At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security assessments and conduct hands-on penetration testing in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to building secure systems.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, access to training platforms, and industry-recognised certifications.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on next-generation networks while mentoring future security specialists.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in penetration testing and a passion for continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Dive Deep. Make an Impact. Build Secure Systems. You’re driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how things really work — and how they can be made more secure. Whether dissecting telecoms protocols, exploring enterprise systems, or analysing hardware, you take a hands‑on, analytical approach to solving complex challenges. In this role, you’ll join a collaborative and inclusive team where your expertise is valued, your ideas are heard, and your work directly contributes to strengthening real‑world systems. You’ll have the freedom to explore, experiment, and grow — while helping shape the security of next‑generation networks. As a senior member of the team, you’ll also play an important role in supporting and mentoring others, helping to develop the next generation of security testing specialists.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and deliver security assessments across complex hardware, software, and telecoms systems.
- Conduct hands‑on penetration testing within a dedicated in‑house lab environment, ensuring safe and controlled testing.
- Apply advanced testing techniques — including both positive and negative approaches (e.g. fuzzing) — to rigorously assess network functions and protocols.
- Identify, investigate, and clearly articulate vulnerabilities and security risks to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Develop scripts and automate testing processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
- Produce high‑quality, insightful technical reports that support remediation and strengthen security posture.
- Mentor and support junior team members through hands‑on guidance and knowledge sharing.
- Contribute to the development of test strategies and help shape the direction of security assessments.
Requirements
- Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week.
- 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.
- To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.
What You’ll Thrive In
- Strong experience in penetration testing, with a solid understanding of exploitation techniques and how they apply in real‑world environments.
- Enjoy deep technical problem solving and working across complex, evolving systems.
- Bring a collaborative mindset — sharing knowledge, supporting others, and contributing fresh ideas.
- Are passionate about security testing and committed to continuous learning and staying ahead of emerging threats.
- Have a background in areas such as networking, infrastructure, software development, or telecoms (preferred but not essential).
What You’ll Learn
You’ll bring solid experience — and we’ll help you take it even further. Whether you already have knowledge of telecoms protocols such as Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, and NGAP, or demonstrate a strong ability to learn them quickly, we’ll support your growth every step of the way. You’ll gain access to leading training platforms and work towards industry‑recognised certifications, helping you continuously develop your expertise.
Benefits
We strive to offer a great work life balance. Whether 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.
Senior Penetration Tester in Birmingham employer: National Physical Laboratory
Join a forward-thinking company in Birmingham that values curiosity and collaboration, where your expertise as a Senior Penetration Tester will directly impact the security of next-generation networks. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance and offers flexible working options, alongside opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth through access to leading training platforms and industry-recognised certifications. As a senior member of the team, you'll not only enhance your skills but also play a vital role in mentoring the next generation of security specialists.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Penetration Tester in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. Connecting with fellow penetration testers can lead to job opportunities and insider tips that you won’t find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects, including any scripts or tools you've developed. This hands-on evidence of your expertise can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by practising common penetration testing scenarios. Use platforms like Hack The Box or TryHackMe to sharpen your skills and get comfortable explaining your thought process to interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make an impact in security. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Penetration Tester in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity:When writing your application, let your curiosity shine through! Share specific examples of how you've explored complex systems or tackled challenging security issues. We love seeing that analytical mindset in action!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in penetration testing and any specific techniques you’ve used. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on those technical details!
Communicate Clearly:Remember, you’ll need to articulate vulnerabilities to both technical and non-technical audiences. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your penetration testing skills and techniques. Familiarise yourself with the latest tools and methodologies, especially those related to telecoms protocols like Diameter and HTTP/2. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your passion and expertise.
✨Show Your Curiosity
During the interview, demonstrate your analytical approach by discussing past experiences where you dissected complex systems. Share specific examples of challenges you faced and how you tackled them. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and your drive to understand how things work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Be prepared to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Practice articulating vulnerabilities and security risks in a way that’s easy to understand. This skill is crucial as you'll need to produce insightful reports and mentor junior team members.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working within a team, highlight your collaborative mindset. Share examples of how you've supported others or contributed fresh ideas in previous roles. This will show that you're not just a lone wolf but someone who values teamwork and knowledge sharing.