Flexible Working: Full time, part time and compressed hours are feasible. Hybrid working is supported, with working from home allowed on occasion, subject to business need.
About Us
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.
The Role
Our Cyber Operations team use bespoke technology to legally infiltrate the computers of terrorists and criminals to discover and disrupt their plans and make an important contribution to keeping the nation safe. For those who are passionate about problem-solving can think creatively to deliver solutions to complex challenges, this is a truly unique opportunity, which will give you the scope to do things that aren’t possible elsewhere.
Working at a deep technical level, you’ll focus on finding weaknesses in our targets’ network environments and software, and produce the tooling and bespoke solutions we need to exploit them. You’ll possess good technical aptitude, including knowledge of more than one programming language, plus a more general interest in computer networking and cyber security.
About You
You’re the type of person that relishes solving problems and are willing to experiment to find a solution in this fast-paced environment. You recognise the breadth of internet technologies, both the benefits and drawbacks. You’re able to grasp computing concepts and apply this knowledge to your work, along with integrity to always work lawfully and ethically.
The set of technologies we use is varied and constantly growing. As such, we don’t expect any one candidate to have had experience of web-based technologies but are looking for people who can demonstrate a good understanding of internet-based systems, an aptitude and desire to learn new skills and to solve interesting problems. You’ll be given an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in one or more of the below specialisms or related fields:
• Internet and network technologies, such as IP, TCP, UDP, HTTP, DNS, etc.
• Windows and Linux operating system and security fundamentals.
• General interest in technology, automation, and virtualisation.
• Programming languages, such as Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, Rust, Assembly Languages – don’t exclude yourself here: if you know object – oriented scripting or low-level languages, they often provide commutable skill.
• Software reverse engineering, static and dynamic analysis, debugging (IDA Pro, Ghidra).
• Low level mobile development (Android or iOS).
• General good software processes development processes – version control, debugging, code review.
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 detailed above, for example, through personal projects or degree-related study. We also welcome applications from experienced candidates who currently work within a related field, regardless of educational background.
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 regards to formal technical courses. A bursary scheme is also available to help you gain a master’s or top up your degree.
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.
Rewards and Benefits
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.
Equal Opportunities
At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.
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:
Question 1:
• Can you describe a time in which you have had to overcome a technical challenge in a topic that was new to you?
• What was the challenge and what approach did you take to overcome it?
Question 2:
• Why do you want to work for GCHQ?
• Why do you want to work in this role?
• What makes you a good fit for the role?
What to Expect
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, GCHQ competency Framework looking at how you apply 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.
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.