Lead Penetration Tester

Recruiter
InnovIT Staffing
Location
Bristol, England
Salary
£75,000 - £85,000/annum up to £85k
Posted
16 Dec 2025
Closes
15 Jan 2026
Ref
LPT34353
Industry
Engineering
Hours
Full time
Contract
Contract

We are partnering with a global Software, Systems & Engineering organisation within the Defence sector to appoint an experienced Lead Penetration Tester. You will join a specialist security testing team delivering both CHECK and non-CHECK engagements for a range of high-profile customers.

This role will see you operating in a leadership capacity, acting as an Infrastructure CHECK Team Leader, while remaining hands-on across a varied and technically challenging workload.

Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 per annum + benefits
Location: Malvern or Bristol (Hybrid – 4 days onsite, 1 day WFH)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Length: 12 months
Security Clearance: Sole UK nationals only; must be eligible for SC clearance (dual nationals cannot be considered)

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver CHECK and non-CHECK penetration testing across customer environments

  • Travel to client sites to conduct security testing engagements

  • Research and develop new attack techniques to enhance the organisation’s testing capability

  • Lead, mentor, and develop junior team members, promoting collaboration and integrity

  • Identify vulnerabilities, propose mitigations, and produce high-quality customer reports, including formal sign-off

  • Support scoping, estimating, and bidding activities for customer engagements as required

Essential Experience

  • Proven ability to document, review, and formally sign off penetration testing reports

  • Strong technical knowledge of Active Directory, infrastructure, cloud security, and common operating systems

  • Previous experience delivering security testing services as a qualified CREST or Cyber Scheme tester

  • Current NCSC CHECK Team Leader (Infrastructure) status (CCT-INF or CSTL-INF)

  • Solid understanding of relevant laws and legal frameworks governing security testing

Essential Qualifications

  • CCT-INF or CSTL-INF

Benefits

  • Matched pension contribution scheme with life assurance

  • Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional leave

  • Optional Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance

  • Employee discount portal covering personal accident insurance, travel insurance, restaurants, cinema tickets, and more

  • Proud supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant, holding Gold Award status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

  • Volunteering opportunities supporting local communities and charitable initiatives

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