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Network Engineer
Network Capability Centre (NCC) – Cheltenham or Manchester
Job Summary
The Role As a Network Engineer within the Network Capability Centre (NCC), you will design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable network infrastructure that supports critical organisational systems. Your work will contribute to both ongoing reliability of services and broader national security outcomes.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Your role will span the full lifecycle of network delivery, including:
- Designing and building network solutions
- Supporting deployments and live environments
- Monitoring and troubleshooting to ensure availability, performance, and security
- Maintaining systems through updates, patching, and optimisation
- Contributing to disaster recovery and business continuity initiatives
Daily Work Framework
- A mix of independent tasks and collaboration, working with:
- Internal teams
- Global customers and external organisations
- Focus on problem-resolution and network enhancement
- Active participation in continuous improvement, adopting emerging security and resilience technologies
Development Opportunities
- Start in a specialist networking area before expanding across teams as you advance.
- Ideal for early-career or developing engineers seeking:
- Professional growth in network technologies
- Transition into senior engineering roles
Person Specification – Requirements
About You
- Essential Qualifications:
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.
- Core Experience:
- Strong foundation in network engineering, whether from a dedicated role or broader IT background.
- Confident in:
- Building, testing, and maintaining network infrastructure.
- Diagnosing and resolving issues in live systems.
- Mandatory Technologies: Proven experience with Cisco or similar networking platforms.
- Expected Knowledge & Skills:
- Configuring and supporting network technologies.
- Expertise in Linux or Windows systems.
- Familiarity with automation, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS/Azure), and core services (DNS, DHCP).
- Key Attributes:
- Problem-solver with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting.
- Ability to work effectively in a team, alongside technical and non-technical colleagues.
- Proactive mindset for identifying and resolving issues.
- Interest in networking and emerging technologies.
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Training and Development
Initial Induction:
- Structured training in the Network Capability Centre to familiarise you with:
- Networks, systems, and technologies designed/managed by the team.
Ongoing Growth:
- Hands-on learning alongside experienced engineers.
- Real-world project contributions from day one.
- Access to:
- Internal external training (e.g., core networking courses).
- Industry-recognised certifications (e.g., Cisco).
- Support System:
- Buddy system for onboarding.
- Mentorship opportunities.
- Career Progression:
- Move across teams and technologies to broaden skills.
- Build a versatile and rewarding career in network engineering.
Rewards and Benefits
- Starting Salary: £37,892
- Includes a concessionary payment: £2,758.
- Potential Recruitment Bonus and Skills Payment:
- Eligibility assessed during interviews:
- Possible £2,000 recruitment bonus.
- Additional £4,513 skills payment based on experience.
- Eligibility assessed during interviews:
Other Benefits:
- 25 leave days (30 days after 5 years)
- Public and privilege holidays: 10.5 extra days
- Employee recognition schemes
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Comprehensive pension scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Subsidised gym, restaurant, and coffee bars available
- Paid parental and adoption leave
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Security & Process Notes
Vetting & Eligibility
- Must be a British citizen or dual British national.
- This role requires developed vetting (DV), mandatory for UK Intelligence Community positions.
- Online character questionnaire (security priority).
- Baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) clearances required.
- Drug policy: Must not take recreational drugs upon applying; past usage must be disclosed.
IR35 Status
- Role is categorised as inside IR35, subject to UK tax rules.
Marketing Notice
This position may be filled using competency-based marketing.
Equal Opportunities & Support
GCHQ is committed to - diversity, inclusion, and recruitment through merit valued equally.
Support Provided:
- Consideration based on workplace diversity and disabilities.
- Disability Confident (Leader status) program: invites reasonable predictive interviews.
- Scheduling adjustments i.e. additional breaks, extended test times.
Key Assessment Criteria:
- Pass the SJT score with threshold.
- Online applications solo (tech maiden).
- GCHQ conditional for technical + motivational matching qualifications.
Selection Process
-
Phase 1:
- Pre-check-network (outlook) form demography
- Situation judgement test, set to arrive about the 6-9-month timeline from submission to final job offer.
- Ratings on ethical-placed issues (drop to basic questions).
-
Successful candidates invited to:
Role Status
Success reserves a conditional job offer with full contract signing interviews: competency tech + security seminated NOR involved.
Contact Information
For queries, Email: careers@recruitmentteam.org.uk
Further information Node Security Site
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