Infrastructure Engineer Ref. 3481
Department: Engineering
Location(s): Manchester, Samlesbury
Salary: £36,408, plus a recruitment bonus of £2,000, dependent on skills assessed during the interview. Additionally, there is an opportunity to obtain a skills bonus of £4,513, based on a skills review during your first year in the role.
Job description
Flexible Working: This role is primarily office-based, with most work undertaken in the office and a small proportion outside. We offer flexible hours, including compressed and part-time shifts. While remote work isn't guaranteed, it may be possible occasionally, depending on needs. Once fully trained, you may be required to join an on-call rota.
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, analyze, and disrupt threats. Working with MI5 and MI6, we protect against terrorism, cyber-attacks, and espionage. At GCHQ, you'll work in a supportive, inclusive environment emphasizing teamwork.
The Role
As an Infrastructure Engineer, you'll join a friendly, skilled team focused on end-to-end solutions to optimize systems supporting our mission. You'll be assigned a specialism based on your suitability, which may be determined at recruitment or after an in-role assessment. Specialisms include:
* Tailored Acquisitions
* Platform Engineers
* Network Engineers
* DevOps Engineers
* Web Technology SMEs
In your role, you'll develop solutions for infrastructure challenges, contribute to team success, and grow your technical skills. You'll troubleshoot issues and support operational tasks throughout their lifecycle, gaining exposure to unique technologies and building confidence and experience.
This role involves collaboration within teams and with various customers and analysts to develop customer-driven infrastructure, meet requirements, and enable our mission's success.
About You
If you're passionate about IT, thrive in dynamic environments, and love learning, this role is for you. The only qualification needed is GCSE grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent Level 2 in Maths. No deep technical background is required. A background in STEM, experience in small companies, or a passion for IT is beneficial. Enthusiasm, motivation, and eagerness to learn are key.
You should be organized, adaptable, able to prioritize tasks, analyze problems, and communicate solutions clearly. We value collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, regardless of your career stage.
Training and Development
You will be supported by a buddy and mentor, engaging in formal and on-the-job training. Initially, you'll collaborate with your team and line manager to develop skills and ease into projects. You'll rotate through three team areas over 18 months, gaining comprehensive experience before being placed in the best fit team. Note: Rotation and training are specific to the Samlesbury location; Manchester has a tailored program.
Depending on your specialism, you'll develop skills in areas such as:
* Technical risk management
* Operational security
* Domain services (Windows/Linux)
* OS administration and security
* Web technologies (Tor/VPNs/Proxies/CDNs/Cloud)
* Scripting (Python/PowerShell/Bash)
* Virtualisation (vSphere, Hyper-V)
* Networking (Cisco, Juniper, NSX)
* Automation tools (Terraform, Ansible, Docker)
* Monitoring (ELK, Splunk)
* Storage (3PAR & Primera)
We support your application for specialist skill payments and encourage external training to enhance your knowledge and qualifications.
Rewards and Benefits
Starting salary: £36,408, with potential for skills payments and benefits including:
* 25 days' annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of holidays
* Recognition through performance schemes
* Interest-free season ticket loan
* Excellent pension scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Facilities like gym, restaurant, coffee bars (at some locations)
* Paid parental and adoption leave
Equal Opportunities
We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, neurodivergent, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. More info: Diversity and Inclusion
Disability Confident
GCHQ is a Leader within the DWP's Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment. To secure an interview, you must meet essential criteria, including GCSE Maths Level 2, motivation, analytical skills, and awareness of emerging technologies. Support and reasonable adjustments are available: How to Apply
What to Expect
Our fair, merit-based process includes:
* Application Sift
* Interview with skills assessment
* Conditional Offer
Application processing may take 6-9 months, so continue current employment until final offer.
Before You Apply
Applicants must be UK citizens or dual nationals, eligible for Developed Vetting (DV). Read full criteria and info on vetting and drug policies on our website. Prepare a separate, anonymous email address for contact. The role is based in Samlesbury or Manchester; consider travel and relocation implications. Applications from outside the UK are not accepted. Discuss your application only with close contacts.
We may close the role early if sufficient applications are received. Submit your application promptly.
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