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Security Vulnerability and Penetration Testing Engineer

Baker McKenzie Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

onsitefull-time
Posted Sep 23, 2026Apply by Oct 23, 2026
  • Role & seniority

    • Security Vulnerability & Penetration Testing (VAPT) Engineer (specialist; reports to Manager, Vulnerability & Penetration Testing)
  • Stack/tools

    • Automated VAPT: Nessus, IBM AppScan, Burp Suite, Nipper, Trustwave

    • Attack/research tools: Wireshark, Kali, Metasploit (and related frameworks)

    • App/mobile security: mobile vulnerability identification & exploitation tooling (unspecified)

    • Reference/security standards: OWASP, CVE, security controls

    • Offensive/security certifications: OSCP (required); CISSP (required); GPEN/GAIPT/GWAPT (preferred)

    • API testing: desirable

    • AI usage: AI-enhanced penetration testing/risk assessment for AI-enabled apps/agents (as experience)

  • Top 3 responsibilities

    • Lead penetration testing across firm systems, platforms, and applications

    • Own/manage VAPT tools, platforms, and processes as SME

    • Produce technical, audience-appropriate reports with actionable risk-based recommendations

  • Must-have skills

    • Deep VAPT expertise (incl. ethical hacking/WhiteHat requirements)

    • Clear understanding of vulnerability assessment vs penetration testing (scope/objectives/deliverables)

    • Ability to validate/confirm vulnerabilities accurately

    • Strong manual assessment capability (e.g., proxies/browser plugins) and understanding of common application/platform technologies

    • Command of OWASP/CVE/exploits and security controls

    • Strong written/oral communication; ability to explain to no

Full Description

The Security Vulnerability and Penetration Testing (VAPT) Engineer oversees and serves as technical resource for all assessment activity related to the security posture of existing and proposed firm systems, platforms, and processes to protect and continually improve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems in accordance with the firm's business objectives, regulatory requirements, and strategic goals.

Main responsibilities

As the VAPT Engineer, you will lead security penetration testing activities across the firm's systems, platforms, and applications. Acting as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the VAPT function, you will own and manage core VAPT tools, platforms, and processes. You will deliver clear, audience-appropriate technical assessment reports and provide practical, actionable recommendations based on sound cybersecurity and risk management principles.

Skills and experience

Commanding knowledge of VAPT concepts and best practices, including the requirements for WhiteHat/ethical hacking. Expert understanding of the difference between a vulnerability assessment and a penetration test in the context of assessment scope, objectives, and deliverables. Extensive experience with common automated VAPT tools such as Nessus, Appscan, Burp Suite, Nipper, and Trustwave. Expertise with common attack tools and frameworks such as Wireshark, Kali, and Metasploit, etc. Expertise with mobile platform security technology, including vulnerability identification and exploitation tools as well as mobile platform security best practices, frameworks, etc. Ability to validate the presence of identified vulnerabilities with accuracy. Mastery of common application platforms and technologies in order to effectively understand and evaluate complex application assessments via the use of manual techniques and simple tools such as proxies and browser plugins. Authoritative mastery of OWASP, CVE, general security controls, and other foundational topics such as the latest application and operating system exploits. Expert knowledge of common scripting and programming languages is advantageous. Experience of in API testing methodologies highly desirable. Demonstratable experience of using AI to enhance the penetration testing and risk assessment of AI-enabled applications and agents Ongoing commitment to understanding the threat landscape and common adversary motivations/practices. Ability to quickly adapt practices to evolving circumstances. Ability to maintain critical thinking and composure under pressure. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to convey complex concepts to non-technical constituents. Proficiency in oral and written English. Capable of providing assistance with the preparation of internal training materials and documentation. Ability to be productive and maintain focus without direct supervision. Understands VAPT in the context of risk management and organizational priorities. Passionate in the practice and pursuit of VAPT excellence.

Qualifications

Possess a Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree or substantial equivalent experience CISSP required GIAC GPEN, GAIPT or GWAPT preferred Offensive Security OSCP required

Reports to: Manager, Vulnerability & Penetration testing team

Position Type: In Market & Centre Services

Development Framework: Specialist

Penetration TestingVulnerability AssessmentEthical HackingVulnerability ValidationApplication Security TestingMobile Platform SecurityAPI TestingRisk AssessmentOWASPNessusBurp SuiteMetasploitKali LinuxWiresharkSecurity ReportingCybersecurity Communication

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