Senior Penetration Tester

National Physical Laboratory; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier research facility in Birmingham seeks a Security Tester to conduct assessments on complex systems. You will mentor junior staff and apply advanced testing techniques. A passion for security and experience with telecoms protocols is vital. The role offers a flexible environment and a commitment to diverse perspectives.

Benefits

Enhanced pension scheme

Flexible working

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in penetration testing and knowledge of exploitation techniques.
• Experience with telecoms protocols like Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, NGAP.
• Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to emerging threats.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver security assessments across hardware and software systems.
• Mentor junior team members and guide them.
• Apply advanced testing techniques to evaluate network functions.
• Contribute to high-quality technical reports.

Skills

Telecoms protocols knowledge

Penetration testing

Problem-solving

Scripting and automation

Collaboration

Tools

Offensive Security Learn Unlimited

Hack The Box

PentesterLab

Job description

About the Role

Security Testing Role - Dive Deep, Make an Impact. You’re motivated by curiosity and a dedication to excellence. Whether dissecting telecoms protocols or navigating enterprise IT systems, you focus on how things work and how they can be fortified. Your approach is hands-on and analytical, grounded in experience and a clear sense of purpose: making systems more secure and resilient. In this role, you’ll join a collaborative, inclusive team that values expertise, diverse perspectives, and mutual support. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and guide emerging talent, shaping the next generation of penetration testers. We’ll give you the freedom to explore, experiment, and grow while contributing to the development of robust, secure networks with real-world impact.

What Youor You Doing

• As a senior member of the team, shape and deliver security assessments across complex hardware and software systems. Your responsibilities will include:
• Steering technical assessments of telecoms equipment, identifying vulnerabilities and guiding testing activities.
• Mentoring and supporting junior team members, fostering their development through hands-on guidance and knowledge sharing.
• Applying advanced testing techniques, including positive and negative approaches such as fuzzing, to rigorously evaluate network functions and protocols.
• Scripting and automating assessments to enhance efficiency, consistency, and scalability across projects.
• Investigating and articulating findings.
• Contributing to high-quality technical reports, ensuring they are thorough and insightful.
• Collaborating to shape the test strategy and ensure alignment with business goals.

What You Learn

You may bring existing knowledge of telecoms protocols like Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, NGAP, or demonstrate the curiosity and aptitude to learn. We will promote your growth and provide access to top-tier learning platforms, including:

• Offensive Security Learn Unlimited Subscription with Exam attempts included.
• Hack The Box
• PentesterLab subscription
• Plus telecoms-specific online learning resources

Successful applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week.

About You — What Were Looking For

• Were seeking individuals who bring both depth of experience and a collaborative mindset. Ideally, you:
  • Thrive in complex technical environments with a proven ability to dissect and solve challenging problems across diverse systems.
  • Contribute fresh perspectives while working effectively with colleagues across disciplines to drive innovation and shared success.
  • Demonstrate a genuine passion for security testing with a commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of emerging threats.
  • Have hands-on experience in penetration testing with a solid understanding of exploitation techniques and how they apply in real-world scenarios.

Facility and support for the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK world-class telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors. As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, academia, government departments, communications service providers and equipment vendors. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

Find out more about working here. NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of background, gender, race, sexual orientation, or age. We encourage applications from women, disabled and minority ethnic candidates. All disabled candidates who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. We offer a wealth of benefits, including an enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more. We ensure an environment where all colleagues feel supported and welcome and are committed to diversity and inclusion. We strive to provide reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process on request.

Additional Details

• Advertising End Date: 30 Nov 2025
• Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
• Salary: negotiable
• Job Type: Permanent