Cyber Research & Development Engineer

Forward Role Secure; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Role Secure is seeking a hands-on cyber security researcher to translate research into real-world impact. You will work across the full lifecycle from threat intelligence to prototyping, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on challenges that matter.

You'll conduct vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, and security assessments across multiple platforms, and contribute to reports, whitepapers, and customer-facing deliverables while staying ahead of the latest security

Qualifications

• Strong background in cyber security, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• Hands-on experience in reverse engineering, exploit development, malware analysis, or secure software development.
• Proficiency in at least one systems or scripting language (e.g. C/C++, Python, or similar).
• Solid understanding of operating systems internals, networking, and system architecture.
• Sharp analytical mindset with a methodical approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Research emerging cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques in depth.
• Design and develop novel security tools, solutions, and prototypes.
• Conduct vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, and security assessments across a range of platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transition research outputs into real-world capabilities.
• Contribute to technical reports, whitepapers, and customer-facing deliverables.
• Stay ahead of the latest security developments and share insights across the wider team.

Skills

Cyber security

Analytical mindset

Problem solving

Programming

Education

CS degree

Tools

Python

C/C++

Job description

Clearance – eDV cleared or eligible to achieve this clearance level

This is a hands-on technical role for someone who thrives on solving hard problems, enjoys experimentation, and wants to see their research translate into real-world impact.

You'll work across the full research lifecycle, from threat intelligence and vulnerability analysis through to prototyping and delivery, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on challenges that matter.

• Research emerging cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques in depth
• Design and develop novel security tools, solutions, and prototypes
• Conduct vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, and security assessments across a range of platforms
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transition research outputs into real-world capabilities
• Contribute to technical reports, whitepapers, and customer-facing deliverables
• Stay ahead of the latest security developments and share insights across the wider team

Skills/Experience

• Strong background in cyber security, computer science, or a related technical discipline
• Hands‑on experience in one or more of: reverse engineering, exploit development, malware analysis, or secure software development
• Proficiency in at least one systems or scripting language (e.g. C/C++, Python, or similar)
• Solid understanding of operating systems internals, networking, and system architecture
• Sharp analytical mindset with a methodical approach to problem-solving

Nice to Have

• Experience with embedded systems, mobile platforms, or cloud security
• Knowledge of cryptography or secure communications protocols
• Familiarity with vulnerability research tooling and frameworks
• Previous experience working in a research, R&D, or innovation environment

If you're passionate about cyber security research and want to work on problems at the frontier of the field, we'd love to hear from you.