Lead Penetration Tester

About the Client
Our client is a highly specialised Federal Government organisation operating at the forefront of national security, cyber defence, and intelligence capability. They play a critical role in protecting Australia’s digital infrastructure and responding to evolving global threats through advanced cyber operations and intelligence services.
Working within a high-performing and mission-driven environment, you’ll contribute to meaningful, security-critical initiatives that have a direct impact on Australia’s national interests.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Lead Penetration Tester to deliver advanced security testing across ICT systems, applications, and gateway infrastructure. This role will see you leading end-to-end penetration testing activities, identifying vulnerabilities, and providing actionable insights to strengthen security postures.
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and conducting penetration testing across complex ICT environments
• Designing and executing structured test plans and methodologies
• Utilising a broad range of tools, techniques, and frameworks
• Recording approaches, findings, and outcomes for detailed reporting
• Producing high-quality reports with remediation guidance
• Collaborating with technical stakeholders to improve security controls

The Successful Candidate
To be successful in this position, you will bring strong technical expertise combined with leadership capability in penetration testing and cyber security operations.
You will ideally have:

• Proven experience leading complex penetration testing engagements (SFIA Level 5 equivalent)
• Strong background in simulated attack exercises and red teaming activities
• Digital forensics capability, including conducting and analysing investigations (SFIA Level 4)
• Ability to provide specialist technical advice and guidance to stakeholders
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g. CREST CRT, CHECK Team Leader or similar)
• Experience working with a range of penetration testing tools and frameworks

 
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 Adelaide SA or Canberra ACT
Contract terms: 12 months from commencement date, plus 2x 12 month extensions
Experience Level: Junior – APS4/5 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 25 June 2026.
Reach Damien on 0480 002 503 or damienm@whizdom.com.au for any further information.