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Cybersecurity Tester/Researcher

UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) • Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, England, United Kingdom

onsitefull-time
Posted Sep 16, 2026Apply by Oct 16, 2026

**Role & seniority: ** Security-focused Penetration Tester / Security Assessor (hands-on; not entry-level), likely mid-level (seniority not explicitly stated)

**Stack/tools: **

  • Pen-testing and assessment tools (unspecified)

  • Automation/scripting for testing (languages/tools not specified)

  • Telecoms/network/protocol knowledge: Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, NGAP (plus ability to learn)

  • In-house lab environment for controlled assessments

  • Top 3 responsibilities:

    • Conduct security assessments and hands-on penetration tests across hardware, software, and telecoms technologies

    • Use positive and negative testing to evaluate network functions, protocols, and resilience

    • Automate testing workflows and produce actionable technical reports with risk analysis for technical + non-technical stakeholders

  • Must-have skills:

    • Background in infrastructure, networking, or software development

    • Hands-on penetration testing experience

    • Ability to analyze findings and write high-quality technical reports

    • Strong deep technical problem-solving in complex environments

    • SC clearance (or ability to obtain; cannot start until granted)

    • Commute to Birmingham (UKTL) at least 2x/week

  • Nice-to-haves:

    • Prior experience with telecoms protocols: Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, NGAP

    • Demonstrated scripting/automation experience for repeatable security testing

Full Description

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.

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.

Penetration TestingSecurity AssessmentHardware SecurityTelecoms ProtocolsScriptingTest AutomationVulnerability IdentificationTechnical ReportingNetwork SecurityInfrastructure SecuritySoftware Developmentmulti-location

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