Automotive Cyber Security Test Engineer

Apex Recruitment; Crewe; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for a Cyber Security Test Engineer to join a dynamic team on a full-time, hybrid basis in Crewe. The role involves planning and executing cybersecurity testing for automotive systems to ensure compliance with global standards. Ideal candidates should have strong technical skills, a background in the automotive industry, and proficiency in programming languages such as C, Java, and Python. This position is outside IR35.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in automotive cybersecurity testing.
• Experience with global automotive standards and regulations.
• Hands-on experience in managing test environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain cybersecurity test environments.
• Develop and execute robust cybersecurity test cases.
• Deliver clear and detailed test reports.
• Support global homologation and compliance testing.
• Coordinate security testing activities throughout development.

Skills

Automotive experience

Cybersecurity testing

Proficiency in C, Java, Python

Penetration testing

Test planning and management

Tools

Diagnostic tools (CAN, Ethernet)

Job description

Overview

Automotive Cyber Security Test Engineer

Contract Type: Outside IR35
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Hybrid (2 days on-site per week)

About the Role

We’re looking for a Cyber Security Test Engineer to join our growing team on a full-time, hybrid basis in Crewe.

In this pivotal role, you’ll take responsibility for planning, preparing, and executing cybersecurity testing for automotive systems. Your work will ensure compliance & safeguarding vehicles against emerging cyber threats and maintain the highest security standards across global markets.

Key Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate will be a results-driven Cyber Security Test Engineer with a proven track record of delivering high-quality product security testing, ideally within the automotive industry. You’ll bring a strong technical foundation, practical experience in cybersecurity testing, and a clear understanding of global automotive standards and regulations. Collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment are key to success in this role.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Hands-on automotive experience & solid understanding of cybersecurity testing, frameworks and methodologies, with penetration testing experience considered a plus.
• Proficiency in software development and scripting languages such as; C, Java, Python, and CAPL.
• Experience in test planning, coordination, and management, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of test objectives

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain cybersecurity test environments, ensuring vehicles and test benches are fully prepared for validation — including flashing, coding, debugging, analysis, and issue resolution.
• Develop and execute robust cybersecurity test cases in line with global regulations such as UNECE R155 and GB 44495, supporting secure vehicle development across all regions.
• Deliver clear and detailed test reports, providing valuable insights and traceable documentation for programme reviews and compliance audits.
• Support global homologation and compliance testing, helping ensure all vehicle systems meet cybersecurity and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate and manage security testing activities throughout the development lifecycle, driving efficiency, consistency, and quality in every phase of testing.

Systems/Tools Experience

• Diagnostic Tools: Experience with diagnostic tools CAN, Ethernet, diagnostics, flashing/coding etc. Proficiency in software development or scripting languages such as C, Java, Python, and CAPL is required.
• Vehicle Communication: Knowledge of regulations and standards such as UNECE R155, R156, ISO/SAE 21434
• Cybersecurity within automotive and test required.

Please note, this role is deemed outside of IR35 – you will be operating as a Limited company Contractor.