At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative cyber projects and deliver cutting-edge software solutions.
- Company: Dstl, a leader in defence and national security technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, specialist allowances, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber engineering while shaping the future of national security.
- Qualifications: Degree in STEM or equivalent experience; strong software development skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
Dstl is seeking a Principal Cyber Engineer to provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of cyber projects, helping to shape and deliver capabilities that support critical defence and national security outcomes.
Working alongside highly skilled engineers, scientists and operational stakeholders, you will influence technical direction, solve complex engineering problems and lead the delivery of cutting-edge cyber capabilities.
This is a senior technical role offering the opportunity to work at the forefront of cyber capability development.
You will be responsible for defining technical approaches, shaping architecture decisions and ensuring the delivery of secure, resilient and effective solutions.
You'll work across multidisciplinary teams, integrating innovative technologies and providing trusted technical advice that influences customer decisions and future investment priorities.
Beyond technical delivery, you'll play a key role in developing organisational capability through mentoring, coaching and knowledge sharing, while driving continuous improvement in engineering practices, tools and ways of working.
If you have a passion for cyber engineering, technical leadership and delivering innovative solutions that make a real operational impact, we'd love 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.
Job description
What you'll do
- Lead the design, development and delivery of innovative cyber capabilities, software solutions and technical prototypes.
- Provide technical leadership across complex cyber engineering activities and programmes.
- Shape technical strategies, architectures and engineering approaches to ensure solutions are secure, effective and sustainable.
- Apply expertise in software engineering, cyber technologies and secure development practices to solve challenging technical problems.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and integrate advanced cyber technologies.
- Influence and advise customers, stakeholders and decision-makers through evidence-based technical recommendations.
- Drive the delivery of technical outputs to agreed time, cost and quality requirements.
- Champion engineering excellence by improving tools, processes, standards and ways of working.
- Mentor, coach and support the development of less experienced engineers.
- Monitor emerging technologies and industry developments, identifying opportunities to enhance Dstl's cyber capabilities.
- Ensure work is carried out safely, securely and in accordance with organisational policies and governance requirements.
Person specification
What we're looking for
Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant STEM discipline, such as Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Physics or Mathematics, or equivalent professional experience.
- Technical Skills and Knowledge
- Strong software development experience using modern programming languages such as Python, C, C++, Java, Go or Rust.
- Experience developing innovative prototypes, proof-of-concept solutions and technical demonstrators.
- Experience using Linux operating systems and software development toolchains.
- Experience using version control systems such as Git within collaborative development environments.
- Understanding of system vulnerabilities and cyber security principles.
- Ability to provide technical leadership across complex engineering activities while balancing quality, security and risk considerations.
Experience
- Significant experience leading complex software development or cyber engineering activities within engineering, scientific, technical or operational environments.
- Experience solving complex and ambiguous technical problems and making informed decisions using multiple sources of information.
- Experience translating customer and stakeholder requirements into practical technical solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.
- Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and delivering successful technical outcomes.
- Experience influencing technical direction and providing authoritative technical advice to stakeholders.
Principal Cyber Engineer in Salisbury employer: Dstl
Dstl is an excellent employer for Animal Technicians, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises high welfare standards and regulatory compliance in defence research. With structured training and opportunities for professional development towards recognised qualifications, employees can expect meaningful growth in their careers while enjoying competitive benefits, including a skill-set allowance and additional pay for on-call duties.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Cyber Engineer in Salisbury
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Dstl, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Dstl
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Dstl. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Cyber Engineer in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Dstl insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Dstl that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dstl
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Dstl to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Dstl.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
