Operational Cyber Researcher

Salary: £100,000 - 100,000 per year

Requirements:

• We are looking for experienced researchers who can investigate a wide range of systems and technologies, with a focus on discovering and exploiting weaknesses in their design or implementation.
• We need familiarity with a variety of tools such as IDEs, debuggers, source control, Ghidra, FRIDA, Wireshark, and VMs.
• We need familiarity with techniques such as fuzzing, scripting, and code injection.
• We need an intermediate to advanced understanding of computing principles such as stack/heap distinction and compiled/interpreted languages.
• We need proficiency with at least one programming language and the ability to perform scripting or rapid prototype development.
• We need the ability to use and configure more than one major operating system.
• We need the ability to pick up new languages and technologies easily.
• We need the ability to communicate technical topics to a variety of audiences, including non-technical audiences, through presentations and technical reports.
• We need experience working with teams and leading technical tasks.
• Desirable experience includes network traffic analysis, reverse engineering, vulnerability analysis, exploit development, and modern cryptography.
• This role is subject to security restrictions, and you must be eligible to work in the UK and be able to successfully achieve an eDV UK security clearance.

Responsibilities:

• We systematically deconstruct a wide range of technologies and protocols to perform exploratory research and assessment.
• We carry out experimental development, including creating prototypes and simulations.
• We work in teams to deliver high-quality reports.
• We develop junior team members through mentorship and collaboration.
• We quickly assess new domains and technologies and choose the most suitable tools and methodologies.
• We identify vulnerabilities and prioritise research areas that deliver the most value to our customers.
• We apply vulnerability assessment and penetration-testing techniques.
• We contribute to mission-changing capability for our customers across a wide variety of platforms and technologies.

Technologies:

• Cryptography
• Support
• Network
• Security

More:

We are BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts working collaboratively across 10 countries to collect, connect and understand complex data so that governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses can unlock digital advantage in the most demanding environments. This Operational Cyber Researcher role is based in London and sits within our Operational Cyber Group, a team of industry-leading experts in high-assurance development, research, reverse engineering, and vulnerability research focused on national security. We offer a dedicated training budget in your first year, with support for major cybersecurity conferences and specialist training, plus a flexible benefits package that includes private medical and dental insurance, a competitive pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, childcare vouchers, discount cards, and more. Work-life balance matters to us, so we offer part-time or flexible working, at least 25 days of holiday per year, and additional leave for Reservist and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer duties. We are a supportive, inclusive and friendly team with hybrid working, clear career progression pathways, mentorship, ongoing training, and a strong commitment to diversity, wellbeing, and reasonable adjustments.

last updated 34 week of 2026