Defence Digital Cyber Vulnerability Lead
UK Ministry of Defence
Date: 11 hours ago
City: Henlow, England
Contract type: Part time
RAF Henlow, Henlow, Bedfordshire, SG16 6DN. Please note the unit will be moving from Henlow to a purpose-built facility at Bassingbourn in 2027.
Job Summary
Defence Digital ensures our Armed Forces remain among the most technologically advanced in the world. We do this by putting innovative and effective technology into the hands of over 200,000 users, from the boardroom to the front line.
We lead on cutting-edge data science, automation, and cyber security at scale. Our mission goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving digital innovation that impacts lives across the globe.
Defence Digital forms part of Strategic Command which manages the MOD’s joint capabilities for the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy.
Watch to find out more about what we do.
Passionate about using your skills to make a critical difference? Your next career move could be here.
Job Description
Within the Joint Defence Cyber Unit (JDCU), the Advanced Systems Analysis Team (ASAT) is responsible for conducting network vulnerability testing and compliance audits on targeted networks/systems. Our primary goal is to identify security vulnerabilities, present findings to technical teams and senior management, and identify potential threats.
As the Cyber Vulnerability Lead, you’ll undertake testing activities while providing oversight, guidance, and support to fellow testers within the ASAT team. Your role will involve travelling to Defence sites across the UK and occasionally overseas, serving as a key member of a mobile testing team.
Responsibilities
As the Cyber Vulnerability Lead, you’ll undertake testing activities while providing oversight, guidance, and support to fellow testers within the ASAT team. Your role will involve travelling to Defence sites across the UK and occasionally overseas, serving as a key member of a mobile testing team.
Responsibilities
Please ensure that your CV and application meet the essential criteria below:
To excel in this role, you must possess expertise in comprehending network topology, employing network and cyber testing tools and methodologies, and analysing extensive datasets. You should have a talent for effective communication and leading teams through various security testing procedures.
You’ll Need:
This post attracts a Market Skills Allowance of up to £9k per annum, paid in increments upon reaching agreed criteria, linked to performance, training, professional development and an assessment of contribution to team objectives. Continued eligibility for this payment will be subject to a bi-annual review.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances, which could impact those that this post currently attracts.
We are committed to encouraging and enabling our staff to develop in and above their role and we will support you in undertaking further learning and development opportunities, within your designated field and beyond.
If not held already, opportunity may be provided to gain the following qualifications when in post:
A full UK Driving Licence is essential, due to regular travel to Defence sites, many of which are remote and not easily accessible via public transport.
This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, blending a balance of attendance in the workplace (your permanent duty station which is based on business assessment of where the work is best done) and working from home as a personal choice (if the role is suitable for this). If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Due to the nature of the role, there will be a requirement to travel within the UK and occasional overseas visits.
If not already held, the successful candidate will be required to attain DV clearance prior to commencing employment.
This position is open to sole UK Nationals only.
Licences
Full UK driving licence.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Our Benefits Include:
Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Defence Digital. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our audience and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities. We also recognise the importance of a good work life balance, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including part-time and job shares for all our roles. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process if this is something you want to explore.
Defence Digital operates an organisation model in which every individual belongs to a Government Profession. The successful applicant will be posted into one of the defined Government Professions on Standard Terms of Reference for the grade. Defence Digital reserves the right to move individuals between roles, within their allocated profession, to meet the needs of the business and in support of agile resourcing.
Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
To apply please complete the CV template provided on the CS Jobs dashboard, ensuring it highlights your relevance to the essential criteria listed in the person specification.
It is essential that all applicants provide a personal statement (max. 1250 words), assessed against your responses to the questions listed below.
Each One Will Be Scored And Make Up Part Of Your Overall Score To Assess Your Suitability To Be Invited To Interview:
We’ll assess you against these behaviours and technical skills during the interview process:
Behaviours
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [email protected] .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: , Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [email protected]
Job Summary
Defence Digital ensures our Armed Forces remain among the most technologically advanced in the world. We do this by putting innovative and effective technology into the hands of over 200,000 users, from the boardroom to the front line.
We lead on cutting-edge data science, automation, and cyber security at scale. Our mission goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving digital innovation that impacts lives across the globe.
Defence Digital forms part of Strategic Command which manages the MOD’s joint capabilities for the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy.
Watch to find out more about what we do.
Passionate about using your skills to make a critical difference? Your next career move could be here.
Job Description
Within the Joint Defence Cyber Unit (JDCU), the Advanced Systems Analysis Team (ASAT) is responsible for conducting network vulnerability testing and compliance audits on targeted networks/systems. Our primary goal is to identify security vulnerabilities, present findings to technical teams and senior management, and identify potential threats.
As the Cyber Vulnerability Lead, you’ll undertake testing activities while providing oversight, guidance, and support to fellow testers within the ASAT team. Your role will involve travelling to Defence sites across the UK and occasionally overseas, serving as a key member of a mobile testing team.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the team’s responses in providing advice on computer network vulnerabilities to customers, accreditors, network owners and system administrators.
- Line management responsibility of a small team.
- Undertake and lead Cyber Technical Vulnerability Assessments (VA), involving the running of vulnerability tooling in accordance with ASAT procedures.
- Undertake and lead compliance testing in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP) – compliance check of process, procedures and people as per system level policy.
- Analyse complex technical statistics for inclusion within technical and management reports, used by the customer for remediation of identified vulnerabilities.
- Undertake firewall testing in accordance with ASAT SOPs - analysing configuration for software vulnerabilities and weakness in configuration.
- Undertake wireless discovery - wardriving and geo-location of hotspots.
As the Cyber Vulnerability Lead, you’ll undertake testing activities while providing oversight, guidance, and support to fellow testers within the ASAT team. Your role will involve travelling to Defence sites across the UK and occasionally overseas, serving as a key member of a mobile testing team.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the team’s responses in providing advice on computer network vulnerabilities to customers, accreditors, network owners and system administrators.
- Line management responsibility of a small team.
- Undertake and lead Cyber Technical Vulnerability Assessments (VA), involving the running of vulnerability tooling in accordance with ASAT procedures.
- Undertake and lead compliance testing in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP) – compliance check of process, procedures and people as per system level policy.
- Analyse complex technical statistics for inclusion within technical and management reports, used by the customer for remediation of identified vulnerabilities.
- Undertake firewall testing in accordance with ASAT SOPs - analysing configuration for software vulnerabilities and weakness in configuration.
- Undertake wireless discovery - wardriving and geo-location of hotspots.
Please ensure that your CV and application meet the essential criteria below:
To excel in this role, you must possess expertise in comprehending network topology, employing network and cyber testing tools and methodologies, and analysing extensive datasets. You should have a talent for effective communication and leading teams through various security testing procedures.
You’ll Need:
- Familiarity with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Framework or similar industry standards, as well as knowledge of cloud and hosting platforms.
- A strong understanding of cyber security principles, tools and techniques.
- Technical leadership ability, able to provide technical guidance to their team members.
- A solid technical background in IT and commitment to ongoing learning and growth in this specialised field.
- The ability to build strong working-relationships
- Great communication skills, able to converse at a wide variety of levels
- Able to interact with both technical and non-technical teams
This post attracts a Market Skills Allowance of up to £9k per annum, paid in increments upon reaching agreed criteria, linked to performance, training, professional development and an assessment of contribution to team objectives. Continued eligibility for this payment will be subject to a bi-annual review.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances, which could impact those that this post currently attracts.
We are committed to encouraging and enabling our staff to develop in and above their role and we will support you in undertaking further learning and development opportunities, within your designated field and beyond.
If not held already, opportunity may be provided to gain the following qualifications when in post:
- Certificate in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP)
- Certificate in Information Security Management (CISM)
A full UK Driving Licence is essential, due to regular travel to Defence sites, many of which are remote and not easily accessible via public transport.
This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, blending a balance of attendance in the workplace (your permanent duty station which is based on business assessment of where the work is best done) and working from home as a personal choice (if the role is suitable for this). If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Due to the nature of the role, there will be a requirement to travel within the UK and occasional overseas visits.
If not already held, the successful candidate will be required to attain DV clearance prior to commencing employment.
This position is open to sole UK Nationals only.
Licences
Full UK driving licence.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Penetration testing
- Information risk assessment and risk management
- Cyber Security operations
- Threat understanding
Our Benefits Include:
- Learning and development tailored to your role with a dedicated minimum of 5 days per year.
- 25 days paid annual leave rising (by 1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of five years’ service.
- Ability to roll up to 10 days annual leave per year.
- In addition to eight public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthday.
- A Civil Service pension.
- Parental and Adoption Leave.
- Discounts on a range of services within and external to the civil service – Defence Discount Service, Civil Service societies for Sports and Leisure, Healthcare, Insurance, Motoring, Company discounts with Virgin, Vodafone, and Microsoft Office.
- In year rewards and ‘thank you’ schemes such as vouchers and gift cards.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- Find out more here - Discovermybenefits.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Defence Digital. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our audience and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities. We also recognise the importance of a good work life balance, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including part-time and job shares for all our roles. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process if this is something you want to explore.
Defence Digital operates an organisation model in which every individual belongs to a Government Profession. The successful applicant will be posted into one of the defined Government Professions on Standard Terms of Reference for the grade. Defence Digital reserves the right to move individuals between roles, within their allocated profession, to meet the needs of the business and in support of agile resourcing.
Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
To apply please complete the CV template provided on the CS Jobs dashboard, ensuring it highlights your relevance to the essential criteria listed in the person specification.
It is essential that all applicants provide a personal statement (max. 1250 words), assessed against your responses to the questions listed below.
Each One Will Be Scored And Make Up Part Of Your Overall Score To Assess Your Suitability To Be Invited To Interview:
- Describe your experience of technical vulnerability assessment and compliance testing, within an organisation.
- Describe your experience of system administration, network support or network analysis.
- Provide an example of when you have led, managed or been part of a team to deliver a successful business outcome.
We’ll assess you against these behaviours and technical skills during the interview process:
Behaviours
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Penetration testing
- Information risk assessment and risk management
- Cyber Security operations
- Threat understanding
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [email protected] .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : Defence Digital Talent Acquisition Team
- Email : [email protected]
- Email : [email protected]
Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: , Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [email protected]
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