Computer Network Exploitation – Infrastructure Engineer


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Details

Reference number

317283

Salary

£32,092
Plus a one-off recruitment bonus of £3,000 and specialist skills payment of £4,000 (this will be split into two payments – £3,500 on arrival and £3,500 when you complete your probation).

Job grade

Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Information Technology
Intelligence

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Part-time, Term time working, Compressed Hours

Contents

South West England

Job summary

At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Working closely with our British Intelligence partners in MI5 and MI6, we use a broad spectrum of technologies to protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. A role in GCHQ means you’ll have varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

Job description

Technology sits at the heart of everything we do, and as an Infrastructure Engineer you’ll underpin all our activities in Computer Network Exploitation (CNE), where Developers write their code and how our operations are deployed.  

As an Infrastructure Engineer you’ll use bespoke technology that provides Operators with the means to legally infiltrate the computers of terrorists and criminals to discover and disrupt their plans. Under strict legal safeguards and oversights, we have the scope to do things that wouldn’t be possible elsewhere. You’ll be part of a team that’s designing, documenting and delivering infrastructure. This includes brand new deliveries, where you’re starting from nothing, as well as modifying existing designs. You’ll bring to life unique infrastructure and help build a culture where innovation and experimentation can thrive.

You’ll learn how to identify and solve problems. You’ll develop an understanding of how to make sure customer requirements are captured, built upon, and undergo assurance testing. And you’ll discover how to ensure this vital work is deployed more efficiently, adopting infrastructure as a-code-approach to delivery.

As you develop knowledge of our customers, you’ll deepen your understanding of our infrastructure capabilities to deliver outcomes that are fit for purpose. And you’ll have the scope to do things that aren’t possible elsewhere.   

Working collaboratively in teams, you’ll work with a broad spectrum of technologies to provide the solutions required to gather intelligence and disrupt those that seek to do harm to the UK and its citizens.

The Infrastructure Engineer role is just one of the roles we’re recruiting for, at interview we’ll discuss the role we feel best suits you. After successful interview, subject to business needs and you meeting the necessary criteria, you may receive a conditional offer for any advertised role within CNE. Please only apply for 1 role under the Computer Network Exploitation campaign, as your application will be considered across all advertised positions within CNE for which you are eligibile. 

Current opportunities are based in Gloucestershire, but future roles will be available at the new National Cyber Force base in Samlesbury, Lancashire.

Person specification

If you’re the type of person that relishes solving problems and is willing to experiment to find solutions in a fast-paced environment, then we want to hear from you. You should also be able to grasp computing concepts and apply this knowledge to your work and have the integrity to work lawfully and ethically at all times.

The set of technologies we use is varied and growing all the time, and with this in mind we don’t expect any one candidate to have a vast breadth of technical knowledge. We’re looking for people who can demonstrate a good understanding of internet-based systems, and an aptitude and desire to learn new skills while solving interesting problems.

We’ll expect you to have knowledge of internet and network technologies such as IP, TCP, UDP, HTTP and DNS, and an understanding of Windows/Linux operating systems and security fundamentals. You should also understand network administration fundamentals, and have a general interest in technology, automation and virtualisation. Depending on the role, you’ll be required to have a number of additional specialist skills, but these will be explained at interview.

We welcome applications if you have, or expect to obtain, a minimum 2:2 degree in a STEM subject and can demonstrate the ability to work within the areas above, for example, through personal projects or degree-related study. If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer of employment, subject to attainment 2:2 STEM degree. We also welcome applications from experienced candidates who currently work within a related field, regardless of educational background.

You’ll receive a starting salary of £32,092, plus other benefits including:

  • 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
  • Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
  • Interest-free season ticket loan (travel/parking)
  • Excellent pension scheme
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Facilities such as a restaurant and on-site coffee bar
  • Paid parental and adoption leave

Training and Development

At GCHQ, we’ll invest in your skills and adapt to the way you like to learn. We’ll encourage you every step of the way, and ensure you are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and technology to undertake your role. We’ll help you to become an integral part of our world-class team.

If you have an affinity for tech, a keen desire to learn and the ability to adapt to the ever-evolving challenges and adversaries we face, we’ll give you all the training and development you need.

The skills you develop with us could cover numerous technical areas, from complex operational infrastructure to the development of sophisticated software, and everything in between.

We’ll cover the cost and provide support in regard to formal technical courses. A bursary scheme is also available to help you gain a master’s or top up your degree.

Continued professional development is encouraged and supported by our CPD framework. You’ll benefit from reviews where your skills will be assessed, and you’ll be supported to move up the pay scale as you thrive in your role.

From day one, you’ll have access to mentors and subject matter experts. We’ll help you create a structured development plan that’s right for you.

Selection process details

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:

  • Application sift stage, looking at motivation, technical aptitude for the role and the organisation.
  • Online interview stage, this will look at the GCHQ Competency Framework and the depth and breadth of your technical knowledge.

Online Technical Interview stage, looking at the depth and breadth of your technical knowledge.

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 – 9 months to process including vetting, so we advise you to continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer.

We’re Disability Confident

GCHQ are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP’s Disability scheme. This is aimed at encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. Being Disability Confident, we aim to offer a person-to-person interview to any candidate who self-identifies as disabled and meets the essential criteria for the role. This is our “offer of Interview” (OOI). To secure an interview for this vacancy, the essential criteria is to pass the following questions as part of the initial application sift.

To secure an interview for this vacancy, the essential criteria is to pass the following questions as part of the initial application sift.

  • Strong motivation to work at GCHQ and within the Computer Network Exploitation team – assessed at application sift.
  • Able to demonstrate an interest in computer concepts and new emerging technologies – assessed at application sift.
  • Able to demonstrate technical problem-solving skills – assessed at application sift.

Before You Apply

To work at GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British Nationality. You can read our full criteria here.

This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It’s something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. You can find out more about the vetting process here.

Please note we have a strict drugs policy, so once you start your application, you can’t take any recreational drugs and you’ll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage.

The role is based in Gloucestershire, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application, as we do not offer relocation costs.

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

Right to Withdraw Statement

Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available.
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Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

  • Name : careers@recruitmentteam.org.uk
  • Email : careers@recruitmentteam.org.uk

Recruitment team

  • Email : careers@recruitmentteam.org.uk
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