Principal Cyber-Focused Researcher

Foundry Zero; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking experienced security researchers to tackle complex technical challenges. This role offers the chance to engage deeply in vulnerability research and reverse engineering while mentoring junior staff. You will work in a supportive environment that values technical excellence and innovation. With flexible hours and a focus on professional development, this position is perfect for those looking to maximize their hands-on technical skills. Join a dynamic team that believes in continuous learning and improvement, making a real impact in the field of security research.

Benefits

Flexible hours

Spacious modern office

Healthy snacks

25 days of leave

Medical insurance

Travel insurance

Life Assurance

Income protection insurance

Company Duolingo

EV Car leasing scheme

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in security research or reverse engineering.
• Strong understanding of viable bugs and security concepts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vulnerability research and create proofs-of-concept.
• Mentor junior staff and help them become VR experts.
• Work across various platforms and environments.

Skills

Vulnerability Research

Reverse Engineering

Python

C-like Languages

Security Concepts

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

We are looking for highly experienced security researchers to solve technical challenges. Whether you’ve been technical your whole career, or you’ve regrettably drifted into a management position where you now watch other people doing what you once loved, we want you to join us and maximise your time hands-on doing interesting technical work for interesting people.

Foundry Zero is a Security Research and Development organisation where people who love difficult challenges and deep technical problems can also enjoy working life. We aim to create a frictionless and supportive environment where all you need to focus on should be the next interesting problem in front of you.

We would like you to:

• Take systems apart to understand how they work. This usually involves software reverse-engineering, but occasionally includes some light electronics work.
• Perform deeply technical vulnerability research, working to build innovative solutions to complicated problems.
• Help junior staff continue their journey to becoming VR experts through mentoring and leadership.
• Perform vulnerability research in a variety of situations and circumstances, away from the lab environment.
• Create proofs-of-concept to demonstrate the viability of research as well as possible limitations.
• Understand architectural restrictions and limitations across any system we send your way.
• Work across a range of platforms with the ability to start working with new environments quickly and with confidence.

We are looking for:

• A proven track record in security research with more than 10 years of hands-on VR or RE experience.
• A strong understanding of what makes bugs viable and what is simply unexploitable.
• Experience in writing PoCs in Python and a good understanding of C-like languages.
• An exceptional knowledge of security concepts.
• A willingness to learn and teach deep technical concepts from and to your peers.
• Commitment to help us develop Foundry Zero and make sure it’s a fantastic place to work; we all believe we can learn, build, improve, be better - and that extends to the way our business works as much as our technical knowledge!

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation of talented and driven individuals with an emphasis on technical excellence and minimal business drag.

This role is UK based and requires a UK security clearance. Applicants must therefore be British citizens and be happy to undergo the checks required to attain the necessary clearance.

Information regarding the clearance process can be found on the UK Government website. Additional information regarding the application process will be provided to successful applicants.

Benefits

• A Great Place to do your Best Work

  We offer flexible hours, a spacious modern office, workstations optimised for research and development, healthy snacks, a minimal amount of time wasted on overbearing processes, and a supportive, friendly community of like-minded colleagues.

• Competitive Salary

  While money isn't everything, we think it's important that people are properly rewarded for their hard work and in demand skills. Salary will be discussed with you at first interview to ensure that our offering and your expectations align.

• Industry Leading Development

  There is always more to learn. As well as providing opportunities to learn from and teach each other, to make sure our staff stay on the top of their game we provide our staff with the option to travel to reach the best courses and training the world can offer.

• 25 days of leave, with the option to purchase 5 days more. We also give an extra day of leave for your birthday. You don’t have to take it on your birthday though so it’s really just 26 days.
• Medical insurance including optical and dental.
• Travel insurance for personal travel.
• Life Assurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Critical illness cover.
• Company Duolingo (our most popular perk).
• Bike2work.
• EV Car leasing scheme.
• Car allowance.