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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Penetration Tester - Vulnerability Researcher - **Company:** Thales Group - **Location:** Bristol, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Software System Penetration Testing, Biometrics, Cyber Security, Linux, Web Applications, Cloud Platform System, SC Clearance, Information Technology - **Published:** July 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=72ffd28b0b603162 ## About the Role * Hands-on penetration testing experience across diverse platforms (IT and/or OT environments) * Strong understanding of security testing methodologies and frameworks * Experience producing clear, actionable technical reports * Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience * Industry certifications such as CREST, OSCP, CEH, GPEN, GXPN (or similar) Desirable Experience: * Background in Defence, Aerospace, Government, Nuclear, Transport, or other regulated industries * Familiarity with compliance-driven environments and secure system accreditation, Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non-ITAR country may be considered. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years' residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. ## Description Join Thales at a pivotal time as we expand our Cyber Security capability across critical national infrastructure, defence, and aerospace programmes. As a Penetration Tester, you'll play a key role in identifying vulnerabilities across complex systems and helping secure technologies that truly matter. From secure software to biometrics and encryption, our CDI technologies and services enable organisations to confidently authenticate identities and protect data with care and precision. We support businesses and governments in keeping people safe and enabling trusted services across personal devices, connected objects, the cloud and everything in between. The Opportunity: You'll work on high-impact projects, performing penetration testing across IT and OT environments while influencing secure design and risk mitigation strategies from early project stages through to delivery. What You'll Be Doing: * Conduct penetration testing across Windows, Linux, mobile (iOS/Android), web applications, and cloud environments * Identify, exploit, and clearly communicate security vulnerabilities and risks * Support accreditation and assurance activities on complex, high-security programmes * Advise on security controls and mitigation strategies aligned to customer needs * Contribute to governance frameworks, policies, and secure operating procedures * Produce high-quality technical reports and through-life security documentation * Act as a cybersecurity SME across projects, staying aligned with evolving regulations and standards * Collaborate with internal teams, customers, and external stakeholders at all levels * Support bid activities, including technical input and effort estimation ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Biometric Phone Chargers, $40m Domain Names & AI Movies Winning Awards - Peter Kröner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1810-biometric-phone-chargers-40m-domain-names-ai-movies-winning-awards-peter-kroner) - [You can’t hack what you can’t see](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/41-you-can-t-hack-what-you-can-t-see) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - What Development and Tattoos Have in Common and more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1380-wearedevelopers-live-what-development-and-tattoos-have-in-common-and-more) ## Related Articles - [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking) - [IT Salaries in UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/288-it-salaries-in-uk) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [Guide for Expats Living in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/355-guide-for-expats-living-in-the-uk) - [UK Business Culture and Etiquette](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/326-uk-business-culture-and-etiquette) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk)