Principal Cyber Vulnerability Researcher

Are you an experienced cyber security specialist with a passion for reverse engineering, vulnerability research and solving some of the UK's most complex technical challenges?

We are seeking a Principal Cyber Vulnerability Researcher to provide technical leadership in the identification, analysis and exploitation of vulnerabilities across software, hardware and embedded systems. Working at the forefront of cyber research, you will lead high-impact investigations that help inform critical operational decisions, influence future capability development and strengthen national security.

Why join us?

This is a senior technical role where you will apply your expertise in reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment and software analysis to tackle challenging and often ambiguous problems. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, customers and partner organisations, providing authoritative technical advice and delivering robust, evidence-based outcomes.

Alongside leading technical delivery, you will shape research approaches, develop innovative tools and methodologies, and play a key role in mentoring and developing less experienced engineers and researchers.

If you thrive in a highly technical environment, enjoy solving complex problems and want to make a meaningful impact through cutting-edge cyber research, we would like to hear from you.

This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.

What you'll do

• Lead complex cyber vulnerability research activities across software, hardware and embedded systems.
• Conduct software reverse engineering using industry-standard tools and techniques.
• Identify, assess and exploit software vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
• Provide authoritative technical advice and recommendations to a range of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop and improve vulnerability research tools, techniques and methodologies.
• Lead technical investigations and coordinate specialist activities to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Produce clear technical reports, assessments and evidence-based recommendations.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, government customers and external partners.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to engineers and researchers.
• Support the growth of organisational capability through knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Maintain high standards of security, safety and professional conduct in all aspects of work.

Relevant STEM-based degree such as Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics. Individual with equivalent skills qualifications or experience are also actively encouraged to apply.

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

At the application stage, we will assess your submitted application against the essential criteria set out in the job profile.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 16th of November with interviews taking place from the 23rd of November.

Your interview will consist of behavioural and technical competency-based questions. You will also be required to deliver a 10-minute presentation. Further details for the presentation will be provided to candidates invited to interview.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.