Principal Vulnerability Researcher

RTX Corporation; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX Corporation in Gloucester is seeking a security research engineer to perform hardware and software teardowns, reverse engineering, and in-depth analysis of platforms to uncover weaknesses and potential exploits.

You will examine network protocols, document methodologies, and contribute to technical briefs for stakeholders. The role demands strong programming in C/C++, Python, and assembly, with Linux proficiency and a track record in vulnerability reporting.

Qualifications

• Perform hardware and software teardowns, characterisation, and reverse engineering.
• Conduct detailed analysis of platforms to identify security weaknesses, bugs, and potential exploits.
• Examine network protocols and system behaviours to uncover vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative technical solutions and research outcomes.
• Produce clear, structured documentation of findings, methodologies, and recommendations for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Support business development efforts, including proposal writing and technical briefings.

Responsibilities

• Perform hardware and software teardowns, characterisation, and reverse engineering.
• Conduct detailed analysis of platforms to identify security weaknesses, bugs, and potential exploits.
• Examine network protocols and system behaviours to uncover vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative technical solutions and research outcomes.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Assembly language

Linux

Reverse engineering

Vulnerability analysis

Problem solving

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

QEMU

GNU Radio

Osmocom

Job description

• Perform hardware and software teardowns, characterisation, and reverse engineering.
• Conduct detailed analysis of platforms to identify security weaknesses, bugs, and potential exploits.
• Examine network protocols and system behaviours to uncover vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative technical solutions and research outcomes.
• Produce clear, structured documentation of findings, methodologies, and recommendations for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Support business development efforts, including proposal writing and technical briefings.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (C, C++, Python).
• Familiarity with assembly language (reading or writing).
• Experience in reverse engineering using tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Binary Ninja.
• Strong knowledge of Linux-based systems, including command-line tools and system configuration.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical and inquisitive approach to technical challenges.
• Solid understanding of network protocols.
• Ability to rapidly learn and adapt to new technologies and domains.
• Proven track record of identifying, analysing, and reporting vulnerabilities in complex systems.

Desirable Experience

• Experience using or developing fuzzers.
• Practical experience emulating hardware platforms with QEMU or similar tools to support security research and analysis.
• Embedded software development for platforms such as ARM Cortex, AVR, or MIPS.
• Familiarity with Radio Frequency (RF) systems and Software Defined Radios (SDRs), including 2G/4G/5G technologies and tools such as GNU Radio, Osmocom, srsRAN, or USRP.
• Network engineering experience (professional or home lab).
• Hardware development and prototyping, including PCB design and microcontroller programming.

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow's threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Hybrid role - 3 days a week in the Gloucester office or customer sites.