Offensive Security and Threat Intelligence Specialist

UK Research and Innovation

. Identify real-world risks across diverse technical landscapes.

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeSwindon • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £46,743 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in penetration testing and red-team activities, with a strong focus on identifying vulnerabilities and providing remediation advice. Proficient in using offensive security tools and techniques while maintaining a deep understanding of operating systems, networking, and cloud platforms.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Penetration TestingRed-Team ActivitiesOffensive Security ToolsCloud Platforms (Azure, AWS)Security Clearance Eligibility

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Penetration TestingVulnerability AssessmentThreat HuntingRisk AssessmentTechnical Report WritingNetwork SecurityOperating SystemsIdentity/AuthenticationAnomaly DetectionOffensive Security Techniques

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingProfessional JudgementCollaborationAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

NmapBurp SuiteMetasploitThreat Intelligence FeedsOffensive Tooling

Certifications & Qualifications

Security Check ClearanceBaseline Personnel Security Screening

Industry Keywords

UK National Vetting GuidelinesEnterprise EnvironmentsZero-Knowledge Network AssessmentsInsider Threat EvaluationsHuman and Physical Security Controls

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureCloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify real-world risks across diverse technical landscapes.
Uncover security vulnerabilities and actively exploit findings.
Assess additional impacts through post-exploitation.
Provide proactive remediation advice to technical teams.
Deliver penetration testing, including zero-knowledge network assessments, insider threat evaluations, credentialed application exploitation, and testing of human and physical security controls across the UKRI estate.
Manage the external penetration testing call-off contract.
Complete targeted penetration tests and red-team exercises.
Develop and maintain offensive tooling to simulate adversary tactics and techniques.
Monitor and analyse threat intelligence feeds for emerging threats and relevant TTPs.
Produce technical threat reports and briefings.
Conduct proactive threat hunting based on intelligence-led hypotheses and anomaly detection.
Support risk assessments using offensive operations and threat landscape analysis.
Collaborate with engineers, researchers, technologists, and federated Digital, Data and Technology teams.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Candidates must be eligible for clearance in line with UK National vetting guidelines and willing to undertake the process.
Security Check clearance required; Baseline Personnel Security Screening is a pre-condition of employment.
Significant hands-on professional experience delivering penetration testing and/or red-team activity across enterprise environments.
Deep technical capability across operating systems, networking, identity/authentication, and cloud platforms such as Azure and/or AWS.
Proficiency using offensive security tools and techniques such as Nmap, Burp Suite, and Metasploit.
Ability to adapt to new technologies, vulnerabilities, and offensive security techniques.
Ability to produce high-quality penetration testing reports articulating risk, impact, and remediation for technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and sound professional judgement.
Continued professional development in offensive security through relevant certifications, structured training, or equivalent practical experience.
CV and personal statement required; personal statement maximum 1000 words.
Willingness to indicate clearance eligibility in the written submission.
UK work sponsorship applicants must pay applicable Home Office application costs before starting, subject to possible reimbursement.

Benefits

Comp & perks

An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
Flexible working options.
Compressed hours and flexible working patterns available.
Continuous learning and employee development support.
Wellbeing initiatives supporting work life balance.
Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
Reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities.