Associate Hive Members - European Hive

The Mission

At CovertSwarm, we're redefining offensive security through constant, relentless attack. As an Associate Hive Member, you'll put your growing offensive security expertise into practice against real-world client environments, working alongside experienced operators to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses others miss.

You're beyond the foundations. Now it's about building experience, sharpening your tradecraft, and developing the technical depth and independence needed to become an accomplished offensive security operator.

The Opportunity

This is the next step for an emerging offensive security professional who has already developed practical cybersecurity testing skills and is ready to apply them consistently across client environments.

You'll take an active role in security assessments, carrying out activities such as OSINT, external infrastructure testing, and other offensive security operations. You'll work directly with clients, communicate your findings, and take increasing ownership of your assessments as your experience develops.

You'll have the support of experienced Hive Members when you need it, but we'll also expect you to investigate, problem-solve, and take ownership of your own development.

The goal is simple: build the breadth, depth, and experience to progress towards becoming a fully autonomous Hive Member.

The Arsenal (Core Responsibilities)

• Carry out cybersecurity assessments against client environments across one or more testing domains
• Perform activities including OSINT, reconnaissance, external infrastructure assessment, vulnerability discovery, and validation
• Apply manual and automated security testing techniques to identify exploitable weaknesses
• Take ownership of assigned assessment activities, escalating and seeking technical guidance where appropriate
• Produce timely, high-quality, actionable, threat-based findings through our custom reporting portal
• Clearly communicate technical findings, their impact, and appropriate remediation to clients
• Support client debriefs following assessments
• Act as a technical contact for CovertSwarm clients, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders
• Maintain clear and professional client communication throughout engagements
• Work collaboratively with other Hive Members, sharing useful discoveries and knowledge with the wider Swarm
• Continuously develop your technical capabilities across offensive security disciplines
• Take ownership of your learning and development, actively working towards greater technical independence

The Operator (What Makes You Great)

• Demonstrable practical experience in one or more cybersecurity testing domains
• Foundations in network, infrastructure, and/or application security
• Practical experience using common offensive security tools and methodologies
• Ability to identify, investigate, validate, and clearly communicate security vulnerabilities
• Comfortable carrying out defined assessment activities with a growing level of independence
• Able to approach technical problems methodically while knowing when to seek guidance
• Curiosity about how systems work – and a drive to discover how they can be broken
• Motivation to broaden your testing experience and develop deeper technical expertise

The Human Element

• Sharp analytical mind with keen attention to detail
• Natural problem solver who enjoys investigating technical challenges
• Effective written and verbal communicator
• Able to translate technical findings into clear, useful information for clients
• Takes ownership and accountability for the quality of their work
• Receptive to feedback and able to apply it to future engagements
• Self-driven learner committed to continuous professional development
• Actively maintains and progresses a personal career development plan
• Team player who both learns from and contributes to the collective knowledge of the Swarm
• Engaged with the wider cybersecurity industry through conferences, community events, research, labs, CTFs, or similar activities

The Credentials

At Associate level, practical capability and demonstrated development matter more to us than collecting certifications.

We'd like to see relevant cybersecurity qualifications or evidence of equivalent practical capability, which might include:

• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
• CompTIA qualifications
• Other relevant cybersecurity, networking, or technical qualifications

We'd also be interested if you're working towards more advanced practical certifications such as:

• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
• CREST CRT (CREST Registered Penetration Tester)
• CSTM (Cyber Scheme Team Member)
• CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator)
• Other recognised practical offensive security certifications

Certifications aren't the only way to demonstrate your ability. Practical client experience, labs, CTFs, independent research, vulnerability research, home labs, and personal security projects can all demonstrate the skills we're looking for.

The Perks

Join a team that values both excellence and balance:

• True remote flexibility – work from anywhere
• No report writing drudgery – we use our custom portal
• Unlimited training to keep developing your skills
• Work alongside and learn from experienced offensive security operators
• Exposure to multiple cybersecurity testing domains and client environments
• Clear opportunities to develop towards greater technical independence and progression within the Hive
• Unlimited vacation – because burnout helps no one
• Private medical insurance and pension scheme
• Conference speaking bonuses
• Hardware, software, and research materials you need to excel
• A culture of radical candor and continuous improvement
• Company events and local Hub meetups
• The opportunity to attend DEFCON Las Vegas

The Culture

At CovertSwarm, we take pride in pushing the boundaries of offensive security. Our team consists of passionate and humble professionals who value creativity, technical excellence, and delivering results that matter.

As an Associate Hive Member, you've already established your foundations. We'll give you opportunities to apply those skills against real-world targets, learn from experienced operators, and take progressively greater ownership of your work.

We expect curiosity, accountability, and a willingness to challenge yourself. You'll have support when you need it, but you'll also be encouraged to investigate independently, develop your own tradecraft, and contribute what you learn back to the Swarm.

We embrace collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to improve. If you share these values and are ready to take the next step in your offensive security career, we want to hear from you.

Ready to join the Swarm?

You've built the foundations. Now it's time to put them to work.

Take the next step in your offensive security career by applying today. Let's talk about how your practical experience, technical skills, and ambition align with CovertSwarm's mission to redefine offensive security.