Graduate Vehicle Cyber Security Engineer

Assesses vehicle manufacturers’ cybersecurity and software update systems, reviews technical documentation, supports audits and certification, and helps ensure connected vehicles meet UK and international security regulations.

Job summary

Are you interested in the cyber security challenges facing modern vehicles? Do you want to apply your engineering skills to emerging technologies, software assurance and cyber security regulation?

Would you like to help protect connected vehicles from evolving security threats? Do you want a tailored graduate programme that supports your professional development and progression towards professional status?

If you are looking for the next step in your career and professional development, our Graduate Scheme could be for you.

About Us

Our work is focused on improving vehicle safety and environmental protection by providing robust testing and certification to national and internationally recognised standards. We are a part of the Department of Transport as the designated UK Vehicle Type Approval Authority.

With more than 40 years’ experience, we have become one of the largest and well-respected approval bodies around. This position has been built on a reputation for technical expertise and quality, which is at the heart of everything we do, and what you could be a part of.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including: 

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday 

•  Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance. 

Job description

Joining the VCA and Wider DfT Graduate Scheme as a permanent member of staff will open the door to a wide range of development opportunities. Collaborating with vehicle manufacturers, testing organisations and technical specialists from around the world, you will help ensure vehicles remain safe, secure and compliant with national and international standards.

As a Graduate Vehicle Cyber Security Engineer, you will spend your first two years developing a broad understanding of vehicle certification, cyber security, software updates and regulatory compliance through a combination of on-the-job experience, structured learning and technical placements.

You will undertake rotations across VCA and may have opportunities to gain experience with organisations such as the Department for Transport, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.

Extensive travel within the UK and overseas is an essential part of the scheme, with potential opportunities to work alongside VCA's international offices in Japan and North America.

Following your initial training period, you will progress into a substantive Higher Executive Officer role within VCA's International Operations Division. Working with manufacturers, laboratories and test facilities, you will support the assessment of vehicles, systems and components against regulatory requirements across Great Britain and international markets, gaining expertise in certification processes and emerging vehicle technologies.

As your technical knowledge develops, you will become increasingly involved in the assessment of manufacturers' cyber security and software update systems, supporting audits, reviewing technical documentation and contributing to certification activities.

This provides a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of automotive innovation, helping to ensure connected and software-defined vehicles remain secure throughout their lifecycle.

Throughout the scheme, you will receive support from a dedicated mentor and professional network, with encouragement to work towards Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status through the IMechE MPDS or IET Career Manager frameworks.

Your main duties will include but will not be limited to:

• Work towards CEng or IEng by engaging with the IMechE MPDS or IET Career Manager frameworks

• Produce quarterly and annual development reports and ensure these are approved and submitted on time

• Maintain disciplined record-keeping, tracking objectives, evidence, and progress

• Develop and support expert technical knowledge in vehicle systems, components, and associated technology

• Follow agency procedures and quality requirements

• Work to support and update GB national regulations to ensure vehicles stay safe, secure and environmentally friendly throughout their lifetime

• Engagement with mentor and line Manager by attending regular meetings to review your goals, report progress, and set development goals. Actively seek feedback from mentor, line manager and subject matter experts

• Objective setting and self-management

• Assessments of vehicle manufacturers cyber security and software update submissions as part of the Type Approval process to ensure compliance with regulations

• Support the auditing of management systems to evaluate manufacturer claims of effective processes

• Attend and observe vehicle testing, documenting the results through detailed records that support the evaluation process

• Assessment of vehicle manufacturers cyber security and software update submissions as part of the Type Approval process to ensure compliance with regulations

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience: 

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in an IMechE or IET accredited degree (Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering), or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to automotive technology. Equivalent qualifications from a mutually recognised accreditation body will also be considered.

• Proven communication skills

• The ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative with minimum supervision

• Willingness to travel extensively in the UK and overseas, including overnight stays

• Understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respecting intellectual property rights

Visa Sponsorship  

Please note that we are currently unable to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying. 

Licences

Full UK Category B Driving Licence

Qualifications

Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in an IMechE or IET accredited degree (Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering), or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to automotive technology. Equivalent qualifications from a mutually recognised accreditation body will also be considered.

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions

• Delivering at Pace

• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• Government Science and Engineering Career Framework - Building and applying knowledge (applying technical knowledge)

• Government Science and Engineering Career Framework - Building and applying knowledge (developing/maintaining expertise)

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits: 

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave). 

• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.  

• Access to the staff discount portal.

• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.

• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.