The UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), announced in October 2022, will give the UK the cutting-edge technology to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of 5G, and grow our brilliant telecoms sector by bringing in new entrants to diversify the supply chain market.

This role will involve testing the latest and greatest carrier-grade telecoms kit that has just been or is just about to be deployed into the UK. The testing will have an emphasis on security and penetration testing as well as interoperability and relative performance in multi-vendor scenarios.

Successful candidates will get to have a unique experience working on or supporting the latest ground-breaking cyber security and networking technologies on a national and international scale. This opportunity will allow those involved to have first-hand exposure to the latest technologies via the research and development that we are undertaking to secure our telecommunications networks, in order to keep the UK the safest place to live and do business online.

As a trusted and independent national capability, the UKTL will interact at the intersection of standards bodies, such as 3GPP, the National Cyber Security Centre and the wider UK intelligence community, academia, Ofcom, as well as Communications Service Providers and telecommunication equipment vendors.

You will be part of a small team of Security Testers, tackling some of the most interesting cyber problems with a meaningful and tangible impact on the national security of the UK. You will be supported by Lab Engineers who will setup and maintain the equipment on site as well as by Software Developers for building/maturing bespoke tooling and improving/scaling testing. You will work closely with the UKTL Vulnerability Research team who will consult on and feed into our testing.

You will be instrumental in standing up an industry-leading security facility. You will be conducting security evaluations to look for new and existing vulnerabilities in the hardware, software and platforms which underpin the UK’s critical networks. 

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. 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 it is business possible. In addition, there is a wide range of Benefits available to you as an NPL employee.

About You

Required skills and experience

• Perform security testing of hardware and software components that make up modern IT and telecoms networks. 
• Carry out positive and negative testing, and fuzzing of complex network functions and protocols.
• Knowledge and experience of protocols used in Telecoms networks (e.g. Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, NGAP, etc.) or other protocols with an aptitude to learn.
• Develop or script instrumentation and other test tooling for automated assessment of components. 
• Design and implement new security testing capabilities and techniques. 
• Analyse and communicate findings, weaknesses and results from testing. 
• Deliver comprehensive and high-quality technical reports, outlining technical risk and impact of each identified finding. 
• Contribute to a vibrant and inclusive team of security evaluation specialists where success often comes from teamwork and a diverse approach to solving problems. 

We're looking to recruit several staff within UKTL with different levels of experience and backgrounds. So please ensure you review our other roles, should this particular one not be suitable for you. 

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 have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. 

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. 

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

 We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.