Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ
Exploitation Engineers
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About us
GCHQ is an intelligence and cyber 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 alongside our intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ, you’ll take on varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment where teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.
The role
GCHQ is offering an exciting opportunity to join a growing operational area responsible for the interception and exploitation of global communications in support of the UK Government, the UK military and our allies.
You will initially join our Communications Exploitation development team, where you will be supported in developing the skills needed to exploit global communications. Through a combination of on-the-job-training, innovative experimentation and prototyping, you’ll help deliver real-world mission outcomes.
If you have a passion for technology and are keen to build a career using innovative engineering to support GCHQ’s mission, this role could be for you.
As a Exploitation Engineer, you’ll work as part of an Agile team to design, develop and deploy technical solutions that support mission requirements. Using a combination of software, firmware and hardware engineering, you’ll contribute across the full engineering lifecycle, from understanding user needs to development, testing and deployment.
Many of the challenges you’ll encounter will be complex, with no obvious solution. You’ll therefore undertake research, prototyping and experimentation to develop innovative approaches that meet operational needs. You’ll also work closely with operators to ensure technologies you develop can be deployed effectively across global networks and military platforms.
Typical work within the Communications Exploitation development team includes researching emerging communications technologies, developing software and signal-processing capabilities, applying AI to complex challenges, and designing bespoke hardware and RF solutions.
You’ll use a variety of modern programming languages, tools and frameworks, including JavaScript, Java, C++, Python, Rust, Go and.NET. Depending on the work you undertake, you may also use technologies such as Kubernetes, MATLAB, VHDL and FPGA-based platforms to develop and deploy operational capabilities.
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You’ll work with a broad range of technologies while developing your expertise through practical experience and collaboration. As part of our Communications Exploitation development team, you’ll work alongside colleagues, the military and international partners to deliver solutions that support UK interests at home and overseas.
If you’re successful in securing a Exploitation Engineer role, please note that occasional travel to another GCHQ site may be required. Where overnight stays are necessary, GCHQ will fully cover travel and accommodation expenses.
Salary
£41,714, made up of a base salary of £35,134, a concessionary payment of £2,758, and a skills payment of up to £3,822 from day one, reflecting the skills and experience you demonstrate during the selection process. Plus, a £2,000 recruitment bonus.
Flexible working
We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a range of flexible working arrangements, including part-time and compressed hours. Where business needs allow, we can also offer flexibility around start and finish times. Due to the nature of the role, homeworking isn’t available.
About you
We’re looking for people with a passion for technology and engineering. You’ll have studied a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) subject, such as Physics, Software Engineering or Electronic Engineering, gained through a diploma, foundation degree, apprenticeship or equivalent programme.
A completed qualification isn’t essential. What’s most important is curiosity, enthusiasm for learning and an interest in developing your technical skills.
You may have gained practical experience through university projects, placements, apprenticeships, personal projects or hobbies. We’re particularly interested in how you’ve applied your knowledge to solve problems, develop solutions and explore new ideas.
You’ll have experience of at least one modern programming language or framework, such as C++, Go, Java, JavaScript, .NET, Node.js, Python or Rust. Experience working with technologies such as Kubernetes would be valuable. In addition, you’ll have an understanding of at least one of the following areas: digital signal processing, telecommunications and signal protocols, RF engineering, or FPGA and VHDL.
Experience using AI to support software development, code generation or problem-solving would be beneficial.
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Training and development
We’ll support you in developing the skills needed for the role through a combination of technical learning, mentoring from experienced engineers, and practical experience working on communications exploitation capabilities.
You’ll build specialist expertise in areas such as global communications networks, protocol analysis and digital signal processing, while also gaining exposure to technologies and disciplines including systems design, site reliability engineering, data engineering, solutions architecture, machine learning operations, Agile delivery and cloud engineering.
You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and partners across government, the military and allied organisations, helping you develop a broad understanding of the technical and operational environment in which we work.
Rewards and benefits
You’ll receive a base salary of £35,134, a concessionary payment of £2,758, and a skills payment of up to £3,822, assessed at interview and awarded from day one, giving a starting salary of up to £41,714. Plus, a £2,000 recruitment bonus.
- 25 days’ annual leave, rising automatically to 30 days after five years' service, plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
- opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
- interest-free season ticket loan
- an excellent pension scheme
- a cycle to work scheme
- on-site facilities such as a subsidised gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (available at some locations)
- paid parental and adoption leave
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 therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce, such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.
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