National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Cybersecurity Tester/Researcher
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About the Role
Salary for UKTL specialist roles are benchmarked against the external market and may include additional compensation to recognise in-demand technical expertise.
Dive Deep. Think Differently. Build Secure Systems.
You’re someone who can’t help but ask “What’s really going on under here?”
Whether it’s a telecoms protocol, a complex system, or a bespoke piece of hardware, you’re driven by curiosity — and motivated by making real world technology safer.
Join a collaborative, inclusive team where your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your work has genuine impact. You’ll have the freedom to explore, experiment, and grow, while helping shape the security of next generation networks.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Conduct all security assessments within our dedicated in-house lab environment, ensuring safe and controlled testing conditions.
- Perform hands-on penetration testing across hardware, software, and telecoms-specific technologies to identify vulnerabilities in complex systems.
- Apply both positive and negative testing techniques to rigorously assess network functions, protocols, and system resilience.
- Develop scripts and automate testing processes to enhance efficiency, consistency, and repeatability—freeing up time for deeper, high-impact research.
- Investigate and analyse security findings, clearly articulating technical risks to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Produce high-quality, actionable technical reports that support remediation and strengthen overall security posture.
Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week
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
You’ll thrive here if you:
- Have a background in infrastructure, networking, or software development and hands on penetration testing experience (this is not an entry level role).
- Enjoy deep technical problem solving and working in complex environments.
- Bring new ideas, collaborate well, and support others.
- Are passionate about security testing and committed to continuous learning.
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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.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you — let’s build something secure together.
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. 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.
Read more about UKTL here!
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.
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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 what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview
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.
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here 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.
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