At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security assessments and conduct hands-on penetration testing in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, access to training platforms, and industry-recognised certifications.
- Other info: Great work-life balance with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the security of next-generation networks while mentoring others.
- Qualifications: Experience in penetration testing and a passion for continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
Successful applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week. We strive to offer a great work‑life balance. If 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 the part of the business you work in.
You’ll Thrive If You
- Have 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).
- Whether you already have knowledge of telecoms protocols such as Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, and NGAP, or can learn them quickly, we’ll support your growth every step of the way.
- Are disability confident.
Disability Confident Employer
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant who declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. In certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people. For more details please go to the company website.
Benefits & Growth
You’ll gain access to leading training platforms and work towards industry‑recognised certifications, helping you continuously develop your expertise. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you – let’s build something secure together.
Senior Penetration Tester (UKTL) in Solihull employer: National Physical Laboratory
Join a forward-thinking company in Birmingham that values curiosity and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise in penetration testing is not only recognised but also nurtured. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to leading training platforms and the opportunity to mentor junior team members, all while enjoying a flexible work-life balance tailored to your needs. This is a place where your ideas matter, and you can make a real impact on the security of next-generation networks.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Penetration Tester (UKTL) in Solihull
✨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 National Physical Laboratory, 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 National Physical Laboratory
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at National Physical Laboratory. 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 Senior Penetration Tester (UKTL) in Solihull
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 National Physical Laboratory 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 National Physical Laboratory that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨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 National Physical Laboratory 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 National Physical Laboratory.
✨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.