Senior Vulnerability Researcher in Kingswood

Senior Vulnerability Researcher in Kingswood

Kingswood Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Prattwhitney

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Dive into hardware and software analysis to uncover security vulnerabilities and innovate solutions.
  • Company: Join Raytheon UK’s Cyber Research Group, a leader in cybersecurity innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 37-hour week, 25 days holiday, and flexible benefits including private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth and volunteering opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while working with cutting-edge technologies and a collaborative team.
  • Qualifications: Proficient in programming languages and reverse engineering tools; analytical mindset required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Raytheon UK’s Cyber Research Group (CRG) is seeking a highly skilled and analytically driven Senior Vulnerability Researcher to support advanced research and development initiatives. The role will be based at our Gloucester site, working in a hybrid capacity (three days on site per week). Candidates must be eligible and willing to gain Security Compartmented (SC) and Enhanced Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform hardware and software teardowns, characterisation, and reverse engineering.
  • Conduct detailed analysis of platforms to identify security weaknesses, bugs, and potential exploits.
  • Examine network protocols and system behaviours to uncover vulnerabilities.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver innovative technical solutions and research outcomes.
  • Produce clear, structured documentation of findings, methodologies, and recommendations for both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Develop hardware and firmware prototypes, including PCB design and microcontroller programming.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Proficiency in at least one programming language (C, C++, Python).
  • Familiarity with assembly language (reading or writing).
  • Experience in reverse engineering using tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Binary Ninja.
  • Strong knowledge of Linux‑based systems, including command‑line tools and system configuration.
  • Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills with a methodical and inquisitive approach to technical challenges.
  • Solid understanding of network protocols.
  • Ability to rapidly learn and adapt to new technologies and domains.

Desirable Experience

  • Proven track record of identifying, analysing, and reporting vulnerabilities in complex systems.
  • Experience using or developing fuzzers.
  • Practical experience emulating hardware platforms with QEMU or similar tools to support security research and analysis.
  • Embedded software development for platforms such as ARM Cortex, AVR, or MIPS.
  • Familiarity with Radio Frequency (RF) systems and Software Defined Radios (SDRs), including 2G/4G/5G technologies and tools such as GNU Radio, Osmocom, srsRAN, or USRP.
  • Network engineering experience (professional or home lab).

Benefits and Work Culture

  • 37‑hour working week with early finish Fridays.
  • 25 days holiday plus statutory public holidays, with the opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days.
  • 10 paid days volunteering.
  • 10.5% company pension contribution with 6% employee contribution.
  • Annual company bonus scheme (discretionary).
  • Private medical insurance (grade dependent).
  • Six times salary life assurance with pension.
  • Flexible benefits scheme with extensive salary sacrifice options, including Health Cashplan, Dental, and Cycle to Work.
  • Enhanced sick pay.
  • Enhanced family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Senior Vulnerability Researcher in Kingswood employer: Prattwhitney

Raytheon UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Gloucester where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides extensive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, flexible working arrangements, and a robust pension scheme, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. Join us to be part of cutting-edge research that not only challenges your skills but also contributes to meaningful advancements in cybersecurity.

Prattwhitney

Contact Details:

Prattwhitney Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Vulnerability Researcher in Kingswood

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 Prattwhitney, 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 Prattwhitney

Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Prattwhitney. 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 Vulnerability Researcher in Kingswood

Reverse Engineering
Hardware and Software Teardowns
Network Protocol Analysis
Programming (C, C++, Python)
Assembly Language Proficiency
Linux Systems Knowledge
Analytical Skills

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 Prattwhitney 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 Prattwhitney that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.

How to prepare for a job interview at Prattwhitney

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 Prattwhitney 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 Prattwhitney.

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.