Principal Cyber Researcher

Raytheon Systems; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in Gloucester is seeking a Principal Cyber Researcher. The role involves conducting cutting-edge research in multiple cyber domains, driving technical investigations, and overseeing small research teams. Candidates must have strong programming skills and an active DV clearance. This position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

37hr working week with early finish Friday

25 days holiday plus public holidays

Pension Scheme with up to 10.5% contribution

Discretionary company bonus

Flexible Benefits scheme

Enhanced sick pay

Qualifications

• Active enhanced DV clearance required for eligibility.
• Experience in vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, and embedded systems.
• Background in hardware prototyping and microcontroller programming.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep-dive research in vulnerability discovery.
• Design and build rapid prototypes of new cyber capabilities.
• Lead small research teams and manage project deliverables.
• Support business development through proposal writing.

Skills

Proficiency in programming languages (C, C++, Python)

Strong working knowledge of Linux

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of networking concepts

Analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Experience in rapid prototyping

Managing research projects

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Raspberry Pi

Arduino

GNU Radio

Job description

Date Posted:
2025-08-22Country:
United KingdomLocation:
GBR29: Gloucester, 18b Ley Court, Barnwood Industrial Estate, Barnwood, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL4 3RTPosition Role Type:
Unspecified

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.

As Principal Cyber Researcher, you'll drive technical investigations, design rapid prototypes, and uncover emerging threats and vulnerabilities. In addition to hands-on research, our Principal Cyber Researcher will be involved in day-to-day CRG operations, help shape the team's long-term strategy, and support business development and bidding activities.

To be eligible for this role you must hold active enhanced DV clearance. You will be based at our Gloucester site or our customer site on a hybrid basis (approx. 1-2 days a week).

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

• 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.

Benefits and Work Culture

• Competitive salary
• 37hr working week, with an early finish Friday - start your weekend early!
• 25 days holiday (increasing by up to 2 days with service), plus public holidays, opportunity to buy / sell / roll over up to 5 days, and up to 5 days volunteering annually.
• Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution)
• Company bonus scheme (discretionary).
• 6 times salary 'Life Assurance' with pension.
• Flexible Benefits scheme with extensive salary sacrifice schemes, including Health Cashplan, Dental, and Cycle to Work amongst others.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave.

Raytheon UK
At Raytheon UK, we take immense pride in being a leader in defence and aerospace technology. As an employer, we are dedicated to fuelling innovation, nurturing talent, and fostering a culture of excellence.

Joining our team means being part of an organisation that shapes the future of national security whilst investing in your growth and personal development. We provide a collaborative environment, abundant opportunities for professional development, and a profound sense of purpose in what we do. Together, we are not just advancing technology; we're building a community committed to safeguarding a safer and more connected world.

RTX
Raytheon UK is a landed company and part of the wider RTX organisation. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, USA, but with over 180,000 employees globally across every continent, RTX provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide and comprises three industry-leading businesses - Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon.

Supporting over 35,000 jobs across 13 UK sites, RTX is helping to drive prosperity. Each year our work contributes over £2.7bn to the UK economy and offers a wealth of opportunities to 4,000 suppliers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We're investing in all corners of the country, supporting 29,040 jobs in England, 3,040 in Northern Ireland, 1,900 in Scotland and 1,600 in Wales.

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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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