Lead Penetration Test Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
We are seeking a Lead Penetration Test Engineer with extensive experience in penetration testing and offensive security. The ideal candidate will conduct penetration tests, re-testing, vulnerability scanning, and threat assessments across diverse environments. This role requires strong offensive security skills combined with cloud and application security expertise to identify vulnerabilities and develop effective mitigation strategies.
A successful candidate will excel in the following areas:
Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Assessments
- Conduct comprehensive penetration testing of web applications, infrastructure, and cloud environments using both manual and automated techniques.
- Develop custom scripts, tools, and methodologies to enhance penetration testing capabilities and automate security testing within CI/CD pipelines.
- Apply cloud-specific offensive techniques, including IAM abuse, container and serverless exploitation, and cloud misconfiguration testing.
Vulnerability Management & Remediation
- Collaborate with engineering and development teams to analyze vulnerabilities, develop remediation plans, and strengthen application security across development and production lifecycles.
- Perform detailed security assessments using DAST, SAST, and SCA tools to ensure continuous validation and improvement of security controls.
Attack Simulations & Research
- Lead and participate in attack simulations and tabletop exercises to validate security controls and improve organizational response capabilities.
- Research emerging threats, attack vectors, and adversarial techniques to inform offensive and defensive strategies.
- Partner with internal teams to design and execute threat assessments based on intelligence feeds and threat actor analysis.
Security Communication & Reporting
- Communicate and present penetration testing and security assessment findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Provide actionable remediation guidance and risk mitigation strategies to strengthen the organization's overall security posture., At S&P Global, we are committed to fostering a connected and engaged workplace where all individuals have access to opportunities based on their skills, experience, and contributions. Our hiring practices emphasize fairness, transparency, and merit, ensuring that we attract and retain top talent. By valuing different perspectives and promoting a culture of respect and collaboration, we drive innovation and power global markets.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 8 years of experience in information security with a strong focus on penetration testing, application security, and vulnerability management.
- Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools (e.g., Burp Suite, Nessus, Metasploit, Nmap) and methodologies (e.g., OWASP Top 10, MITRE ATT&CK, PTES).
- Expertise in identifying and exploiting common infrastructure and web application vulnerabilities (e.g., XSS, SQL Injection, IDOR).
- Familiarity with vulnerability classification and scoring frameworks (CVE, CVSS, CWE).
- Strong scripting or programming skills (e.g., Bash, Python, Go, PowerShell, JavaScript).
- Experience performing security assessments (DAST, SAST, SCA, credential scanning) and integrating security testing into CI/CD pipelines.
- Ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable reports and confidently brief cross-functional teams and executives.
- At least one recognized offensive security certification (OSCP, OSCE3, OSEP, GXPN, GPEN, or CREST CRT/CCT).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cloud security across AWS, Azure, or GCP.
- Knowledge of AI/ML security and adversarial testing methods, including evaluating LLMs and other models for manipulation, evasion, and data integrity risks.
- Demonstrated involvement in the infosec community (e.g., open-source projects, bug bounties, CVE research, conference talks, or security publications).
- Experience applying the MITRE ATT&CK Framework to offensive security operations and threat emulation.
- Familiarity with secure software development practices and the software development lifecycle.
- Experience with Java application technologies, deployment frameworks, and associated security best practices.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams while independently owning deliverables and maintaining accountability to deadlines.
Benefits & conditions
S&P Global states that the anticipated base salary range for this position is $135,000 USD - $200,000 USD. Final base salary for this role will be based on the individual's geographical location as well as experience and qualifications for the role., We take care of you, so you can take care of business. We care about our people. That's why we provide everything you-and your career-need to thrive at S&P Global.
Our benefits include
- Health & Wellness: Health care coverage designed for the mind and body.
- Flexible Downtime: Generous time off helps keep you energized for your time on.
- Continuous Learning: Access a wealth of resources to grow your career and learn valuable new skills.
- Invest in Your Future: Secure your financial future through competitive pay, retirement planning, a continuing education program with a company-matched student loan contribution, and financial wellness programs.
- Family Friendly Perks: It's not just about you. S&P Global has perks for your partners and little ones, too, with some best-in class benefits for families.
- Beyond the Basics: From retail discounts to referral incentive awards-small perks can make a big difference.