iOS Team Lead, Security Research Engineer

L3Harris Trenchant’s expertise is the by-product of the L3Harris acquisition of two highly-regarded information security businesses – Azimuth Security and Linchpin Labs. United under Trenchant, we are a key component of L3Harris’ Intelligence and Cyber International Division. We are a trusted, discrete partner furnishing security products, consultancy, training and integration services to allied security, defense, and law enforcement agencies. We are seeking an accomplished and collaborative Team Lead to guide an advanced offensive security research team. You will drive research strategy, foster knowledge sharing, mentor talented security researchers, and ensure the team remains at the forefront of vulnerability discovery and exploit development across cutting-edge platforms.

Essential Functions

• Lead a high-performing team of offensive security researchers, supporting professional development and team wellbeing through regular video check-ins.
• Facilitate regular and transparent communication via weekly and event-driven status updates covering achievements, challenges, team needs, and research progress.
• Create a collaborative and supportive team environment by promoting documentation, knowledge sharing, and technical presentations.
• Organize and lead engaging weekly team calls for resource sharing, brainstorming research directions, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Mentor junior researchers and new hires, supporting strong onboarding, continuous learning, and ongoing professional growth.
• Manage technical recruitment activities, including interviewing and evaluating candidates.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and communicate outcomes to leadership.
• Plan and manage the team’s budget, covering travel, training and conference opportunities.
• Attend leadership meetings and coordinate cross-team initiatives; align team objectives with organizational priorities.

Technical Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the identification, analysis, and exploitation of vulnerabilities in modern operating systems, kernel components, and complex software ecosystems.
• Direct research in reverse engineering, proof‑of‑concept exploit development, and bypassing advanced security mitigations.
• Set technical priorities for the team, balancing current research objectives with exploration of new attack surfaces and technologies.
• Ensure research stays current with evolving attack techniques, mitigations, and emerging technologies.
• Encourage dissemination and publication of impactful research and adaptive approaches to industry‑wide software/security updates.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading or mentoring technical teams in offensive security or vulnerability research.
• Extensive track record of iOS vulnerability research and exploitation on modern devices and chipsets.
• Strong understanding of recent iOS mitigations such as Pointer Authentication Codes (PAC), Secure Page Table Monitor (SPTM), and Memory Integrity Extension (MIE).
• Advanced expertise in vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, and exploit development within the iOS operating system or platform.
• Strong programming skills, including proficiency in C, C++, and low‑level assembly.
• Familiarity with industry‑standard toolsets for reverse engineering and debugging.
• Excellent organisational, communication and team‑building skills.
• Demonstrated history of impactful security research (e.g., advisories, assigned CVEs or technical publications).

Benefits

• Bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with long service and the opportunity to buy/sell up to 5 days
• Private medical insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme up to 8% employer contribution
• Life Assurance 4× salary (flexible up to 10×)
• Group income protection
• Flexible opt‑in extras such as a health‑care cash plan, dental insurance, gym membership, critical illness cover, cycle‑to‑work scheme, travel insurance and electric car scheme
• Employee Family Assistance Program providing mental health and wellbeing support

Important To Know

Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the right to work in the UK, eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to government security checks. L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities for all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.