Penetration Tester (UKTL)
| Posting date: | 16 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 16 July 2026 |
| Location: | Solihull, West Midlands |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | National Physical Laboratory |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | (ID:1553) |
Summary
Dive Deep. Think Differently. Build Secure Systems.
You’re someone who can’t help but ask “What’s really going on under here?”
Whether it’s a telecoms protocol, a complex system, or a bespoke piece of hardware, you’re driven by curiosity — and motivated by making real world technology safer.
Join a collaborative, inclusive team where your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your work has genuine impact. You’ll have the freedom to explore, experiment, and grow, while helping shape the security of next generation networks.
What You’ll Be Doing
Conduct all security assessments within our dedicated in-house lab environment, ensuring safe and controlled testing conditions.
Perform hands-on penetration testing across hardware, software, and telecoms-specific technologies to identify vulnerabilities in complex systems.
Apply both positive and negative testing techniques to rigorously assess network functions, protocols, and system resilience.
Develop scripts and automate testing processes to enhance efficiency, consistency, and repeatability—freeing up time for deeper, high-impact research.
Investigate and analyse security findings, clearly articulating technical risks to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Produce high-quality, actionable technical reports that support remediation and strengthen overall security posture.
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 part of the business you work in.
About You
You’ll thrive here if you:
Have a background in infrastructure, networking, or software development and hands on penetration testing experience (this is not an entry level role).
Enjoy deep technical problem solving and working in complex environments.
Bring new ideas, collaborate well, and support others.
Are passionate about security testing and committed to continuous learning.
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.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you — let’s build something secure together.
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.
You’re someone who can’t help but ask “What’s really going on under here?”
Whether it’s a telecoms protocol, a complex system, or a bespoke piece of hardware, you’re driven by curiosity — and motivated by making real world technology safer.
Join a collaborative, inclusive team where your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your work has genuine impact. You’ll have the freedom to explore, experiment, and grow, while helping shape the security of next generation networks.
What You’ll Be Doing
Conduct all security assessments within our dedicated in-house lab environment, ensuring safe and controlled testing conditions.
Perform hands-on penetration testing across hardware, software, and telecoms-specific technologies to identify vulnerabilities in complex systems.
Apply both positive and negative testing techniques to rigorously assess network functions, protocols, and system resilience.
Develop scripts and automate testing processes to enhance efficiency, consistency, and repeatability—freeing up time for deeper, high-impact research.
Investigate and analyse security findings, clearly articulating technical risks to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Produce high-quality, actionable technical reports that support remediation and strengthen overall security posture.
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 part of the business you work in.
About You
You’ll thrive here if you:
Have a background in infrastructure, networking, or software development and hands on penetration testing experience (this is not an entry level role).
Enjoy deep technical problem solving and working in complex environments.
Bring new ideas, collaborate well, and support others.
Are passionate about security testing and committed to continuous learning.
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.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you — let’s build something secure together.
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.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that 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 Disability Confident.