Cybersecurity Tester/Researcher

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced pension scheme

Flexible working options

Industry-standard benefits

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking a skilled Security Tester to join their team in Solihull. The role involves conducting security assessments, performing penetration testing, and investigating security findings. Ideal applicants will have a strong background in networking or software development.

The position offers flexible working options, an enhanced pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development. NPL is committed to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Background in infrastructure, networking, or software development.
• Hands-on penetration testing experience (not entry level).
• Ability to articulate technical risks to various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct security assessments in a dedicated lab environment.
• Perform penetration testing on various technologies to identify vulnerabilities.
• Develop scripts and automate testing processes.

Skills

Penetration testing

Problem solving

Networking knowledge

Collaboration

Continuous learning

Job description

About the Role

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

• 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.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you — let’s build something secure together.

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.

Benefits

• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Flexible working options.
• Additional industry‑standard benefits available.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.