You know us.
Now, let's know you.
If you've made it here, you probably already know whether PortSwigger is the kind of place you want to be. We hope it is. Here's what to do next.
Roles across Knutsford, London & Atlanta
Working at PortSwigger
What to expect from the application process.
We keep our process straightforward. It's designed to give you a genuine sense of who we are — and to give us a real sense of who you are. Here's what to expect.
We set a high bar — we're looking for strong expertise, or the clear potential to develop it, alongside the qualities that make someone a SwiggerWhat everyone at PortSwigger calls themselves. Used freely — in job titles, internal comms, and casual conversation. If you work here, you're a Swigger.: curiosity, generosity, humility, and genuine care for the work and the people around them. We're deeply committed to nurturing our culture and we look for genuine alignment throughout. We also move quickly, aim to keep you informed throughout, and always give feedback — whatever the outcome.
This is a typical way we assess for our roles — though timings and stages may vary. If you'd like to understand specifically how we run the process for the role you're applying for, please reach out to careers@portswigger.net.
- 1
How to apply
We will need your CV. We also ask you to provide your full educational record including degree and A-levels (or equivalent), both subjects and grades. We do recognize that academics aren't everything, particularly for more experienced candidates. But they help us to get a well-rounded view of individuals.
Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete an online assessment as part of the application process.
We will review your application and get back to you within a few days.
Please click here to see the positions that are currently open for application. If you have any questions, email careers@portswigger.net.
- 2
First conversation
You'll speak with your Talent Champion, who is part of our Internal Recruitment Team. This is a chance to get to know each other — we'll learn about your background, your skills and experience, and what you're looking for in your next role. It's a chance to explore whether there's a good fit on both sides. You'll also hear more about the role, the team, and life at PortSwigger.
The conversation takes place over Zoom or a phone call and takes at least 30 minutes.
- 3
Second conversation
This conversation is a deeper dive into the skills and experience you offer and what we're looking for.
The conversation takes place over Zoom and takes around 30 minutes.
You will typically meet one or two people who work in the role that you are applying for. They will ask a range of questions to assess your skills, experience, and approach to problem-solving.
- 4
Third conversation
This is a conversational interview with someone independent of the hiring team for your role — designed to feel like a genuine one-on-one conversation rather than a structured interview. The conversation takes place over Zoom and takes approximately 30 minutes.
We'll explore non-technical areas: team collaboration, approaches to delivering quality work, your motivations, how you think, and the impact you've had. An example question might be: "What would your ideal job be like?". There is no rigid script — we're genuinely interested in who you are. We'll also tell you more about PortSwigger and how we work, and you'll have time to ask questions.
- 4.5
For some roles
Remote exercise
Depending on the role you are applying for and your level of experience, we might ask you to carry out an exercise in your own time.
We'll let you know during or following the third conversation if we'd like you to carry out an exercise, and we'll send you the details via email.
The exercise shouldn't take more than a few hours. You can ask any questions that you have about the exercise via email.
- 5
On-site interview
The on-site visit is worth getting excited about. The day is designed to give you a genuine feel for life at PortSwigger — not just an interview.
There is no dress code. PortSwigger people generally wear casual dress at work — wear whatever you are comfortable with.
Meet the team and explore the office: you'll have time to meet some of the people you'd be working with and see the environment we've built.
The technical element: depending on your role, the day will include a practical work exercise. We'll share the details in advance so you know what to expect.
The culture interview: you'll have a conversation focused on getting to know you — how you work, what you value, and how you approach collaboration. It's as much a chance for you to understand whether PortSwigger is genuinely the right place for you as it is for us to learn more about you.
- 6
Offer
We make decisions quickly and can normally make an offer shortly after your on-site interview.
Take the time to think about our offer — we want this to be the right decision for you. You can ask as many further questions as you like at this stage.
If you accept our offer, we'll need to take up references from your current and previous employers (or university supervisor for students).
We are flexible on start dates and can work around your existing obligations and preferences.
We can provide help and advice on any aspect of your transition, including places to live, transport, local schools, or other assistance that you might need. Where relevant, we also offer relocation support and can discuss options including our SwigHouses.
We will keep in regular contact in the run up to you joining, and you will have further opportunities to meet colleagues and discuss our work in more detail.
A note on feedback
We always offer feedback. Whether you're successful or not, we think you deserve to know how it went and why. Your Talent Champion is your point of contact throughout — reach out to them at any point if you have questions, or email careers@portswigger.net.
We'll also ask for your feedback on the process. We genuinely want to know how it felt from your side — and we use it to keep improving.
Graduate Developers
Build your career from day one.
From day one you'll be programming alongside experienced engineers on real production code. Starting salary £60,000, based in Knutsford. Applications open September each year.
Full programme detailsProgramme
The Women in Tech Scholarship.
For young women in year 13 considering a career in technology. University scholarship and summer internship program. Total reward of around £70,000 over three years, with the opportunity for permanent employment.
Full scholarship detailsWhat you get
Rewards and benefits.
We take a different view of rewarding people than nearly any other business. Above-market salaries. Genuine trust. And a workplace you actually want to come to.
Financial
- Above-market salaries — no fixed bands, reward reflects your contribution
- Share options (role dependent) — a long-term stake in what we build together
- 8% employer pension (UK) · 401(k) fixed annual employer contribution (US) · Life assurance 4x salary (UK)
Well-being
- Private medical (Bupa UK) · Competitive medical plans (Atlanta)
- Same-day virtual GP and 24/7 mental health helpline
- On-site gym with trainer-led classes (yoga, karate, sound bath) at Knutsford
Leave & flexibility
- 33 days including public holidays · Buy and sell holiday days
- 26-week maternity at full pay plus return-to-work bonus
- Flexible start: any time 8am–9:30am. We don't do sweatshop hours
Workplace & social
- Free hot and cold lunch by in-house chefs (Knutsford) · Snacks and coffee all offices
- Weekly Friday All-Hands social · Quarterly team lunches · Summer and Christmas parties
- Buy any book policy · Life and career coaching · Graduate mentoring programs
Talent Partners
We value good partnerships.
We work with agencies that understand our culture and can represent us accurately to candidates. We pay 23% commission and always operate on our standard terms.