Led by theDepartment forScience, Innovation and Technology,the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), announced in October 2022, will give the UK the cutting-edge technology to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of 5G,and grow our brilliant telecoms sector by bringing in new entrants to diversify the supply chain market.Read more about the UKTLhere!
Successful candidates will have a unique experience working on or supporting the latest ground-breaking cyber security and networking technologies on a national and international scale. This opportunity will allow those involved to have first-hand exposure to the latest technologies via the research and development that we are undertaking to secure our telecommunications networks, in order to keep the UK the safest place to live and do business online. It also gives exposure to senior government department officials, communications industry leaders and academic professionals, all key stakeholders in the work of UKTL as you help UKTLs leaders to coordinate meetings and briefings.
As a trusted and independent national capability, the UKTL will interact at the intersection of standards bodies, such as 3GPP, the National Cyber Security Centre and the wider UK intelligence community, academia, Ofcom, as well as Communications Service Providers and telecommunication equipment vendors.
You will be part of a small team of Security Testers, tackling some of the most interesting cyber problems with a meaningful and tangible impact on the national security of the UK. You will be supported by Lab Engineers who will setup and maintain the equipment on site as well as by Software Developers for building/maturing bespoke tooling and improving/scaling testing. You will work closely with the UKTL Vulnerability Research team who will consult on and feed into our testing.
You will be instrumental in standing up an industry-leading security facility. You will be conducting security evaluations to look for new and existing vulnerabilities in the hardware, software and platforms which underpin the UKs critical networks.
Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham with the possibility of hybrid working.
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.
Required skills and experience
- Perform security testing of hardware and software components that make up modern IT and telecoms networks.
- Carry out positive and negative testing, and fuzzing of complex network functions and protocols.
- Knowledge and experience of protocols used in Telecoms networks (e.g. Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, NGAP, etc.) or other protocols with an aptitude to learn.
- Develop or script instrumentation and other test tooling for automated assessment of components.
- Design and implement new security testing capabilities and techniques.
- Analyse and communicate findings, weaknesses and results from testing.
- Deliver comprehensive and high-quality technical reports, outlining technical risk and impact of each identified finding.
- Contribute to a vibrant and inclusive team of security evaluation specialists where success often comes from teamwork and a diverse approach to solving problems.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.
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. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.However, to work in this role within UKTL, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SCclearance.
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.
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 hold memberships and accreditations to ensure were creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see ourDiversity & Inclusionpage.
To ensure everyone has an equal chance, were always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, pleasecontact us.
What we offer:
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Pension scheme with a minimum 5% employer contribution (12% employer contribution if you elect to contribute 6%)
- Performance related pay review in 2025 (non-contractual)
- Employee assistance programme
- Interest free loans (Up to £5k for season ticket loans, house purchase deposit)
- + Much more
