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. Working from home isn't guaranteed but may be possible occasionally, based 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 the UK from 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 dedicated to finding end-to-end solutions that optimize systems and support our mission. You'll be assigned a specialism—such as Tailored Acquisitions, Platform, Network, DevOps, or Web Technology—based on your suitability, either at recruitment or following an assessment. Your work may involve developing solutions for infrastructure or creating innovative approaches to operational challenges, with opportunities to grow your technical skills and career.
This role involves collaboration within teams, engaging with customers, analysts, and the wider technical community to develop customer-driven infrastructure, meet requirements, and enable our mission's success.
About You
If you're passionate about IT and technology, thrive in vibrant environments, and love learning, this role is for you. You only need a GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent Level 2 qualification in Maths. No deep technical background is required; a background in STEM or experience in small companies with end-to-end product exposure is beneficial. Enthusiasm, motivation, and eagerness to learn are key.
Organized and adaptable, you prioritize tasks effectively, analyze problems, explore creative solutions, and communicate clearly. A passion for continuous learning and collaboration is essential, regardless of your career stage.
Training and Development
You'll be assigned a buddy and mentor, engaging in formal and on-the-job training. You'll rotate through three areas of the team, spending six months in each, to gain comprehensive experience. After 18 months, you'll be placed in the team that best matches your skills. This rotation and training program is specific to the Samlesbury location; Manchester will have a tailored program.
Depending on your specialism, you'll develop skills in areas such as risk management, operational security, domain services, OS administration, web technologies, scripting, virtualization, networking, automation, monitoring, and storage. We support your applications for specialist skill payments and external training to enhance your knowledge.
Rewards and Benefits
Starting salary: £36,408, with potential skills payments, plus benefits including:
* 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public holidays
* Performance recognition schemes
* Interest-free season ticket loan
* Excellent pension scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* On-site facilities (gym, restaurant, coffee bars)
* Paid parental and adoption leave
Equal Opportunities
GCHQ values diversity and inclusion, reflecting society. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. More info: Diversity & Inclusion
Disability Confident
GCHQ is a Leader in the DWP's Disability Confident scheme, offering fair interview opportunities for disabled candidates meeting essential criteria: GCSE in Maths (Grade 4/C or above), motivation, analytical skills, and awareness of emerging technologies. Additional support and reasonable adjustments are available: How to Apply
What to Expect
Our recruitment process includes:
1. Application Sift: Review of motivation and skills
2. Interview: Skills assessment and potential skills payment
If successful, you'll receive a conditional offer. The process may take 6–9 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.
Before You Apply
You must be a British citizen or dual national, and pass Developed Vetting (DV). Read eligibility criteria and vetting details on our website. We have a strict drugs policy; recreational drug use must be declared. Use a separate, non-identifiable email for applications. The role is based in Samlesbury or Manchester; consider travel and relocation costs. Applications from outside the UK are not accepted. Discuss your application only with close contacts.
Right to Withdraw
We may close the role early once enough applications are received. Submit your application promptly.
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