Senior Cyber Vulnerability Researcher

Dstl; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dstl is seeking a Senior Cyber Vulnerability Researcher to join a specialist team delivering vulnerability research, reverse engineering and technical analysis. In this role you will analyse software, firmware and embedded systems, identify vulnerabilities, assess risks and provide evidence-based assessments for critical decision-making.

You will lead technical work, mentor colleagues, create new tools and contribute to work of national importance.

Qualifications

• Degree in a STEM subject or equivalent experience.
• Experience using reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra or IDA.
• Experience applying static and dynamic analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of ARM or x86 assembly language.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++.
• Understanding of common software vulnerabilities.
• Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary teams.
• Coaching, mentoring and supporting others' development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct software reverse engineering, vulnerability research and technical assessments across software, hardware and embedded systems.
• Apply static and dynamic analysis techniques to understand system functionality and identify vulnerabilities.
• Investigate emerging technologies and capabilities to understand risks, opportunities and mitigations.
• Provide authoritative technical advice and evidence-based assessments to customers and stakeholders.
• Develop and enhance tools, techniques and methodologies to improve vulnerability research capability.
• Lead technical work packages and coordinate complex research activities to time and quality targets.
• Produce clear technical reports and briefings for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and partner organisations to solve challenging technical problems.
• Mentor and support the development of less experienced engineers and researchers.

Skills

Reverse engineering

Static analysis

Dynamic analysis

C/C++ programming

ARM/x86 assembly

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Mentoring

Education

STEM degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Job description

Are you passionate about understanding how software and systems really work? Do you enjoy taking apart complex technologies, uncovering vulnerabilities and solving challenging technical problems that others cannot?

Why join us?

Dstl is seeking a Senior Cyber Vulnerability Researcher to join a specialist team delivering world-class vulnerability research, reverse engineering and technical analysis in support of national security and defence outcomes. In this role, you will apply advanced technical skills to analyse software, firmware and embedded systems, identifying vulnerabilities, assessing risks and providing expert advice that directly informs critical decision‑making.

Working alongside experts from a range of scientific, engineering and cyber disciplines, you will investigate complex technologies, develop innovative research techniques and contribute to some of the most challenging technical problems in the cyber domain. You will combine deep technical expertise with strong analytical thinking to understand system behaviour, identify weaknesses and develop evidence-based assessments that stand up to rigorous scrutiny.

As a senior member of the team, you will also help shape future capability, providing technical leadership, mentoring colleagues and sharing knowledge to strengthen the organisation's cyber research expertise. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of cyber vulnerability research while contributing to work of national importance.

What you’ll do;

• Conduct software reverse engineering, vulnerability research and technical assessments across software, hardware and embedded systems.
• Apply static and dynamic analysis techniques to understand system functionality and identify vulnerabilities.
• Investigate emerging technologies, products and capabilities to understand technical risks, opportunities and potential mitigations.
• Provide authoritative technical advice and evidence-based assessments to customers and stakeholders.
• Develop and enhance tools, techniques and methodologies to improve vulnerability research capability and efficiency.
• Lead technical work packages and coordinate complex research activities, ensuring high‑quality outputs are delivered to agreed standards and timescales.
• Produce clear technical reports, briefings and documentation for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and partner organisations to solve complex technical challenges.
• Mentor and support the development of less experienced engineers and researchers, helping to build organisational capability.

What we’re looking for

• A degree in a STEM subject such as Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics, or equivalent experience.
• Experience using reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra or IDA.
• Practical experience applying static and dynamic analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of at least one assembly language such as ARM or x86.
• Strong programming skills in C and/or C++.
• A sound understanding of common software vulnerabilities and experience identifying them.
• Experience solving complex technical problems and making robust technical assessments from incomplete or disparate information.
• Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary teams delivering challenging technical outcomes.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and supporting the development of others.
• Excellent analytical, communication and problem‑solving skills.