Senior Cybersecurity Tester/Researcher

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced pension scheme

Flexible working

Leading training platforms

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) seeks a Senior Security Testing Specialist to lead security assessments across complex systems. You will be responsible for conducting hands-on penetration testing and mentoring junior team members, all within a collaborative work environment.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility, supporting the security of next-generation networks while gaining access to leading training platforms and certifications.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in penetration testing and understanding exploitation techniques.
• Collaborative mindset and passion for security testing.
• Background in networking, infrastructure, software development, or telecoms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead security assessments across hardware, software, and telecom systems.
• Conduct hands-on penetration testing in a lab environment.
• Identify and articulate vulnerabilities to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to testing strategy development.

Skills

Penetration testing

Exploit techniques

Technical problem solving

Collaboration

Continuous learning

Job description

About the Role

You’re driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how things really work — and how they can be made more secure. Whether dissecting telecoms protocols, exploring enterprise systems, or analysing hardware, you take a hands‑on, analytical approach to solving complex challenges.

In this role, you’ll join a collaborative and inclusive team where your expertise is valued, your ideas are heard, and your work directly contributes to strengthening real‑world systems. You’ll have the freedom to explore, experiment, and grow — while helping shape the security of next‑generation networks.

As a senior member of the team, you’ll also play an important role in supporting and mentoring others, helping to develop the next generation of security testing specialists.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver security assessments across complex hardware, software, and telecoms systems.
• Conduct hands‑on penetration testing within a dedicated in‑house lab environment, ensuring safe and controlled testing.
• Apply advanced testing techniques — including both positive and negative approaches (e.g. fuzzing) — to rigorously assess network functions and protocols.
• Identify, investigate, and clearly articulate vulnerabilities and security risks to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Develop scripts and automate testing processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
• Produce high‑quality, insightful technical reports that support remediation and strengthen security posture.
• Mentor and support junior team members through hands‑on guidance and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the development of test strategies and help shape the direction of security assessments.

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

Benefits and Working Arrangements

We strive to offer a great work‑life balance – if you are looking for full‑time, part‑time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

• Have strong experience in penetration testing, with a solid understanding of exploitation techniques and how they apply in real‑world environments.
• Enjoy deep technical problem solving and working across complex, evolving systems.
• Bring a collaborative mindset — sharing knowledge, supporting others, and contributing fresh ideas.
• Are passionate about security testing and committed to continuous learning and staying ahead of emerging threats.
• Have a background in areas such as networking, infrastructure, software development, or telecoms (preferred but not essential).

What You’ll Learn

• You’ll bring solid experience — and we’ll help you take it even further.
• Whether you already have knowledge of telecoms protocols such as Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, and NGAP, or demonstrate a strong ability to learn them quickly, we’ll support your growth every step of the way.
• You’ll gain access to leading training platforms and work towards industry‑recognised certifications, helping you continuously develop your expertise.

About Us

UKTL is building leading‑edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll‑out of new technologies, and grow our world‑leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security. Successful candidates will join a state‑of‑the‑art facility and be supporting 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’s 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, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.

Diversity & Inclusion

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found in our rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.

Read more about UKTL

To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.