Principal Cyber Researcher

Prattwhitney; Filton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus public holidays

10.5% company pension contribution

Private Medical Insurance

Flexible Benefits scheme

Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies

Job summary

Prattwhitney in Filton is looking for a Principal Cyber Researcher to join their Cyber Research Group. The role involves conducting cutting-edge research across multiple cyber domains, supporting team strategy, and helping with business development. This is a hybrid position based at the Gloucester site, requiring eligibility for SC and enhanced DV clearance.

The ideal candidate will have strong programming skills, a solid understanding of network protocols, and demonstrated experience in managing research projects.

Qualifications

• Experience in vulnerability discovery and reverse engineering.
• Proficient with rapid prototyping using Raspberry Pi and Arduino.
• Strong communication skills and experience managing research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep-dive research in vulnerability discovery and reverse engineering.
• Design and build rapid prototypes to validate cyber capabilities.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver research outcomes and solutions.

Skills

Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, or Python

Strong working knowledge of Linux-based systems

Excellent communication skills

Solid understanding of networking concepts and protocols

Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Experience in rapid prototyping using technologies

Job description

Raytheon UK has a permanent opportunity for a Principal Cyber Researcher to join our Cyber Research Group (CRG). As a Principal Cyber Researcher, you will conduct cutting‑edge research and development across multiple cyber domains, drive technical investigations, design rapid prototypes, and uncover emerging threats and vulnerabilities. In addition to hands‑on research, you’ll be involved in day‑to‑day CRG operations, help shape the team’s long‑term strategy, and support business development and bidding activities. You will be based at our Gloucester site, working in a hybrid capacity. You must be eligible and willing to gain SC and enhanced DV clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct deep‑dive research in vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, and embedded systems.
• Design and build rapid prototypes to validate novel cyber capabilities and concepts.
• Analyse network protocols and system behaviours to identify security weaknesses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver research outcomes and technical solutions.
• Document methodologies, findings, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage small research teams, track progress, and report to customers.
• Contribute to CRG’s strategic planning and operational management.
• Support business development efforts, including proposal writing and technical briefings.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, or Python.
• Strong working knowledge of Linux‑based systems, including command‑line tools and system configuration.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Solid understanding of networking concepts and protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, HTTP, ICMP).
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving capabilities, with a methodical and inquisitive approach to technical problems.
• Experience in rapid prototyping using technologies such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and virtualised environments.
• Proven track record of managing research projects from concept through delivery.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Hardware prototyping, PCB design and microcontroller programming.
• Experience using penetration testing or red‑team tools.
• Reverse engineering using Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja.
• Vulnerability research, including exploit development and mitigation bypass techniques.
• Embedded software development on ARM, AVR, PowerPC or MIPS platforms.
• Experience with RF systems, Software‑Defined Radios (SDRs), 2G/4G/5G, including tools like GNU Radio, Osmocom, srsRAN or USRP.
• Network engineering experience in home lab or professional environments.

Benefits and Work Culture

• 37‑hour working week with early finish Fridays – start your weekend early!
• An informal, flexible working culture that is output‑focused.
• 25 days holiday + statutory public holidays, plus opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days and up to 5 paid days volunteering.
• 10.5% company pension contribution with 6% employee contribution.
• Annual company bonus scheme (discretionary).
• Private Medical Insurance (grade dependent).
• 6 times salary Life Assurance with pension.
• Flexible Benefits scheme with extensive salary sacrifice options, including Health Cashplan, Dental, and Cycle to Work.
• Enhanced sick pay; enhanced family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.