Vulnerability Researcher (Hardware Focus) in Gloucester

Vulnerability Researcher (Hardware Focus) in Gloucester

Gloucester Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
R

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct hardware analysis and vulnerability research to tackle emerging cyber threats.
  • Company: Join RTX, a leading aerospace and defence company with a mission to make the world safer.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams and exciting career advancement opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and make a real impact on global security.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hardware development, programming, and analytical problem-solving skills.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

Country: United Kingdom

Location: Gloucester, South Gloucestershire

Position Role Type: Hybrid

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Hybrid role – 3 days a week in the Gloucester office or customer sites. Must already hold SC clearance & be able to gain an eDV clearance.

Role Overview

Raytheon UK’s Cyber Research Group (CRG) is seeking a technically proficient and analytically minded Vulnerability Researcher with experience in hardware analysis to support advanced research and development activities. This role involves conducting in-depth technical investigations, developing prototypes, and contributing to the discovery and analysis of emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Hardware teardowns, characterisations and reverse engineering.
  • Extract and recover data from flash memory including NAND, eMMC and SPI.
  • Conduct side channel attacks such as timing attacks, voltage glitching and power analysis.
  • Conduct vulnerability research against embedded platforms.
  • Design and implement hardware/software rapid prototypes to explore novel cyber capabilities and concepts.
  • Analyse network protocols and system behaviours to identify potential security weaknesses.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver technical solutions and research outcomes.
  • Document findings and methodologies in a clear and structured manner for internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Skills and Experience

  • Hardware development and prototyping, including PCB design and microcontroller programming.
  • Experience extracting data from flash storage ICs.
  • Familiarity with logic analysers and oscilloscopes.
  • Advanced soldering and desoldering experience.
  • Basic understanding of side channel attack techniques (experience not required).
  • Proficiency in at least one programming language such as C, C++, or Python.
  • Good working knowledge of Linux-based systems, including command-line tools and system configuration.
  • Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a methodical and inquisitive approach to technical challenges.

Desirable Experience

  • Reverse engineering using tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Binary Ninja.
  • Vulnerability research, including exploit development and mitigation bypass techniques.
  • Embedded software development for platforms such as ARM Cortex, AVR, or MIPS.
  • Experience with Radio Frequency (RF) systems, Software Defined Radios (SDRs), 2G/4G/5G, including tools like GNU Radio, Osmocom, srsRAN or USRP.
  • Network engineering experience either home lab or professional.

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

Vulnerability Researcher (Hardware Focus) in Gloucester employer: RTX

Raytheon UK is an exceptional employer located in Glenrothes, Fife, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and employee growth. With a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday allowances, a strong pension contribution, and enhanced family-friendly policies, we are committed to nurturing talent and providing meaningful career development opportunities. Join us to be part of a community dedicated to advancing technology for national security while enjoying a fulfilling and supportive work environment.

R

Contact Details:

RTX Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Vulnerability Researcher (Hardware Focus) in Gloucester

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 RTX, 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 RTX

Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at RTX. 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 Vulnerability Researcher (Hardware Focus) in Gloucester

Hardware Analysis
Reverse Engineering
Data Extraction from Flash Memory
Side Channel Attack Techniques
Vulnerability Research
Prototyping
Network Protocol Analysis

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

How to prepare for a job interview at RTX

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 RTX 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 RTX.

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.