Cyber Vulnerability Research Lead - Innovate Security

Dstl; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dstl is seeking a Senior Cyber Vulnerability Researcher to join a specialist team delivering vulnerability research, reverse engineering and technical analysis. In this role you will analyse software, firmware and embedded systems, identify vulnerabilities, assess risks and provide evidence-based assessments for critical decision-making.

You will lead technical work, mentor colleagues, create new tools and contribute to work of national importance.

Qualifications

• Degree in a STEM subject or equivalent experience.
• Experience using reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra or IDA.
• Experience applying static and dynamic analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of ARM or x86 assembly language.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++.
• Understanding of common software vulnerabilities.
• Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary teams.
• Coaching, mentoring and supporting others' development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct software reverse engineering, vulnerability research and technical assessments across software, hardware and embedded systems.
• Apply static and dynamic analysis techniques to understand system functionality and identify vulnerabilities.
• Investigate emerging technologies and capabilities to understand risks, opportunities and mitigations.
• Provide authoritative technical advice and evidence-based assessments to customers and stakeholders.
• Develop and enhance tools, techniques and methodologies to improve vulnerability research capability.
• Lead technical work packages and coordinate complex research activities to time and quality targets.
• Produce clear technical reports and briefings for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and partner organisations to solve challenging technical problems.
• Mentor and support the development of less experienced engineers and researchers.

Skills

Reverse engineering

Static analysis

Dynamic analysis

C/C++ programming

ARM/x86 assembly

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Mentoring

Education

STEM degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Job description

Dstl is seeking a Senior Cyber Vulnerability Researcher to join a specialist team delivering vulnerability research, reverse engineering and technical analysis. In this role you will analyse software, firmware and embedded systems, identify vulnerabilities, assess risks and provide evidence-based assessments for critical decision-making.

You will lead technical work, mentor colleagues, create new tools and contribute to work of national importance.