Cyber Security Test Researcher

About the Role

Help Secure the UK's Future Networks

If you're the type of person who enjoys understanding how technology really works, uncovering vulnerabilities, and solving complex technical challenges, this could be the role for you.

At UKTL, you'll work on technology that underpins the UK's communications infrastructure, helping to identify and mitigate security risks before they become real-world problems. Working within our dedicated security testing labs, you'll have the freedom to explore, experiment and develop your skills alongside experienced security specialists.

Why Join Us?

• Work on technology with real-world national impact

• Access dedicated security testing labs and specialist equipment

• Gain exposure to hardware, software and telecoms security testing

• Learn cutting-edge telecoms protocols and technologies

• Access industry-leading training and professional certifications

• Join a collaborative team where curiosity and innovation are encouraged

What You'll Be Doing

• Conduct security assessments within our dedicated lab environment

• Carry out penetration testing across hardware, software and telecoms technologies

• Assess network functions, protocols and systems using a variety of testing techniques

• Develop scripts and automation to improve testing efficiency and capability

• Investigate vulnerabilities and clearly communicate risks

• Produce high-quality technical reports that support remediation activities

About You

You'll be successful in this role if you:

• Have experience in penetration testing and a background in networking, infrastructure or software development

• Enjoy solving complex technical problems

• Are naturally curious and enjoy understanding how things work

• Bring fresh ideas and collaborate effectively with others

• You have a passion for continuous learning and professional development. Any progress towards, or attainment of, recognised certifications such as OSCP/OSCP+, CPTS, CREST CRT, or equivalent penetration testing qualifications would be beneficial.

No telecoms experience? That's absolutely fine. If you have strong technical foundations and a passion for security testing, we'll support you in developing your telecoms expertise.

Flexible Working

Successful applicants will be expected to attend our Birmingham office a minimum of two days per week. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide an excellent environment for collaboration, and we encourage colleagues to make the most of our on-site workspace.

Location

Our site is conveniently located within easy reach of Birmingham, with excellent transport links. We are accessible by rail, with the nearest being Birmingham International station, and are also served by local bus routes. Free on-site parking is available for those travelling by car.

Why Join UKTL?

At UKTL, you'll be part of a mission that has real national impact, helping to strengthen the security, resilience, and future of the UK's telecommunications networks.

We are committed to investing in our people, providing opportunities to develop your technical expertise, broaden your experience, and build a rewarding long-term career. Whether you're an experienced specialist or looking to grow your skills in a new area, you'll benefit from:

• Meaningful work that helps shape the future security of UK telecommunications.

• Access to industry-leading training, professional development, and certification opportunities.

• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies across telecoms, cyber security, research, and testing.

• Collaboration with recognised experts in a highly skilled and supportive environment.

• Opportunities to work on unique projects that drive innovation and influence industry best practice.

• A culture that encourages continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and career progression.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain SC clearance with no restrictions. Existing SC clearance would be advantageous, although candidates without clearance are encouraged to apply. Employment cannot commence until the required clearance has been successfully granted.

Salary

Salary for UKTL specialist roles is benchmarked against the external market and may include additional compensation to recognise in-demand technical expertise.

We recruit based on capability, technical excellence and potential rather than simply years of experience. As a result, candidates may be considered for different grades depending on their skills, experience and technical depth.

During the interview process, we'll discuss how your experience aligns with our grading framework and provide an indication of the salary range associated with the most appropriate level. This ensures you have a clear understanding of expectations and opportunities from an early stage.

Our technical assessment process is designed to evaluate your expertise in greater detail and will ultimately determine the grade and salary offered. We are committed to offering competitive, market-aligned reward packages that recognise the value and impact our specialists bring to UKTL.

Our Benefits

At UKTL-NPL, we recognise that our people are key to our success. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career development and financial security. Benefits include: [uktl.org.uk], [npl.co.uk]

• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 12%.

• Life assurance providing cover of three times your annual salary.

• Generous annual leave entitlement, sick pay and shared parental leave.

• Enhanced maternity, adoption and surrogacy leave, including up to 39 weeks' full pay.

• Private GP service with confidential phone and video appointments.

• Employee Assistance Programme offering free and confidential advice and counselling.

• Group Income Protection for additional financial security during periods of long-term illness.

• Interest-free loans for season tickets, rental deposits, house purchase deposits and other qualifying purchases.

• MyLifestyle benefits platform, providing discounts across retail, supermarkets, entertainment, travel and fitness providers.

• CSSC membership offering access to additional leisure, travel and lifestyle benefits.

• Employee referral bonus scheme.

• Professional development opportunities including technical training, mentoring, coaching and leadership development.

• Support towards professional accreditation and chartered status.

• Annual salary reviews and market benchmarking to ensure competitive and fair pay.

• Access to wellbeing initiatives, employee networks, social clubs and community activities.

We are committed to helping our people thrive both professionally and personally, providing the support, flexibility and opportunities needed to build a rewarding and meaningful career.

About Us

• UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security.

Read more about UKTL here!

Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK's world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors.

As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we're creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we're always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.