Operational Technology Cyber Security Engineer

Operational Technology Cyber Security Engineer (Defence)

NCC

Bristol based with hybrid working (3-4 days per week in office)

Salary: £45,084 to £63,750 per annum experience dependent plus 12.5% employer pension, private medical insurance and additional benefits package. 

Government Security Clearance: you would be required to undergo government security clearance after joining us if successful to carry out defence related work. 

Closing Date: 4th January 2026

The NCC is a not-for-profit organisation supporting manufacturing innovation across 16 sectors in the UK.  You'll support defence and non-defence related work in this role.

We're looking for an OT Cyber Security Specialist to join our expanding team as new member of the IT department providing guidance and hands on Cyber Security support.  You'll work within a small, skilled & friendly team who work closely together to help protect NCC from cyber security threats.

Primarily working on IT projects & programmes across IT Defence Portfolio, you will take a consultative and hands-on role in the design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of security controls across both hybrid and on-premises IT environments.

We have a lot of unique equipment in our manufacturing facilities which will make this a fun and interesting role.  You will perform essential cyber security activities to defend the organisation, its assets and systems, in particular Operational Technology (OT). 

You will also contribute to the design of new systems, security measures and controls, and the continued improvement of measures that help us contain and recover from a security incident. 

We'll put you through security clearance and support your ongoing training and development.

In this role, you'll:

• develop, deliver, and maintain secure standards and practices tailored to the unique requirements of the OT environment
• improve visibility of assets and advanced incident detection and develop the means to contain and respond to security threats
• conduct cyber and security incident response
• maintain and develop cyber security expertise
• maintain the organisation's situational awareness
• manage and maintain security tools and sensors
• deliver and maintain secure standards and practices
• drive security improvements across the environment
• guide and support cyber security across the business

What do we need to see in your application?

Ideally, you'll have exposure to a similar manufacturing, R&D or other company background but we're happy to consider any background if you have the core cyber security experience.  You'll need:

• Career background as a Cyber Security Engineer
• Specialist knowledge of protecting Operational Technology
• Willingness and ability to apply for a high level of government security clearance
• The ability to use, manage and maintain various cyber security tooling
• Strong understanding of important security concepts and security best practices.
• Strong experience analysing events, incidents and threats.
• Very strong written communication skills, with experience of documenting policies, procedures, security requirements.
• Strong Technical Knowledge of Microsoft-Based Environments across both on-prem and cloud environments.
• Understanding of network security principles, including firewalls, segmentation, and secure remote access.
• Familiarity with common regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g.NIST, CIS Controls, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus).

What do we offer in return?

Flexible working patterns as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

Unsure if you should apply?  Got a quick question you wanted to check beforehand?  Please feel free to reach out to the recruitment team, Jon Barratt, via linked in.

What we do

We help manufacturers take on bigger challenges - whether that's building cleaner aircraft, scaling up offshore wind, or strengthening the UK's supply chains. We're here to deliver practical outcomes, not prototypes that sit on shelves.

Who we work with

We work across 16 sectors, from defence and energy to infrastructure and space. Some projects are with global tier 1s, others with small UK firms solving one specific problem - the works always varied, and always real.

What it's like here

We're not a startup. We're not a corporate. We're a national centre with the kit, time and people to do the job properly. The teams are focused, the thinking is sharp, and you'll be trusted to get on with it.

Why this job matters

This role isn't just internal support - it's part of how we deliver nationally important work. If we do our job right, the UK's manufacturers can do theirs better.

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working patterns as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.