Okay, I've searched for Lead Security Consultant roles in the United States, full-time positions, requiring 5+ years of experience in penetration testing and offensive security, with Python skills and red team exercise experience. I have found 132 positions matching your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Lead Security Consultant - Offensive Security role at Cyderes is fundamentally designed to identify and neutralize complex cyber threats by leading advanced penetration tests and red team exercises. This is a strategic, hands-on position requiring deep technical expertise in offensive security domains—network, web, cloud, API, and wireless penetration testing—combined with the ability to manage client relationships and mentor junior team members effectively. The role demands a nuanced understanding of attacker techniques and the ability to simulate real-world adversaries, highlighting an expectation to bridge technical delivery with business outcomes. A successful candidate must possess both sharp technical acumen—demonstrated through certifications like OSCP and tools such as Burp Suite and Cobalt Strike—and soft skills including client communication, leadership under pressure, and adaptability to fast-evolving threat landscapes. The job’s complexity comes from needing to design tailored engagements, synthesize diverse threat data into actionable intelligence, and foster innovation through tool development, all while continuously mentoring and supporting the broader team. Success in this role is measured not only by technical proficiency but also by building trusted advisory relationships with clients, leading effective distributed teams, and driving cybersecurity advances aligned with client risk posture and industry trends.

Company Analysis:

Cyderes operates as a globally integrated, full lifecycle cybersecurity services provider, positioned as a nimble yet comprehensive partner to enterprises facing sophisticated cyber threats. Emerging from the combination of two respected firms, it stands out for its multi-technology expertise, global security operations centers, and an emphasis on rapid client outcomes. The company's culture suggests a high-velocity, innovation-driven environment committed to both technical excellence and client-centric service delivery. The role of Lead Security Consultant fits into this matrix as both a technical authority and a client-facing leader who bridges advanced offensive security practices with business impact, reflecting Cyderes’ value on end-to-end solution mastery and collaboration. The candidate will likely find themselves embedded in an organization that values deep technical knowledge harmonized with thought leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional teamwork. The job’s strategic importance aligns with Cyderes’ ambition to remain at the forefront of offensive security by investing in top talent to scale their consulting capabilities—thus the role is not just about execution but about shaping the future trajectory of client engagements and internal methodologies.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you led a penetration test that uncovered a previously unknown critical vulnerability. How did you handle the discovery and communicate it to the client?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you had to mentor junior team members through a complex engagement. How did you ensure their growth while maintaining project quality?
• Behavioral: Share an example of when you managed conflicting client expectations during a high-pressure security assessment. How did you navigate the situation?
• Behavioral: Can you provide an instance where you had to research and quickly adapt to an emerging threat or attack technique during an engagement?
• Technical: How do you approach designing a red team exercise that effectively simulates real-world adversary tactics within a client's unique environment?
• Technical: Walk me through your process for conducting a comprehensive penetration test on a cloud environment with multiple integrated services.
• Technical: What scripting languages are you most proficient in for automating offensive security tasks, and can you give an example of a tool or script you developed?
• Technical: Explain how you utilize the MITRE ATT&CK framework to inform your penetration testing strategies and client reporting.
• Situational: Imagine a client’s environment is heavily segmented, and initial network penetration tests fail to yield exploitable vulnerabilities. How would you proceed to uncover actionable weaknesses?
• Situational: You uncover evidence of ongoing advanced persistent threat activity during an engagement. How do you escalate this finding internally and manage client communication?
• Situational: If a junior consultant makes an error during a red team exercise that could jeopardize the client relationship, how do you respond both technically and from a leadership perspective?
• Company Fit: Why does working at Cyderes appeal to you compared to other cybersecurity consulting firms?
• Company Fit: How do you see your personal values and professional style aligning with Cyderes’ focus on rapid, multi-technology cybersecurity outcomes?
• Company Fit: Cyderes emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and mentorship. How have you demonstrated these qualities in past roles?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Cyderes support continuous learning and professional development for security consultants in fast-evolving threat landscapes?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe how the offensive security consulting team collaborates with other cybersecurity service lines within Cyderes?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the key challenges Cyderes foresees in scaling its penetration testing and red team services over the next 1-2 years?