iOS Team Lead, Security Research Engineer in City of Westminster

L3Harris Trenchant is a key component of L3Harris's Intelligence and Cyber International Division, formed after the acquisition of Azimuth Security and Linchpin Labs. We provide security products, consultancy, training and integration services to allied security, defense and law enforcement agencies. We are seeking a 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.

Leadership Responsibilities

• 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.
• Organise 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 organisational 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 with the opportunity to buy/sell up to 5 days
• Private medical insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme of up to 8% employer contribution
• Life assurance 4x salary (flexible up to 10x)
• 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 Programme providing mental health and well-being support

Eligibility & Security Clearance

Many of our roles require UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must have the right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, subject to government security checks.

Equal Employment Opportunity

L3Harris Technologies is a proud Equal-Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities for all. Applications are encouraged from individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.