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 of the work undertaken in the office and a small proportion of time working outside of the office. We offer flexible working hours, including options for compressed and part-time shifts. While working from home isn't guaranteed, it might be possible on occasion, based on personal and business needs. Once you're fully trained, you may also 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, 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.
The Role
As an Infrastructure Engineer, you'll become part of a friendly and skilled team dedicated to finding end-to-end solutions that optimise our systems and support our mission. You'll be assigned a specialism based on your suitability, either at recruitment stage or following an in-role assessment. Specialisms include:
1. Tailored Acquisitions
2. Platform Engineers
3. Network Engineers
4. DevOps Engineers
5. Web Technology SMEs
Whatever your specialism, you'll have real influence and impact. You might develop solutions for existing and future infrastructure or create innovative approaches to operational challenges. By contributing to your team's success, you'll also hone technical skills that advance your career. Whether you're troubleshooting infrastructure issues or supporting operational tasks throughout their lifecycle, you'll gain exposure to unique technology and grow in confidence and experience.
This role involves collaboration. Work in both big and small teams, depending on the project, and engage with a range of customers. Additionally, collaborate with analysts across varied missions and the wider technical community to develop customer-driven infrastructure. Meet unique requirements, develop pioneering solutions, and help enable the success of our mission.
About You
Are you passionate about IT and technology? Do you thrive in vibrant environments and love learning new skills? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
You only need one qualification: GCSE grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in Maths. No other specific qualifications or deep technical background are required. You might have a background in STEM, experience working in a small company with exposure to end-to-end products, or simply a passion for IT and technology. If you're enthusiastic, motivated, and eager to learn new skills, you'll thrive in this role.
Organised and adaptable, you prioritise tasks effectively and stay focussed under pressure. You analyse problems and are willing to explore different approaches to find creative solutions. Moreover, you communicate those solutions to customers with clarity. No matter where you are in your career, if you have a passion for learning new skills in an environment that values collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, this opportunity is for you.
Training and Development
When you start, you'll be assigned a “buddy” and a mentor to help you settle into the role and life at GCHQ. You'll engage in a mix of formal and on-the-job training and be given ownership of tasks early in your role. At the beginning, you'll collaborate with your team and line manager on initial responsibilities to develop your skills and ease into the types of projects you'll be working on. As an Infrastructure Engineer, you'll rotate through each of the three areas of our large team, spending 6 months in each area. This will help you gain comprehensive knowledge and a well-rounded experience. After 18 months, you'll be placed in the team that best matches your skills. Please note that the rotation and training programme described is specific to our Samlesbury location. Manchester will have its own tailored training programme.
Depending on your specialism, you'll have the opportunity to develop a wider range of valuable skills including:
* Technical risk management
* Operational security
* Domain services (Windows/Linux)
* Operating system administration and security (Windows/Linux/Android/iOS)
* Web technologies (Tor/VPNs/Proxies/CDNs/Cloud)
* Scripting languages (Python/PowerShell/Bash)
* Virtualisation technologies (vSphere, Hyper-V)
* Networking (Cisco, Juniper, NSX)
* Automation Tooling (Terraform/Ansible/Docker)
* Monitoring and analysis (ELK, Splunk)
* Storage (3PAR & Primera)
We aim to develop your knowledge through exposure and using the right technologies for the problem. You'll gain experience with a variety of tech tools and programming languages, and as your skills develop, we'll support your applications for specialist skill payments. We also encourage external training and relevant funded qualifications.
Rewards and Benefits
Starting salary of £36,408, with opportunities for additional skills payments and benefits including:
* 25 days of annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public holidays
* Recognition through our employee performance scheme
* Interest-free season ticket loan
* Excellent pension scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Facilities such as gym, restaurant, coffee bars (at some locations)
* Paid parental and adoption leave
Equal Opportunities
GCHQ values diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, neurodivergent, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. Learn more at:
https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/life-at-gchq/diversity-inclusion.html
Disability Confident
GCHQ is a Leader within the DWP's Disability Confident scheme. We aim to offer fair interview opportunities to self-identified disabled candidates who meet essential criteria, assessed during the application process.
Application Process
Fair and merit-based, including:
1. Application Sift
2. Interview (skills assessment and potential skills payment)
3. Conditional Offer
Applications may take 6-9 months, so continue current employment until final offer.
Eligibility and Security Clearance
You must be a British citizen or dual national, with the highest security clearance (DV). Full details are available on our website.
Additional Advice
* Set up a separate, non-identifiable email account for applications.
* Be aware of the application location and practical considerations.
* Apply early due to possible early closing.
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