Penetration Tester Job Description Template

Create a great Penetration Tester job post with our ready-to-use template. Perfect for job boards and easy to customize for your needs.
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Responsibilities & Skills

If you’re hiring a specific type of engineering roles, you can use this template as a foundation and customize  it to highlight the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications relevant to that role.

Penetration Tester Job Description Template

Penetration Tester Job Description Template

Use this template to craft job descriptions for hiring Penetration Testers. Tailor it to match the unique goals and needs of your organization.

Job Title: Penetration Tester
Location: [Specify Location or Remote]
Job Type: [Full-time/Part-time/Contract]

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled and detail-oriented Penetration Tester to assess, identify, and mitigate security vulnerabilities in applications, networks, and systems. You will play a critical role in safeguarding our digital assets and ensuring the highest level of security for our organization.

If you’re passionate about ethical hacking, solving complex security challenges, and proactively protecting systems from cyber threats, we’d love to hear from you!

Responsibilities

  • Conduct thorough penetration tests on web applications, networks, APIs, and other systems to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Simulate real-world attacks to assess the effectiveness of security controls and protections.
  • Evaluate security weaknesses and provide actionable recommendations to mitigate risks and enhance defenses.
  • Perform vulnerability assessments and stay up-to-date with the latest attack methodologies, tools, and techniques.
  • Collaborate with development, operations, and security teams to improve the overall security posture.
  • Create detailed reports on findings, including risk assessments and remediation strategies for stakeholders.
  • Assist in developing and refining incident response plans and procedures.
  • Test internal and external systems for potential security loopholes, backdoor exploits, and misconfigurations.
  • Ensure compliance with industry security standards, guidelines, and local regulations.
  • Mentor junior team members and assist in training staff on security awareness.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Proven experience performing penetration tests and vulnerability assessments.
  • Strong knowledge of common security tools such as Burp Suite, Metasploit, Wireshark, Nessus, or Nmap.
  • Familiarity with ethical hacking techniques and frameworks, including OWASP, NIST, and MITRE ATT&CK.
  • Proficiency in programming or scripting languages like Python, Java, Bash, or PowerShell.
  • Understanding of network security, firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
  • Expertise in manual testing techniques as well as automated tools.
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail in identifying potential threats.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical risks to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice-to-Have Skills

  • Relevant certifications such as OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or CRT (CREST Registered Tester).
  • Hands-on experience with cloud platforms security (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
  • Familiarity with reverse engineering, exploit development, or malware analysis.
  • Background in securing containerized environments and microservices.
  • Knowledge of secure development practices and DevSecOps methodologies.
  • Experience with social engineering attacks to assess human-related vulnerabilities.
  • Awareness of emerging cybersecurity threats and zero-day vulnerabilities.

Why Join Us?

  • Challenging Work: Protect critical systems and infrastructure while keeping up with the latest security threats.
  • Collaborative Culture: Work with a highly skilled team in an environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged.
  • Ongoing Development: Benefit from training, certifications, and a chance to grow your career in cybersecurity.
  • Flexible Work Options: Enjoy remote or hybrid work setups, designed to help you succeed professionally and personally.
  • Inclusive Environment: Be part of a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard and celebrated.

Apply Now

Are you ready to defend systems and make an impact as a Penetration Tester? Join [Your Company Name] today to help us stay ahead of evolving security threats. Apply now!

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this Penetration Tester Job Description Template?

This template provides a standardized format for creating professional job descriptions that effectively communicate role requirements, responsibilities, and company information to potential candidates. It helps ensure consistency across your organization’s hiring materials while saving time in the recruitment process.

Replace all placeholder text with information specific to your open position. Pay special attention to sections like requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications to ensure they accurately reflect the needs of the role.

This job description template helps in recruitment by clearly defining the role and expectations, attracting qualified candidates, and streamlining the selection process. It serves as a reference during interviews and evaluations.

  • Include relevant keywords and industry-standard job titles
  • Use common terminology for skills and qualifications
  • Structure your content with clear headings
  • Avoid excessive formatting that might not translate across platforms
  • Ensure mobile-friendly content (concise paragraphs, scannable bullets)

Essential sections include:

  • Job title
  • Company overview
  • Position summary
  • Key responsibilities
  • Required qualifications/skills
  • Preferred qualifications
  • Compensation and benefits information
  • Equal opportunity statement

Strong Introduction:

  • Highlight technical challenges and impact
  • Mention key technologies and team culture

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Use concrete examples instead of vague statements
  • Clarify collaboration expectations and decision authority

Clear Requirements:

  • Separate must-have from nice-to-have skills
  • Include both technical and professional qualifications

Showcase Culture:

  • Describe engineering practices (code reviews, pair programming)
  • Highlight growth opportunities and unique developer benefits
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