Senior Cybersecurity Tester / Researcher

Salary: £41,000 - 81,000 per year

Requirements:

• Strong experience in penetration testing, with a solid understanding of exploitation techniques and how they apply in real-world environments.
• Ability to commute to our UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week.
• Ability to hold SC clearance with no restrictions; applicants may apply without already holding SC clearance, but cannot start until it has been successfully granted.
• Preferred background in networking, infrastructure, software development, or telecoms, though this is not essential.
• Knowledge of telecoms protocols such as Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, and NGAP, or the ability to learn them quickly.
• Passion for security testing and commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of emerging threats.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver security assessments across complex hardware, software, and telecoms systems.
• Conduct hands-on penetration testing within our dedicated in-house lab environment, ensuring safe and controlled testing.
• Apply advanced testing techniques, including positive and negative approaches such as fuzzing, to rigorously assess network functions and protocols.
• Identify, investigate, and clearly articulate vulnerabilities and security risks to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop scripts and automate testing processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
• Produce high-quality technical reports that support remediation and strengthen security posture.
• Mentor and support junior team members through hands-on guidance and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the development of test strategies and help shape the direction of security assessments.
• Work collaboratively within an inclusive team, sharing knowledge and contributing fresh ideas.

Technologies:

• Hardware
• HTTP
• Support
• Network
• Security

More:

We offer a collaborative and inclusive environment where your expertise is valued, your ideas are heard, and your work directly contributes to strengthening real-world systems. You will help shape the security of next-generation networks while enjoying freedom to explore, experiment, and grow. We support work-life balance with full-time, part-time, and flexible options where business needs allow. You will have access to leading training platforms and work towards industry-recognised certifications. UKTL is building leading-edge telecoms testing facilities to keep telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies, and strengthen the UK telecoms sector. You will join a state-of-the-art facility, working alongside infrastructure and cybersecurity professionals on the latest technologies and innovations. We work with standards bodies, academia, government departments, communications service providers, and equipment vendors. NPL offers above-industry-standard benefits, including an enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more, and we are committed to diversity, equality of opportunity, and reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

last updated 34 week of 2026