Computer Network Exploitation – Operator


Apply Now
 

Details

Reference number

317183

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 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

For those who are passionate about problem-solving, are good at coming up with new ideas and can deliver creative solutions to often complex challenges, the Operator role presents a truly unique opportunity.

As an Operator, you’ll be on the front line of our efforts to pursue our targets and complete our mission, using bespoke technology to infiltrate the computers of terrorists and criminals. Working closely with Developers and Intelligence Analysts across a wide section of the business to understand our mission this role brings plenty of new opportunities and challenges every day. Using a wide range of technical tools and tradecraft, you’ll develop a brilliant combination of technical aptitude and advanced understanding of both the target and its environment.

Though there is not a firm requirement for programming experience and networking knowledge, aptitude to learn those skills is extremely valuable. Knowledge of penetration testing tools and techniques, and WebApp vulnerabilities including XSS and SQL Injection would be useful. Ideally, you’ll have the ability to use network analysis and troubleshooting tools, such as Wireshark, process Monitor and Splunk.

Above all, show us you have a genuine interest in technology, automation and virtualisation, and an understanding of Windows/Linux operating systems and security fundamentals and in return, we’ll give you the scope to do things that aren’t possible elsewhere.

As an Operator and part of the Computer Network Exploitation team (CNE) you’ll have access to a career where you can move between teams to build experience in a wide number of technologies or develop a deep specialism, you’ll set the standard for what good looks like. You’ll learn new skills, develop your abilities, and apply your knowledge to projects unique to our organisation.

The Operator 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 eligible.

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 day 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.

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.

  • 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 beware 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.
You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

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

Recruitment team

  • Email : careers@recruitmentteam.org.uk
Apply at advertiser’s site

Share this page

 
 

Apply Now

Posted

in

,