Payment Security Engineer

Payment Security Engineer, 12m FTC, London

As a Payment Security Engineer at Pay.UK, you will apply specialist knowledge in payment security, cryptography and security architecture to services that support the UK’s interbank payment systems. This role offers broad technical scope across existing payment schemes, future service developments and security standards, with a clear focus on secure design, assurance and resilience.

You’ll work across the full lifecycle of payment services, helping ensure that security requirements, cryptographic controls and key management practices are defined, reviewed and maintained in a complex, regulated environment. If you’re looking for a role where deep technical knowledge is central to the work, this is a chance to support infrastructure that underpins payments used every day across the UK.

Accountabilities

- Review payment infrastructure, service and technology changes to identify security risks, control gaps and required improvements.

- Provide security guidance during the design, development, implementation and operation of payment systems and services.

- Assess security architectures and design proposals against Pay.UK requirements, security principles and industry good practice.

- Advise on cryptographic controls, authentication mechanisms, encryption standards, PKI and key lifecycle management.

- Evaluate cryptographic controls used by suppliers, service providers and participants where appropriate.

- Contribute to security assessments, risk reviews and assurance activities for payment services and supporting technologies.

- Develop and maintain security requirements, standards, guidance and related artefacts for payment systems and supporting services.

- Monitor emerging threats, vulnerabilities, technologies and regulatory developments relevant to payment security and cryptographic risk.

Pay.UK Behaviours

At Pay.UK, our behaviours are central to who we are and how we operate. They bring our values to life, shape our culture, and guide how we make decisions, collaborate, and respond to challenges across the payments ecosystem. All interview processes will assess the following behaviours:

In addition, all leadership roles are expected to lead by example through the following behaviours:

Inclusivity

At Pay.UK, we value diversity and inclusivity. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups may hesitate to apply unless they meet all the requirements listed. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of how closely their skills and experience match the requirements. We are committed to supporting accessibility needs and creating a welcoming environment for all employees. Become part of our team and contribute to the creation of an inclusive work environment that values everyone's unique input.

Pay.UK is the recognised operator and standards body for the UK's interbank retail payment systems. We provide the infrastructure and services that millions of people and businesses rely on every day, including Bacs, Faster Payments and the Image Clearing System for cheques, the Current Account Switch Service and Confirmation of Payee. Together, these services help keep money moving safely, securely and reliably across the UK and play an important role in supporting the economy.

In 2025, the UK's retail payment systems processed more than 12.5 billion transactions worth over £11 trillion. Since its launch in 2013, the Current Account Switch Service has successfully helped consumers and businesses switch more than 12 million current accounts. These services help people receive their salaries, pay their bills, make payments and manage their finances with confidence.

Our purpose is to provide the trusted infrastructure, standards and services that underpin UK retail payments. We deliver safe, resilient and efficient payment systems while working collaboratively with industry, regulators and stakeholders to strengthen resilience, tackle fraud, improve access and support innovation across the payments landscape. As the ecosystem evolves, we are continuing to develop our capabilities in areas such as data and AI, enhancing operational insight and helping to build a modern, trusted payments ecosystem.

Learn more about life at Pay.UK by hearing what employees have to say, click here to view videos.

Please note: