Vulnerability Researcher (Hardware Focus)

RTX Corporation; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX Corporation's Cyber Research Group in the UK seeks a Vulnerability Researcher with hardware-analysis experience to support advanced research and development activities. You will conduct in-depth technical investigations, prototype hardware/software, and contribute to threat analysis across embedded platforms.

Role involves hardware prototyping, data extraction from flash ICs, and applying side-channel techniques.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in C/C++ or Python and Linux is required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience with hardware development and prototyping.
• Experience extracting data from flash storage ICs.
• Familiarity with logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Advanced soldering and desoldering experience.

Responsibilities

• Hardware teardowns, data extraction from flash memory (NAND/eMMC/SPI).
• Conduct side-channel attacks (timing, voltage glitching, power analysis).
• Research vulnerabilities on embedded platforms.
• Design/prototype hardware and software to explore cyber capabilities.
• Analyze network protocols and system behavior to identify weaknesses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and document findings clearly.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python

Linux

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Hardware prototyping

Tools

Logic analyzers

Oscilloscopes

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

PCB design tools

Soldering/desoldering

Job description

• Hardware teardowns, characterisations and reverse engineering.
• Extract and recover data from flash memory including NAND, eMMC and SPI.
• Conduct side channel attacks such as timing attacks, voltage glitching and power analysis.
• Conduct vulnerability research against embedded platforms.
• Design and implement hardware/software rapid prototypes to explore novel cyber capabilities and concepts.
• Analyse network protocols and system behaviours to identify potential security weaknesses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver technical solutions and research outcomes.
• Document findings and methodologies in a clear and structured manner for internal and external stakeholders.

Raytheon UK's Cyber Research Group (CRG) is seeking a technically proficient and analytically minded Vulnerability Researcher with experience in hardware analysis to support advanced research and development activities. This role involves conducting in-depth technical investigations, developing prototypes, and contributing to the discovery and analysis of emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

• Hardware development and prototyping, including PCB design and microcontroller programming.
• Experience extracting data from flash storage ICs.
• Familiarity with logic analysers and oscilloscopes.
• Advanced soldering and desoldering experience.
• Basic understanding of side channel attack techniques. (experience not required)
• Proficiency in at least one programming language such as C, C++, or Python.
• Good working knowledge of Linux-based systems, including command-line tools and system configuration.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a methodical and inquisitive approach to technical challenges.

Desirable Experience

• Reverse engineering using tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Binary Ninja.
• Vulnerability research, including exploit development and mitigation bypass techniques.
• Embedded software development for platforms such as ARM Cortex, AVR, or MIPS.
• Experience with Radio Frequency (RF) systems, Software Defined Radios (SDRs), 2G/4G/5G, including tools like GNU Radio, Osmocom, srsRAN or USRP.
• Network engineering experience either home lab or professional.

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.