Principal Cyber Researcher

The Principal Cyber Researcher role at Raytheon UK involves leading innovative research in cybersecurity, focusing on vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, and embedded systems. Candidates should have proficiency in programming languages like C, C++, and Python, along with strong knowledge of Linux systems and networking concepts. The position requires excellent communication skills and a proven track record in managing research projects. This hybrid role offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. As a Principal Cyber Researcher at Raytheon UK, you will lead innovative research in cybersecurity, focusing on vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, and embedded systems. You will design rapid prototypes, analyze network protocols, and manage research teams while contributing to strategic planning and business development efforts.

Date Posted:

2026-03-01

Country:

United Kingdom

Location:

Gloucester, South Gloucestershire

Position Role Type:

Hybrid

Raytheon UK has a perm opportunity for a Principal Cyber Researcher to join our Cyber Research Group (CRG).

As a Principal Cyber Researcher, you will conduct cutting-edge research and development across multiple cyber domains. You’ll drive technical investigations, design rapid prototypes, and uncover emerging threats and vulnerabilities. In addition to hands-on research, you’ll be involved in day-to-day CRG operations, help shape the team’s long-term strategy, and support business development and bidding activities.

You will be based at our Gloucester site, working in a hybrid capacity. Due to the interesting work you will do, you must be eligible and willing to gain SC and enhanced DV clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct deep-dive research in vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, and embedded systems
• Design and build rapid prototypes to validate novel cyber capabilities and concepts
• Analyse network protocols and system behaviours to identify security weaknesses
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver research outcomes and technical solutions
• Document methodologies, findings, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders
• Manage small research teams, track progress, and report to customers
• Contribute to CRG’s strategic planning and operational management
• Support business development efforts, including proposal writing and technical briefings

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, or Python
• Strong working knowledge of Linux-based systems, including command-line tools and system configuration
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Solid understanding of networking concepts and protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, HTTP, ICMP)
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a methodical and inquisitive approach to technical problems
• Experience in rapid prototyping using technologies such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and virtualised environments
• Proven track record of managing research projects from concept through delivery

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Hardware prototyping, PCB design and microcontroller programming.
• Experience using penetration testing or red team tools.
• Reverse engineering using Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja.
• Vulnerability research, including exploit development and mitigation bypass techniques.
• Embedded software development on ARM, AVR, PowerPC or MIPS platforms.
• 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 in home lab or professional environments.

Benefits and Work Culture

• 37hr working week with early finish Fridays - start your weekend early!
• An informal, flexible working culture that is output focused
• 25 days holiday + statutory public holidays, plus opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days and up to 5 paid days volunteering
• 10.5% company pension contribution with 6% employee contribution
• Annual company bonus scheme (discretionary)
• Private Medical Insurance (grade dependent)
• 6 times salary Life Assurance with pension
• Flexible Benefits scheme with extensive salary sacrifice schemes, including Health Cashplan, Dental, and Cycle to Work, amongst others
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave

Raytheon UK

You will be based within the area of the business providing Dev Sec Ops at scale, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, cyber and geospatial intelligence capabilities to support the defence, intelligence and cyber sectors. Collaborating with customers and suppliers to deliver secure, mission critical systems using the latest technologies and innovations.

We take immense pride in being a leader in defence and aerospace technology. As an employer, we are dedicated to fuelling innovation, nurturing talent, and fostering a culture of excellence.

Joining our team means being part of an organisation that shapes the future of national security whilst investing in your growth and personal development. We provide a collaborative environment, abundant opportunities for professional development, and a profound sense of purpose in what we do. Together, we are not just advancing technology; we're building a community committed to safeguarding a safer and more connected world.

RTX

Raytheon UK is a landed company and part of the wider RTX organisation. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, USA, but with over 180,000 employees globally across every continent, RTX provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide and comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon.

Supporting over 35,000 jobs across 13 UK sites, RTX is helping to drive prosperity. Each year our work contributes over £2.7bn to the UK economy and offers a wealth of opportunities to 4,000 suppliers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We’re investing in all corners of the country, supporting 29,040 jobs in England, 3,040 in Northern Ireland, 1,900 in Scotland and 1,600 in Wales.

C&I

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.

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• Date Posted:2026-03-01Country:United Kingdom Location:Gloucester, South Gloucestershire Position Role Type:Hybrid Raytheon UK has a perm opportunity for a Principal Cyber Researcher to join our Cyber Res Responsibilities
• Conduct deep-dive research in vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, and embedded systems.
• Design and build rapid prototypes to validate novel cyber capabilities and concepts.
• Analyze network protocols and system behaviors to identify security weaknesses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver research outcomes and technical solutions.
• Document methodologies, findings, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage small research teams, track progress, and report to customers.
• Contribute to CRG’s strategic planning and operational management.
• Support business development efforts, including proposal writing and technical briefings. Skills
• C++ - Python
• Linux
• Networking
• TCP/IP - UDP - DNS - HTTP - ICMP - Rapid Prototyping
• Embedded Systems
• Reverse Engineering
• Vulnerability Discovery
• Penetration Testing
• Ghidra
• IDA Pro
• Binary Ninja
• Raspberry Pi
• Arduino
• Software Defined Radio
• GNU Radio
• Osmocom - srs

RAN - USRP - Project Management:

• Team Leadership
• Communication Skills
• Analytical Skills