Join us as a Cyber Security Engineer and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!
As a Cyber Security Engineer, you will play a key role in advancing Fera’s IT security capabilities, primarily within the IT Systems Development (ITSD) team. The team is responsible for developing and maintaining web applications that support Fera’s operations and deliver critical data services to customers, such as monitoring food integrity issues and managing datasets for plant and bee health.
In this role, you will focus on integrating security within our development lifecycle (DevSecOps) and supporting the wider IT function to manage cyber security risks. You will work closely with the DevOps and Infrastructure teams to ensure that security is embedded across all Fera’s IT operations, systems are robust, and emerging risks are identified and mitigated. Approximately 80% of your time will focus on the security of ITSD-developed systems, with 20% dedicated to advising and supporting the broader IT function.
What you’ll be doing:
* Security Leadership & Advisory:
o Provide expert advice on systems security for the ITSD team and the broader IT function.
o Contribute to the design of secure systems and processes.
o Help set up security approaches at project inception to ensure secure system development.
* DevSecOps & Security Integration:
o Work with DevOps engineers to integrate security scans and checks into CI/CD pipelines.
o Ensure secure cloud configurations for all systems.
o Collaborate with developers and testers to build robust security into every stage of development.
* Monitoring & Incident Response:
o Lead on the monitoring and analysis of systems for intrusions and unusual activity.
o Implement tools to identify and respond to emerging threats.
o Take part in ethical hacking and penetration testing.
o Respond to and assist in managing security incidents and breaches.
* Access Management & Risk Assessment:
o Manage access permissions for ITSD systems and ensure security protocols are followed.
o Maintain and update the ITSD security risk register, liaising with the IT Operations Manager on business-wide risks.
o Collaborate with internal and external auditors on security-related matters.
* Training & Continuous Improvement:
o Identify, or develop and deliver security training for ITSD staff, ensuring continuous awareness of best practices.
o Keep up to date with the latest developments in security technology and regulatory guidelines.
What we’re looking for:
* A cybersecurity professional with practical experience in intrusion detection, prevention, and response, who thrives on protecting systems from evolving threats.
* Highly detail-oriented and pragmatic in managing risks. You will have the ability to perform quickly and effectively under pressure, and capable of inspiring confidence in stakeholders at all levels.
* Proven experience in cybersecurity, ideally with a focus on DevSecOps or secure software development.
* Strong experience with intrusion detection and monitoring tools.
* Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, cloud environments (e.g., AWS or Azure), and version control systems (e.g., Git).
* Solid understanding of access management tools and protocols.
* Experience in penetration testing and hands-on ethical hacking.
* Strong knowledge of regulatory guidelines and standards (ISO 27001, NCSC, etc.).
* Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex security concepts to non-technical audiences and senior stakeholders.
* Must have excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
What’s in it for you?
* A Salary of £45,000-£55,000, dependent on experience.
* 23 days’ holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave.
* Flexible working hours, on-site gym, restaurant, and free parking
* The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice
* Company matched pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks’ fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks…and plenty more.
* Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle – from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology
* Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform
* Fera operates a LTIP ( Long Term Incentive Plan) under which all employees are awarded points towards shares in the Employee Benefits Trust on an annual basis. The Employee Benefits Trust holds shares on behalf of our employee, at the point of an equity event the shares will realise a cash value.
What we hope you’ll do next:
Choose ‘Apply now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you. If you have any questions you’d like to ask before applying, you can contact
We’re an equal opportunity employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. We’re committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format or if you’d like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email at and we’ll get back to you.