Strong fit for experienced penetration testers who execute complex external engagements and communicate findings effectively.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from A-LIGN External via Greenhouse
About the Role
The Penetration Tester works to execute offensive security activities for Pathfynder by A-LIGN. In this role, you will be responsible for the delivery of external network, web application, and API penetration testing engagements. As the Penetration Tester, you will provide exceptional technical and client-focused testing strategies to help support the continued growth of our fast-paced company. A-LIGN will depend on you as the Penetration Tester to independently identify and validate real-world security risks, manually exploit vulnerabilities, document findings, and communicate practical remediation guidance to clients.
Reports to
Director, Web Application & External Offensive Operations
Pay Classification
Full-Time, Exempt
Responsibilities
Execute external network, web application, and API penetration testing engagements
Identify, validate, and manually exploit vulnerabilities using public exploits, custom-developed exploits, or a combination of techniques
Evaluate findings in context, develop realistic attack paths, and accurately assess business and technical risk
Deliver clear, accurate, client-ready reports that explain findings, risk ratings, evidence, and actionable remediation guidance
Communicate technical issues, testing results, and remediation recommendations to client stakeholders
Maintain project quality and timelines while executing assigned engagements with minimal oversight
Collaborate with the offensive security team to evaluate tools, improve delivery methods, and share technical knowledge
Mentor junior testers and contribute to the development of team capabilities and repeatable testing practices
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION
Degree in in cybersecurity, computer science, a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
EXPERIENCE
5+ years of hands-on offensive security experience, including at least 3 years focused on external network, web application, or API penetration testing
Experience performing web application penetration testing using black-box, grey-box, and white-box approaches
Experience testing APIs, including REST, GraphQL, SOAP, or gRPC
Proven ability to manage engagements from scoping and execution through reporting and client debriefs.
Working knowledge of OWASP WSTG, OWASP ASVS, OWASP API Security Top 10, and PTES
Consulting or client-facing security delivery experience is preferred
Mobile application penetration testing experience across iOS or Android is preferred
White-box or source-code-assisted testing experience is preferred
CERTIFICATIONS
Required at least one of the following: OSCP/OSCP+, OSWA, eWPT, HTB CWES, TCM PWPP, GWAPT, GPEN, or CREST CRT
Preferred: OSWE, HTB CWEE, BSCP, eWPTX, CREST CCT APP, TCM PWPE, OSEP, or GXPN
Published CVEs, conference presentations, or meaningful contributions to open-source security tooling may be considered in place of certifications
SKILLS
Advanced manual testing skills, including the ability to chain lower-severity findings into high-impact attack paths
Advanced web exploitation knowledge, including access control and authorisation flaws, OAuth, SAML and JWT abuse, SSRF, deserialisation, request smuggling, race conditions, and business logic abuse
Knowledge of external attack surfaces, including OSINT, asset discovery, edge-device exploitation, and SSO or MFA attack techniques
Proficiency with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, JavaScript, PowerShell, or Go, including the ability to build custom tooling and exploits
Proficiency with offensive security and assessment tools such as Burp Suite, Caido, Nmap, Nuclei, SQLmap, ffuf, Postman, and Nessus
Familiarity with common application frameworks, including Laravel, Express.js, ASP.NET Core, Spring, and Django
Ability to write clear, concise, client-ready reports with accurate risk ratings and actionable remediation guidance
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical risks to technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, remote environment while meeting deadlines.
Experience assessing AI or LLM-integrated applications for prompt injection, jailbreaks, data leakage, and agent or tool abuse is preferred
Familiarity with the OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications and cloud attack surfaces across AWS, Azure, or GCP is preferred
Benefits
Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits
Employer Paid Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
EAP - Employee Assistance Program
Pet Insurance
401(k) Plan with Employer Matching
Competitive Bonus Structure
Technology Allowance
Certification Reimbursement
Personalized Career Coaching
Generous Paid Time Off
Paid Office Closure December 25-January 1
Vacation Bonus
Summer Hours
About Pathfynder by A-LIGN
Pathfynder by A-LIGN is a technology-enabled cybersecurity company providing offensive and defensive cybersecurity services under A-LIGN, a security and compliance partner trusted by more than 2,400 global organisations to help mitigate cybersecurity risks. We work with organisations ranging from small businesses to global enterprises, with services spanning SOC, Penetration Testing, PCI DSS, HITRUST, ISO, and privacy compliance. Our proprietary compliance management platform is transforming the compliance experience by enabling an anytime, anywhere approach to audits. To learn more, visit A-LIGN.com.
Come Work for A-LIGN!
Apply online today at A-LIGN.com and learn about life at A-LIGN by following us on LinkedIn.
A-LIGN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, women, disabled individuals, and veterans are encouraged to apply.