Lead Penetration tester

About the Client
Our client is a highly regarded national security organisation operating at the forefront of Australia's cyber security, intelligence and technology landscape. Supporting critical national interests, they play a vital role in protecting some of the country's most sensitive systems and infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.
This is a rare opportunity to join a mission-focused environment where your expertise will directly contribute to strengthening Australia's cyber resilience. Working alongside some of the nation's leading cyber security professionals, you'll tackle complex challenges, support high-impact initiatives, and play a key role in protecting critical government capabilities.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Lead Penetration Tester to join a specialist cyber security team based in Canberra.
In this role, you will lead and deliver complex penetration testing engagements across ICT applications, networks, and gateway infrastructure. You will be responsible for identifying vulnerabilities, assessing the effectiveness of security controls, conducting simulated attack exercises, and providing actionable recommendations to improve security outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and conducting penetration testing activities across diverse environments.
• Developing testing plans, methodologies, procedures, and engagement scopes.
• Utilising industry-standard and bespoke penetration testing tools and frameworks.
• Conducting simulated attack exercises and advanced security assessments.
• Recording testing activities, techniques, and findings for reporting purposes.
• Producing high-quality technical reports detailing vulnerabilities and remediation recommendations.
• Providing expert advice and guidance on penetration testing strategies and security improvements.
• Contributing to the development and enhancement of security testing standards and practices.

The Successful Candidate
You are a highly skilled cyber security professional with a strong background in offensive security and penetration testing. You have experience leading complex testing engagements, mentoring others, and delivering clear, actionable security outcomes for stakeholders.
You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading penetration testing engagements within government, defence, or enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise across infrastructure, network, and application security testing.
• Experience conducting red team activities or simulated attack exercises.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to identify vulnerabilities and recommend effective remediation strategies.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to provide specialist cyber security advice to a range of stakeholders.
• Industry certifications such as CREST, CHECK Team Leader, or equivalent penetration testing qualifications will be highly regarded.

 
Candidates must also be willing to undergo an Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to engagement.
 
Why partner with Whizdom?
We’re Whizdom. We view you as an extension of our strong, dependable brand and have differentiators which really are different! The Whizdom way:

• We pay our contractors same day you submit your timesheet!
• We are Level 3, DISP certified and have signed the Veteran Employment Commitment and been awarded the highest level of compliance to this important initiative, proactively assisting veterans transitioning from the forces to civilian roles. We’ve been lucky enough to win industry awards for our high level of process compliance and are ISO 9001 certified. Our commitment to reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions has been accredited in line with large global organisations.
• We value diversity and welcome applications from Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people living with a disability.

 
Location: The role is based in Canberra ACT.
Contract terms: 12 months from commencement date, plus 2x 12 month extensions
Experience Level: Senior – EL1 Equivalent
Security Requirements: Candidates must hold an active or reactivatable Top Secret Positive Vetting (TSPV) Security Clearance on submission. Our client is not looking to upgrade an existing clearance for this position. An OSA (Organisational Suitability Assessment) will be required for this position.
How to Apply: Please upload your resume to apply. Please note you will need to complete selection criteria to complete this application process. We will be in touch with instructions for suitably skilled candidates.
 
Candidates will need to be willing to undergo pre-employment screening checks which may include, ID and work rights, security clearance verification and any other client requested checks.
 
Applications open until  8am 30 July 2026.
Reach Damien on 0480 002 503 or damienm@whizdom.com.au for any further information.