Advanced Research Engineer - Cyber Security

The Vacancy

Help Shape the Future of Industrial Cyber Security

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is looking for an ambitious Advanced Research Engineer – Cyber Security to join our Informatics team and play a key role in developing and delivering our Industrial Cyber Security Strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity for a cyber security professional with experience in OT/IT environments who is passionate about securing connected manufacturing systems, evaluating emerging technologies, and helping UK industry embrace digital transformation safely and securely.

Working at the forefront of industrial innovation, you'll collaborate with leading technology partners, customers, and researchers to tackle real-world cyber security challenges across manufacturing, critical infrastructure, AI, and operational technology (OT).

What You'll Be Doing

• Conduct cyber security assessments and testing activities to identify vulnerabilities and security risks within connected manufacturing systems.
• Support penetration testing activities focused on industrial and operational technology environments.
• Design, implement, and maintain secure-by-design IT and OT architectures for research and customer projects.
• Develop and expand cyber security testbeds that demonstrate OT security best practices, including network monitoring and asset management solutions.
• Research emerging cyber security, OT, AI, and critical infrastructure technologies and translate findings into practical guidance for industry.
• Create technical content, guidance materials, and thought leadership collateral for customers and MTC members.
• Deliver presentations and communicate complex cyber security topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and technology partners to deliver innovative, industry-focused solutions.
  
  
  

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Experience using cyber security tools such as Wireshark, Malcolm, Kali Linux, Greenbone, and similar technologies.
• Practical knowledge of network monitoring, vulnerability assessment, and security analysis.
• Experience with penetration testing and vulnerability discovery.
• Linux administration and maintenance experience.
• Understanding of network and infrastructure design and secure-by-design principles.
• Experience with containerised environments and application deployment.
• Knowledge of cyber security standards and frameworks including:
• NIST CSF
• Cyber Essentials
• OWASP
• IEC 62443
• Cyber resilience regulations and legislation.
  
  
  

Desirable Experience

• Operational Technology (OT) or manufacturing environment experience.
• IoT and edge computing security knowledge.
• Exposure to AI security, AI system integration, or AI-enabled security research.
• RF monitoring or spectrum analysis experience.
• Experience managing multiple technical projects simultaneously.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, or equivalent commercial experience.
• 3+ years of cyber security experience, ideally within OT, industrial, or infrastructure environments.
• Professional certifications such as OSCP, CISSP, GISCP, OSDA or similar would be advantageous.
  
  
  

About The MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing, and is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering from around the globe.

The MTC's engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies.

Established to prove cutting edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness.

Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC's engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future.

The MTC has world-class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.

Reference Checks and Security Checks (where applicable)

Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.