Vehicle Security Technician | £36,200 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid / Travel

At Thatcham Research, we’re helping shape the future of vehicle security. As physical security systems evolve and manufacturers adopt increasingly diverse technologies, the demand for our industry-leading expertise continues to grow.

As a Vehicle Security Technician, you’ll be at the cutting edge of automotive innovation - testing the latest designs and technologies as part of our New Vehicle Security Assessments (NVSA). This is a rare opportunity to work directly with global vehicle manufacturers, influence the development of security systems, and travel across the UK and Europe.

Whether you're an experienced technician or early in your career, if you’re passionate about vehicles and eager to grow your skills in a fast-moving, high-impact field - we’d love to hear from you!

What you'll be doing:

• Put security systems to the test – Evaluate alarms, immobilisers, tracking systems, and locking wheel devices on the latest vehicles to assess their effectiveness and reliability.
• Deliver trusted results – Produce security scores in line with New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA) standards, helping determine insurance group ratings.
• Keep things running smoothly – Update internal databases and issue official certificates based on your findings.
• Support the industry – Share valuable insights with insurers and consumers to help them make informed decisions about vehicle security.
• Advise manufacturers – Work with OEMs and aftermarket manufacturers, offering expert consultancy and recommendations to enhance vehicle security features.
• Drive innovation – Feed real-world insights into our research teams to help shape future editions of the Thatcham security criteria.
• Travel with purpose – Visit sites across the UK and Europe to carry out assessments and present findings to a diverse range of clients. (A valid passport and ability to travel within Europe is required)

Skills & experience that will set you up for success:

• Hands-on automotive experience – Backed by a relevant qualification such as City & Guilds, NVQ, or a completed apprenticeship.
• A proactive mindset – You’re self-motivated, reliable, and equally comfortable working solo or as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills – You can build great working relationships and explain technical details clearly.
• Tech-savvy – Confident using MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to document and present your work.
• Discreet and professional – You understand the importance of confidentiality and can handle sensitive information under NDAs.
• Security system know-how – A solid understanding of electronic, electromechanical, and mechanical vehicle security systems is a big plus. If you’re eager to learn, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Why join Thatcham Research?

• Be part of a respected organisation influencing global vehicle safety standards.
• Work on exciting projects with leading automotive brands.
• Enjoy a collaborative, forward-thinking work environment.
• Access to ongoing training and professional development.

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - £36,200 dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension
• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 3 x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 2 years’ service)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)
• Reward & Recognition Programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Sports & Social club
• Payroll charitable giving
• Subsidised on-site restaurant
• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously!)

How we work

We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week. Travel required within Europe (up to 10%) to support on-site customer activity.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our membership in the Automotive 30% Club, we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application
• An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner
• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams
• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)
• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!
• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

We’re committed to removing invisible barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org ⁠