Automotive Cyber Security Lead

Department: Cyber Services and Capabilities

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: GBR London

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for automotive cyber security across global engagements.
• Lead and deliver complex cyber security assessments across vehicle, engineering, manufacturing, operational technology (OT), and information technology (IT) environments.
• Apply deep knowledge of automotive-specific standards and frameworks, including: 
  • ISO/SAE 21434 (Road Vehicle Cybersecurity Engineering)
  • UNECE R155 (Cyber Security Management System)
  • UNECE R156 (Software Update Management System)
  • ISO 26262 (Functional Safety)
• Conduct or support penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, architecture reviews, risk assessments, and Threat Analysis and Risk Assessments (TARA) for automotive clients.
• Provide expert interpretation of cyber security requirements for vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, and mobility operators.
• Ensure security recommendations are aligned with safety, regulatory, operational, and business requirements throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

• Provide expert understanding of the automotive ecosystem, including: 
  • Connected vehicles
  • Software-defined vehicles (SDVs)
  • Electronic Control Units (ECUs)
  • In-vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Automotive Ethernet)
  • Telematics and connected services
  • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
  • Manufacturing and production environments
  • Vehicle development, validation, and homologation processes
• Translate complex automotive engineering and operational knowledge into training and knowledge-sharing activities for internal teams.
• Contribute to the development of internal automotive cyber security capabilities, methodologies, and best practices.
• Maintain awareness of emerging threats, vulnerabilities, regulations, and industry trends affecting the automotive sector.

• Support the identification, creation, and growth of automotive cyber security opportunities globally.
• Help strengthen NCC Group's presence within the automotive sector through: 
  • Thought leadership activities, including white papers, webinars, and industry events
  • Client engagements and pre-sales support
  • Collaboration with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, mobility providers, and industry bodies
• Collaborate with engagement managers and practice leadership to support the development of automotive-focused service offerings.
• Contribute to bids, proposals, statements of work, and technical scoping activities for prospective customers.

• Support projects across rail, maritime, and aviation domains where automotive cyber security expertise can add value.
• Maintain awareness of common OT, embedded, and safety-critical technologies across transport sectors.
• Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across the wider Transport Cyber Security practice.

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing clear and actionable cyber security recommendations.
• Communicate complex technical concepts in a professional and client-friendly manner.
• Deliver high-quality outputs and maintain strong client satisfaction throughout engagements.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with clients and key stakeholders.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Proven experience in automotive cyber security, ideally within OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, mobility providers, automotive technology companies, or a cyber security consultancy.
• Strong experience working with and applying: 
  • ISO/SAE 21434
  • UNECE R155
  • UNECE R156
  • ISO 26262
• Strong understanding of embedded systems, vehicle electronics, automotive communications networks, connected vehicle platforms, and safety-critical environments.
• Practical experience conducting or supporting penetration testing and security assessment activities.
• Experience performing secure architecture reviews, threat modelling, TARA activities, and risk assessments within automotive or transportation environments.
• Familiarity with automotive development lifecycles, software delivery processes, and regulatory compliance requirements.

• In-depth understanding of the automotive ecosystem, including vehicle architectures, connected vehicle platforms, software-defined vehicles, manufacturing environments, supplier ecosystems, and automotive cyber security regulations.
• Direct experience working within or alongside automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, mobility service providers, or automotive cyber security programmes.
• Understanding of vehicle engineering, safety, validation, and homologation processes.

• Excellent communication skills in both technical and non-technical contexts.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead workstreams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work collaboratively across geographies, teams, and disciplines.
• Strong consulting mindset with the ability to understand client challenges and provide pragmatic solutions.
• A passion for coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.

• Recognised cyber security certifications such as CISSP, GICSP, ISA/IEC 62443 Cyber Security Expert, OSCP, or GIAC certifications.
• Automotive cyber security certifications or formal training relating to ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE R155/R156, or automotive engineering disciplines.
• Experience contributing to industry standards, working groups, or regulatory consultations.
• Background in automotive engineering, systems engineering, functional safety, or vehicle development.
• Knowledge of EV ecosystems, charging infrastructure security, and software-defined vehicle architectures.

Benefits

• Flexible Working: Balance your work and personal life with our flexible working options. 
• Generous Holiday Allowance: Enjoy 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days of annual leave. 
• Medicash & Critical Illness Scheme 
• Financial & Investment Benefits: Enjoy peace of mind with our Pension, Life Assurance, and Share Save Scheme. 
• Community & Volunteering Programmes: Make a difference in your community with our volunteering opportunities. 
• Green Car Scheme: Drive green and save money with our eco-friendly car scheme. 
• Cycle Scheme: Stay fit and healthy with our cycle-to-work scheme. 
• Special Time Off: Take time off for those big moments in life, like getting married/entering into a civil partnership, becoming a grandparent, and welcoming home a new pet. 
• Family Planning: Benefit from our generous maternity and paternity leave, as well as time off and support for those undergoing fertility treatments.