Cybersecurity Tester/Researcher

UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL); Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) is seeking an experienced security tester to conduct comprehensive assessments in our dedicated lab, performing penetration testing across hardware, software and telecoms systems. You will develop scripts to automate testing and clearly communicate risks and remediation steps to stakeholders.

This role requires hands-on experience in infrastructure, networking or software development, with a strong problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications

• Background in infrastructure, networking, or software development with hands-on penetration testing experience.
• Not an entry-level role; requires substantial experience.
• Willingness to learn telecoms protocols quickly and adapt to complex systems.
• Must be able to commute to UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week.

Responsibilities

• Conduct all security assessments within our in-house lab environment, ensuring safe testing conditions.
• Perform hands-on penetration testing across hardware, software and telecoms technologies to identify vulnerabilities.
• Apply positive and negative testing to assess network functions, protocols, and resilience.
• Develop scripts and automate testing processes to improve efficiency and repeatability.
• Investigate and analyse security findings, clearly communicating risks to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Produce high-quality, actionable technical reports to support remediation and strengthen security posture.
• Flexibility on full-time, part-time or flexible options depending on the role and business needs.

Skills

Security testing

Penetration testing

Infrastructure

Networking

Software development

Problem solving

Collaboration

Learning mindset

Job description

Dive Deep. Think Differently. Build Secure Systems.

You’re someone who can’t help but ask “What’s really going on under here?”

Whether it’s a telecoms protocol, a complex system, or a bespoke piece of hardware, you’re driven by curiosity — and motivated by making real world technology safer.

Join a collaborative, inclusive team where your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your work has genuine impact. You’ll have the freedom to explore, experiment, and grow, while helping shape the security of next generation networks.

What You’ll Be Doing

Conduct all security assessments within our dedicated in-house lab environment, ensuring safe and controlled testing conditions.

Perform hands-on penetration testing across hardware, software, and telecoms-specific technologies to identify vulnerabilities in complex systems.

Apply both positive and negative testing techniques to rigorously assess network functions, protocols, and system resilience.

Develop scripts and automate testing processes to enhance efficiency, consistency, and repeatability—freeing up time for deeper, high-impact research.

Investigate and analyse security findings, clearly articulating technical risks to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Produce high-quality, actionable technical reports that support remediation and strengthen overall security posture.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

You’ll thrive here if you:

Have a background in infrastructure, networking, or software development and hands on penetration testing experience (this is not an entry level role).

Enjoy deep technical problem solving and working in complex environments.

Bring new ideas, collaborate well, and support others.

Are passionate about security testing and committed to continuous learning.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll bring solid experience — and we’ll help you take it even further.

Whether you already have knowledge of telecoms protocols such as Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, and NGAP, or demonstrate a strong ability to learn them quickly, we’ll support your growth every step of the way.

You’ll gain access to leading training platforms and work towards industry-recognised certifications, helping you continuously develop your expertise.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.