but also critical soft skills such as risk management, strategic thinking, and business acumen.
• Professional Certifications: While not always mandatory, the mention of CREST, OSCP, or SANS certifications indicates a company that values and recognizes professional development in the cybersecurity domain.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: While an Associate role, practical experience in penetration testing of web applications, APIs, or network infrastructure is expected. A solid understanding of OWASP Top 10 risks is a minimum requirement.
• Technical Aptitude: A strong foundation in security testing principles and methodologies is essential. The ability to write clear and concise penetration test reports is also a key skill.
• Desirable Skills: Programming or scripting skills, awareness of secure software development practices, and knowledge of common exploitation techniques are highly valued and can significantly strengthen your application.
• Broader Assessment: Be prepared for an assessment that may cover not only technical capabilities but also crucial business-oriented skills like risk and controls, change management, strategic thinking, and digital transformation awareness.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: The role expects timely execution of tasks to a high standard, with a consistent drive for continuous improvement and adherence to organizational values and mindsets.

This position based in Manchester offers a fantastic platform for individuals passionate about cybersecurity to develop their expertise and make a tangible contribution to organizational security. If you are driven, technically inclined, and eager to learn and grow, this Associate Penetration Tester role presents a compelling career pathway.