Data and AI Systems Specialist (New Bailey, Manchester, United Kingdom)Recruiter: Krystle JamesCareer Grade: DInternal Closing Date: 28/10/25 Security isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BT, but when it comes to keeping everyone safely connected, We Are The Protectors. We deal with thousands of cyber-attacks every day, so that millions of people can safely go about their daily lives and run their businesses. We deliver vital work at scale, with real breadth and impact. We connect for good.You'll be joining a specialist security team that is a trusted partner to governments worldwide, protecting critical national infrastructure and committed to the safety and security of our nation and global communities. Our mission focused work is innovative, inspiring and technologically challenging in a way that makes every day different and stimulating. We provide the opportunity to work on rare projects, with exciting tools and brilliant people. Everyone has access to unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities and your contribution is always valued.Why this job matters This role is central to building and operating the secure, scalable infrastructure that powers our data and AI platforms. You’ll lead the design and deployment of resilient backend services, working hands-on with Linux systems, Kubernetes clusters, and secure networking. You’ll support efforts to integrate external and internal data sources, ensuring they are governed, compliant, and usable across our analytics and AI platforms. Working closely with the GSS CTO and external partners, you’ll shape how data enters our environment and how it’s transformed into decision-ready services. This job role can be based in Manchester, Ipswich, Cheltenham. Onsite (Office based 5 days per week). Monday-Friday 37.5 hours per week. You will need to be eligible to obtain DV Security Clearance before starting this role. You will need to have lived in the UK for 10+ years to be eligible.What you’ll be doing Works under high level direction within a clear framework of accountability.Design, build, and run Kubernetes-based platforms and supporting services for high-throughput data/AI workloads.Implement and manage supporting infrastructure services including integration with external enterprise and third-party systems.Ensure platform reliability through SLAs, monitoring, alerting, and automated recovery.Maintain platform compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.Review infrastructure code, mentor junior engineers, and drive DevOps and platform engineering best practices.Essential Skills Cloud ComputingProgramming/ScriptingData WranglingArtificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Decision MakingWhat we'd like to see on your CV Secure infrastructure design and operations for mission-critical platforms (hardening, patching, access control, audit).Building and operating scalable data/AI platforms (e.g., NiFi, Spark, object storage like S3/MinIO, HDFS or equivalents) on Kubernetes or VMs.Delivering services with measurable reliability (SLA, monitoring, alerting).Familiarity with compliance and governance frameworks e.g. CIS.Benefits Competitive salary + 10% On Target BonusBT Pension scheme, minimum 5% Employee contribution, BT contribution 10%On-call allowance (Depending on role requirements)25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with serviceHuge range of flexible benefits including cycle to work, healthcare, season ticket loanWorld-class training and development opportunitiesFrom January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It’s for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.Enhanced women’s health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues2 weeks paid carer’s leave World-class training and development opportunitiesOption to join BT Shares Saving schemes.Discounted broadband, mobile and TV packagesAccess to 100’s of retail discounts including the BT shop #LI-OnsiteSecurity is one of the fastest growing parts of our global organisation. We are protecting our networks from more than 6,500 cyber attacks each day, investing over £40m in research each year - and in employing nearly 3,000 people, we’re also the largest private cyber employer in the UK. With incredible opportunities to learn, develop and grow your skills, we’ll invest in you, nurture your potential and shape your future – whatever your background or experience. In today’s world, safe and secure digital connections have never been more vital. You’ll be joining a global company operating at the forefront of the information age: BT employs 90,000 people in 180 countries. With huge scale, we’re capable of achieving great things, striving to be personal, simple, and brilliant for our customers whilst creating an inclusive working environment where people from all backgrounds can succeed. Play your part. Make a difference. We are the Protectors. A FEW POINTS TO NOTE:Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.DON'T MEET EVERY SINGLE REQUIREMENT?Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the Job Description, please apply anyway - you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.