Cyber Security Researcher

Hackajob Ltd; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Relocation support

O'Reilly books subscription

Private medical cover

Job summary

Hackajob Ltd. is seeking a security-focused researcher to join a team of researchers and engineers tackling challenging cyber security problems.

You will conduct world-leading research and design niche solutions with immediate real-world impact across Linux, Windows, embedded systems and mobile internals. The role spans from consultant to senior levels, welcoming a technologist with a curious mindset, experience in reverse engineering and network analysis, and strong C/C++/Python skills.

Qualifications

• STEM background with research, cyber security or ethical hacking experience.
• Experience with C, C++, Python, OS internals, embedded systems, network analysis or ML advantageous.
• Inquisitive mindset, persistence and enthusiasm for solving difficult research tasks.
• Technologist, scientific or mathematical background preferred.
• Open to consultant through senior levels; experience ranges from consultant to principal consultant.
• Experience with reverse engineering in IDA Pro or Ghidra.
• Familiarity with Wireshark or network packet analysis tooling.
• Ethical hacking experience.
• Network and protocol analysis experience.
• Hardware debugging (UART, JTAG, SWD).
• Knowledge of exploitation techniques and mitigations.
• OS internals knowledge including Linux, Windows, embedded systems.
• Android/iOS internals knowledge.
• Familiarity with C, C++ or Python.
• RF technologies and Software Defined Radio.
• Inquisitive nature and problem-solving ability.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside researchers, vulnerability researchers and software engineers.
• Tackle challenging problems using various technologies.
• Conduct cutting-edge, world-leading research.
• Design niche solutions with real-world impact.
• Propose new approaches and continually learn new skills.
• Work with multiple technologies and languages toward new outcomes.

Skills

C programming

C++ programming

Python

OS internals

Embedded systems

Network analysis

Machine learning

Reverse engineering

Wireshark

Ethical hacking

Linux

Windows

Android/iOS internals

RF technologies

Education

STEM background

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Job description

Salary: £61,000 - 101,000 per year

Requirements:

• We are looking for candidates with a STEM background, which may include research, cyber security or ethical hacking experience.
• We are looking for skills in a variety of technologies; experience with C, C++, Python, operating system internals, embedded systems, network packet analysis or machine learning would be advantageous.
• We require an inquisitive mindset, persistence, and enthusiasm for solving difficult research tasks.
• We are looking for candidates with a technologist, scientific or mathematical background.
• We are recruiting at all grades from consultant through to highly experienced principal consultant, and this vacancy is aimed at our consultant through to Senior level grades.
• Experience with reverse engineering in IDA Pro or Ghidra.
• Familiarity with Wireshark or other network packet analysis tooling.
• Ethical hacking experience.
• Network and protocol analysis experience.
• Hardware debugging experience, including UART, JTAG or SWD.
• Knowledge of exploitation techniques and mitigations.
• Experience and knowledge of operating system internals, including Linux, Windows and embedded systems.
• Experience and knowledge of Android or iOS, and its internals.
• Familiarity with C, C++ or Python.
• Experience with RF technologies and Software Defined Radio.
• An inquisitive nature and problem-solving ability.

Responsibilities:

• Work alongside highly talented and respected researchers, vulnerability researchers and software engineers.
• Tackle a wide range of challenging problems using various technologies.
• Conduct cutting-edge, novel and world-leading research.
• Design and produce niche solutions with immediate real-world impact.
• Use your skills and experience to propose new ways of doing things.
• Continually learn new skills and technologies.
• Work with various technologies and programming languages, with uncertain outcomes, to achieve something new.

Technologies:

• Android
• Embedded
• Hardware
• Support
• Linux
• Machine Learning
• Network
• Python
• Security
• Windows
• iOS

More:

We are partnering directly with CoreTech Security to hire for this role. Our Research team uses a wide range of tools, programming languages and emerging technologies to develop rapid prototypes, minimal viable products and world-class research with meaningful real-world impact. We work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, solving some of the most complex cyber security challenges faced by the UK. No two days are the same, and project requirements can change quickly based on your experience, understanding and input. We are a deeply technical team that is passionate about delivering quality solutions that blend rapid development, security research and software engineering skills. We offer promotions based on technical excellence and regular reviews, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, the option to buy up to 5 extra days, additional holiday entitlement from 2 years service, relocation financial support, training and development opportunities, an OReilly books subscription, regular technical events and socials, free seasonal refreshments, private medical cover including access to a private online GP, mental health support, an annual health assessment, a company bonus scheme, 8% company pension contribution, death in service cover, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave, and an enhanced cycle-to-work scheme.

last updated 40 week of 2026