Department Operational and Surveillance Location(s) Gloucestershire, Samlesbury Contract Type Permanent Salary £34,663 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, £3,500 when you complete your probation) Job description
Flexible Working: We offer a strong work-life balance and support full time, part time, compressed and flexible hours. Due to the nature of the role homeworking will not be possible.
About Us
GCHQ is an Intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
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 Computer Network Exploitation role offers unique and varied work that is far from mundane.
We’re offering entry level roles, which is an excellent way to learn and develop as part of the wider Computer Network Exploitation (CNE) team at GCHQ. We’re currently based in Gloucestershire and Samlesbury.
The Roles
In CNE, we have the scope to do things that wouldn’t be possible elsewhere. You’ll be on the front line of our efforts to pursue our targets and complete our mission. Using bespoke technology, and under strict legal safeguards and oversights, we legally infiltrate the computers of terrorists and criminals so we can discover and disrupt their plans. It’s fascinating and challenging work, which varies depending on the role you’re offered.
Exploit/Implant Developers
Working at a deep technical level, this role is about making things and breaking things. As an Exploit Developer, you’ll find weaknesses in our targets’ network environment and software, then produce the tooling and bespoke solutions we need to exploit this weakness. As an Implant Developer, using your deep platform knowledge and research, you’ll learn how to create covert software that allows enduring access and collection capabilities.
To be successful in this role, you need a strong technical aptitude, including proficiency in multiple programming Languages, along with a genuine interest in computer networking, reverse engineering and cyber security.
Operators
Working as an Operator at GCHQ, you’re on the front line of our efforts to pursue our targets and complete our mission. This role involves working collaboratively with our Exploit Developers and Intelligence Analysts across a wide section of the business to understand our mission. You’ll need a combination of technical aptitude with an advanced understanding of the target and target environment. You’ll utilise a variety of technical tools and tradecraft to support our mission, gaining valuable insights into the crucial efforts involved in safeguarding our country. Though there is not a firm requirement for programming experience and networking knowledge, an aptitude for technology and a willingness to learn is important.
During your interview, we’ll learn more about you and discuss the opportunities that best match your skills and interests, contingent upon business requirements and meeting the necessary criteria. Based on your experience and technical proficiency, we will determine whether to offer you the Operator or Developer role.
Training and Development
At GCHQ, we’ll invest in your skills and adapt to the way you like to learn. If you have an affinity for technology, 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, development and support you need to thrive at work.
From bespoke internal courses and mentoring schemes, to getting the chance to gain professional qualifications, you’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills while knowing your contribution is helping to keep the UK safe.
We'll cover the cost and provide support for any formal technical courses. A bursary scheme is also available to help you gain a master’s or top up your degree.
The skills you develop with us could cover numerous technical areas, from complex operational infrastructure to the development of sophisticated software, along with personal development to support you in your career.
From day one, you'll have access to mentors and subject matter experts. With plenty of advice and guidance, we'll help you create a structured development and career plan that's right for you.
Rewards and Benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £34,663, plus recruitment bonus of £3,000 and specialist skills payment of £4,000, (this will be split into two payments- £3,500 on arrival, £3,500 when you complete your probation) and 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
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• Excellent pension scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan (travel/parking)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities such as a restaurant and on-site coffee bar
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• Specialist Skills advancement payments available, on assessment
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 welcome and encourage applications from everyone.