Principal Cyber Researcher

Raytheon UK; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Cyber Researcher to conduct innovative research and development in cyber domains. This position involves driving technical investigations, managing small teams, and collaborating with different teams to address emerging cyber threats while documenting methodologies and findings. The ideal candidate should be proficient in programming and possess strong analytical skills, with experience in rapid prototyping. The role operates in a hybrid work environment, providing flexibility to employees.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, or Python is required.
• Strong knowledge of Linux-based systems and command-line tools is necessary.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively in writing and speaking.
• Solid understanding of networking protocols and concepts is essential.
• Demonstrated analytical approach to solving complex technical issues is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in vulnerability discovery and reverse engineering.
• Design prototypes to validate cyber capabilities.
• Analyse protocols to identify security weaknesses.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver technical solutions.
• Document findings for stakeholders.
• Manage research teams and report progress to customers.
• Support strategic planning and business development.

Skills

Programming in C, C++, or Python

Linux systems knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Networking concepts

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Rapid prototyping experience

Project management experience

Tools

Raspberry Pi

Arduino

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

GNU Radio

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-02-23

Country: United Kingdom

Location: Gloucester, South Gloucestershire

Position Role Type: Hybrid

Role Overview

Raytheon UK’s Cyber Research Group (CRG) is looking for a Principal Cyber Researcher to conduct cutting‑edge research and development across multiple cyber domains. You’ll 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.

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 (e.g. 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 Experience (not Essential)

• 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 Radio Frequency (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.

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

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