Senior Cyber Data, Protocol and Network Analysis Engineer

Dstl; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dstl is seeking a senior cyber/engineering professional to join a highly skilled team in the UK. You will apply software, networking and data analysis to understand and exploit complex systems, generating actionable insights for national security and defence outcomes.

You will mentor colleagues, influence technical directions and collaborate with experts to deliver impactful analyses for government stakeholders.

Qualifications

• This role requires a STEM degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with programming in Python or C/C++ is essential.
• Solid understanding of computer networking and protocols.
• Experience with Linux and command-line environments.
• Proven analytical skills to gather and interpret multi-source data.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience mentoring or leading multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze communications, networks, devices and digital systems to generate technical intelligence and actionable insights.
• Investigate protocols and how they operate across architectures and platforms.
• Examine data from network captures, wireless interfaces and system stores.
• Develop analytical tools, scripts and bespoke techniques for complex problems.
• Identify system behaviours and opportunities to improve understanding and security.
• Produce clear technical reports for diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions.
• Lead technical activities and support project delivery.
• Mentor colleagues and promote best practice across the team.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, safety and security.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Networking

Linux

Analytical thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Team leadership

Curiosity

Education

BSc in CS/Engineering

Tools

Wireshark

Ghidra

010 Editor

Job description

Join a highly skilled cyber and engineering team at Dstl, where you will apply your technical expertise to understand, analyse and exploit complex communications, networks and digital systems. Working at the forefront of cyber and data analysis, you will investigate how devices, protocols and network technologies operate, helping to generate insights that support critical national security and defence outcomes.

This role is ideal for an experienced engineer with a naturally inquisitive mindset who enjoys solving difficult technical problems and uncovering how systems work beneath the surface. You will analyse a broad range of communication technologies, from traditional networks and wireless protocols through to embedded systems and specialised data interfaces.

As a senior member of the team, you will contribute to the development of innovative analytical techniques, mentor less experienced colleagues and influence technical direction through high-quality analysis and clear communication. You will work alongside experts from a range of disciplines, collaborating to address complex challenges and deliver impactful outcomes for government and defence stakeholders.

The role offers the opportunity to apply software, networking, data analysis and systems engineering skills within a unique environment where curiosity, innovation and technical excellence are highly valued.

Why join us?

This role is ideal for an experienced engineer with a naturally inquisitive mindset who enjoys solving difficult technical problems and uncovering how systems work beneath the surface. You will analyse a broad range of communication technologies, from traditional networks and wireless protocols through to embedded systems and specialised data interfaces.

As a senior member of the team, you will contribute to the development of innovative analytical techniques, mentor less experienced colleagues and influence technical direction through high-quality analysis and clear communication. You will work alongside experts from a range of disciplines, collaborating to address complex challenges and deliver impactful outcomes for government and defence stakeholders.

The role offers the opportunity to apply software, networking, data analysis and systems engineering skills within a unique environment where curiosity, innovation and technical excellence are highly valued.

What you'll do;

• Analyse communications, networks, devices and digital systems to generate technical intelligence and actionable insights.
• Investigate communication protocols and understand how they operate across different network architectures and platforms.
• Examine data from a variety of sources, including network captures, wireless communications, embedded device interfaces and system data stores.
• Develop and apply analytical tools, scripts and bespoke techniques to solve complex technical challenges.
• Identify system behaviours, vulnerabilities and opportunities to improve understanding of technologies and their operation.
• Produce clear, authoritative technical reports and communicate complex findings to a range of stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions to challenging problems.
• Lead technical activities, support project delivery and contribute to shaping future analytical capabilities.
• Coach and mentor colleagues, sharing knowledge and promoting best practice across the team.
• Contribute to a positive culture of continuous improvement, innovation, safety and security.

• What we're looking for

• A degree in a STEM discipline such as Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or Embedded Systems, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience using at least one programming language such as Python, C or C++.
• A strong understanding of computer networking and an interest in analysing communication protocols.
• Experience working with Linux operating systems and command-line environments.
• Practical experience using data, packet or binary analysis tools such as Wireshark, Ghidra or 010 Editor.
• A basic understanding of electronics and hardware technologies.
• Experience solving complex technical problems by gathering, analysing and interpreting information from multiple sources.
• A demonstrable curiosity for understanding how technologies work, including communications, data storage and interactions between system components.
• Experience working within or leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience coaching, mentoring or supporting the development of others