Senior Cyber Data, Protocol and Network Analysis Engineer

Job summary

Join a highly skilled cyber and engineering team at Dstl, where you will apply your technical expertise to understand, analyse and exploit complex communications, networks and digital systems. Working at the forefront of cyber and data analysis, you will investigate how devices, protocols and network technologies operate, helping to generate insights that support critical national security and defence outcomes.

Why join us?

This role is ideal for an experienced engineer with a naturally inquisitive mindset who enjoys solving difficult technical problems and uncovering how systems work beneath the surface. You will analyse a broad range of communication technologies, from traditional networks and wireless protocols through to embedded systems and specialised data interfaces.

As a senior member of the team, you will contribute to the development of innovative analytical techniques, mentor less experienced colleagues and influence technical direction through high-quality analysis and clear communication. You will work alongside experts from a range of disciplines, collaborating to address complex challenges and deliver impactful outcomes for government and defence stakeholders.

The role offers the opportunity to apply software, networking, data analysis and systems engineering skills within a unique environment where curiosity, innovation and technical excellence are highly valued.

Job description

What you'll do;

• Analyse communications, networks, devices and digital systems to generate technical intelligence and actionable insights.
• Investigate communication protocols and understand how they operate across different network architectures and platforms.
• Examine data from a variety of sources, including network captures, wireless communications, embedded device interfaces and system data stores.
• Develop and apply analytical tools, scripts and bespoke techniques to solve complex technical challenges.
• Identify system behaviours, vulnerabilities and opportunities to improve understanding of technologies and their operation.
• Produce clear, authoritative technical reports and communicate complex findings to a range of stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions to challenging problems.
• Lead technical activities, support project delivery and contribute to shaping future analytical capabilities.
• Coach and mentor colleagues, sharing knowledge and promoting best practice across the team.
• Contribute to a positive culture of continuous improvement, innovation, safety and security.

Person specification

What we're looking for

• A degree in a STEM discipline such as Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or Embedded Systems, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience using at least one programming language such as Python, C or C++.
• A strong understanding of computer networking and an interest in analysing communication protocols.
• Experience working with Linux operating systems and command-line environments.
• Practical experience using data, packet or binary analysis tools such as Wireshark, Ghidra or 010 Editor.
• A basic understanding of electronics and hardware technologies.
• Experience solving complex technical problems by gathering, analysing and interpreting information from multiple sources.
• A demonstrable curiosity for understanding how technologies work, including communications, data storage and interactions between system components.
• Experience working within or leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience coaching, mentoring or supporting the development of others

Please review the attached job description for more detailed information

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £41,431, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £12,002 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
• Allowances: This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.
• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.
• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

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