Overview
Skills
Job Details
Position: Web Application Penetration Tester
Engagement: 12-month contract
Location: Hybrid / Onsite as required (Pleasanton, California)
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Web Application Penetration Tester to lead manual penetration testing for a mission-critical, internally developed web application. The tester will identify vulnerabilities, validate risks, recommend remediation steps, and work closely with development teams to ensure secure design and implementation.
This is a hands-on, technical security role that also involves mentoring development teams in secure coding best practices.
Key Responsibilities
Penetration Testing & Application Security
- Perform manual penetration testing on enterprise web applications.
- Identify, validate, and exploit vulnerabilities across the application stack.
- Document findings, risk severity, and detailed remediation recommendations.
- Re-test vulnerabilities after fixes are implemented and validate effectiveness.
- Develop or leverage scripts/automation to re-run security test cases.
- Plan, manage, and execute the entire penetration testing lifecycle.
Collaboration & Development Support
- Partner with developers to guide secure remediation practices.
- Assist with secure application design, code reviews, and architecture reviews.
- Work with cross-functional teams including QA, Business, and Operations.
- Support users in developing test cases, understanding behavior, and troubleshooting.
Mentoring & Knowledge Transfer
- Mentor development teams in secure coding practices (e.g., OWASP, threat modeling).
- Deliver informal and structured security training sessions.
- Support skill-building initiatives to strengthen internal security capabilities.
Documentation & Reporting
- Produce high-quality penetration testing reports and technical documentation.
- Provide regular status updates on testing progress, risks, and remediation timelines.
- Maintain structured tracking of testing activities and mentoring progress.
Must-Have Requirements
- Advanced knowledge of web application penetration testing.
- Extensive hands-on experience identifying, exploiting, and remediating vulnerabilities in web applications.
- In-depth knowledge of OWASP Top 10 and related security frameworks.
- Proficient knowledge of Java, Spring, and Oracle (ability to review code and understand architectural risks).
- Working knowledge of Linux and Windows operating environments.
Additional Technical Skills
- Experience testing enterprise-class, multi-tier applications.
- Familiarity with common testing tools and methodologies.
- Ability to write or adapt security test automation scripts.
- Understanding of secure SDLC processes and secure coding practices.
Professional Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Ability to explain complex security issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-resolution skills.
- Self-motivated and capable of learning new systems quickly.
- Strong collaboration skills; capable of independent work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Core Competencies
- Integrity and sound judgment
- Strategic thinking
- Adaptability and innovation
- Commitment to quality
- Effective communication and influence
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team