Application Penetration Testing Lead

Application Penetration Testing Lead

Location: Hyderabad

Mode: Hybrid

Role Overview

The Application Penetration Testing Lead will own and execute advanced application security testing across web, mobile, cloud and API platforms. This role focuses on manual penetration testing and dynamic testing methodologies to identify and remediate vulnerabilities, lead a small team of testers, and work with development and architecture teams to improve the organisations application security posture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and perform end-to-end penetration tests for web, mobile, cloud and API applications, including dynamic testing, exploitation, and validation of fixes.
• Plan, execute, and author high-quality pen test reports with actionable remediation steps, risk ratings, and retest guidance.
• Perform architecture and design reviews from a runtime/attack-surface perspective to inform pentest scope and high-risk areas.
• Execute dynamic application security testing (DAST) and manual verificationfocusing on runtime attack vectors and exploitability.
• Use manual testing techniques (logic flaws, business logic abuse, chained vulnerabilities) beyond automated scan coverage.
• Utilize and maintain a toolkit of offensive security tools (Burp Suite Pro, OWASP ZAP, intercepting proxies, fuzzers, scanners, Nmap, etc.).
• Conduct vendor / third-party application penetration assessments and evaluate external integrations.
• Drive remediation by working closely with developers, architects, and product teams; prioritize vulnerabilities and define risk-based SLAs for closure.
• Mentor and guide junior pentesters on methodology, reporting standards, and advanced exploitation techniques.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders, present executive summaries for leadership.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging attack techniques, tooling, and application-level threats; adapt test methodologies accordingly.
• Technical Expertise
• Deep, hands-on experience in manual penetration testing for web, mobile, and API applications.
• Proficient with dynamic testing methodologies and tools (Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, proxies, fuzzers, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of common and advanced application attack vectors (OWASP Top 10, WASC, CWE), exploitation paths, and mitigations.
• Proven experience testing applications built on Java/J2EE, .NET, Python, PHP, JavaScript stacks and modern frameworks.
• Solid understanding of HTTP/HTTPS, SSL/TLS, OAuth, SAML, session management, and authentication flows.
• Familiarity with network-level reconnaissance and tooling (Nmap, Nikto) as applied to application assessments.
• Experience assessing mobile apps (iOS/Android) and APIs (REST, GraphQL) for logic and security flaws.
• Knowledge of cloud-hosted application environments (AWS/Azure/GCP) as it relates to attack surface and test planning.
• Strong scripting skills for custom exploit development and automation (Python, Bash, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: OSCP, OSWE, GPEN, GWAPT, ECSA, LPT, or equivalent.
• Experience with red-team style assessments or advanced chained-exploit scenarios.
• Familiarity with pentest orchestration and scheduling in CI/CD environments (scan runners, automation, retest workflows).
• Prior experience in regulated industries (BFSI, healthcare, etc.) or client-facing consulting engagements is a plus.