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Network Engineer
Network Engineer – Network Capability Centre
Locations: Cheltenham, Manchester
About the Role
As a Network Engineer within the Network Capability Centre (NCC), you’ll design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable network infrastructure that supports critical organisational systems. Operating within a large, multidisciplinary environment, your work will contribute to the delivery and ongoing reliability of network services underpinning national security outcomes.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Your role will span the full lifecycle of network delivery, including:
- Designing and building network solutions
- Supporting deployments (e.g., planning, testing, and implementation)
- Monitoring and troubleshooting live environments to ensure availability, performance, and security
- Performing ongoing operations such as updates, patching, and optimisation
- Contributing to disaster recovery and business continuity activities
You’ll work collaboratively and independently, closely engaging with:
- Internal teams
- Customers
- External organisations
Key priorities include:
- Resolving issues to strengthen network capability
- Driving continuous improvement to evolve network services
- Adopting emerging technologies to enhance resilience, scalability, and security
This role is ideal for early-career or developing engineers seeking hands-on experience in networking, opportunities to broaden expertise across technologies, and a clear development path toward senior engineering roles.
Person Specification
About You
-
Qualifications & Foundation:
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above.
- A sound understanding of network engineering, gained through:
- Dedicated roles (e.g., network engineer or technical specialist).
- Broader IT roles with hands-on experience in network infrastructure design, testing, and maintenance.
- Essential experience with Cisco or comparable networking technologies.
-
Technical Skills:
- Proficient in configuring and supporting network technologies.
- Familiarity with Linux or Windows systems.
- Prior experience in areas such as:
- Automation
- Cloud platforms
- DNS and DHCP
-
Problem-Solving Approach:
- Practical mindset for diagnosing faults and maintaining system reliability.
- Ability to work effectively in teams, communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and take initiative.
-
Motivation & Growth:
- Strong interest in networking and emerging technologies.
- Commitment to developing your technical skills and expanding your knowledge base.
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Training and Development
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Structured Induction: Onboarding within the Network Capability Centre to grasp the networks, systems, and technologies used by your team.
-
Hands-On Learning:
- Direct involvement in live projects from the outset.
- Collaboration with experienced engineers to build your capability.
-
Formal Training:
- Access to internal and external training programs, including:
- Core networking courses
- Specialist technologies (e.g., cybersecurity, virtualisation)
- Industry-recognised certifications (e.g., Cisco).*
- Access to internal and external training programs, including:
-
Mentorship and Support:
- A compulsory buddy system for onboarding.
- Mentors to guide your development.
- Opportunities to move between teams and projects, broadening your expertize.
Benefits
Compensation and Bonus Opportunities
You’ll earn a starting salary of £37,892, including a concessionary payment of £2,758.
Additionally:
- £2,000 recruitment bonus (subject to eligibility)
- £4,513 skills payment (depending on experience and assessed capability).
Eligibility for bonuses will be reviewed during the interview process.
Annual Leave & Holidays
- 25 days’ paid leave per year (increasing to 30 days after 5 years).
- Additional 10.5 paid days for public and privilege holidays.
Recognition and Suppport
- Performance-driven rewards through the employee performance scheme.
- Support for further achievements and milestones.
Workplace Facilities
- Interest-free season ticket loan for commuting.
- Excellent pension scheme (Civil Service-scale benefits).
- Cycle-to-work scheme to support active commuting.
- **Subsidised gym，**restaurant 和 on-site coffee bars (available at select locations).
Family and Society Support
- Fully paid parental leave (incliding adoption leave).
- Support for enhancing work-life balance.
Artificial Intelligence Notes
While AI can assist your application process, all submitted materials must be truthful, accurate, and your own original work. Presenting others’ ideas (including AI-generated ones) as your own is prohibited and will result in application withdrawal or disciplinary action.
Please review GCHQ’s Candidate Guidance for full details.
Selection Process
Equal Opportunities
GCHQ is committed to diversity and inclusion as critical to its mission. Applications from under-represented groups—women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds—are welcome and encouraged.
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How You’ll Be Assessed
The recruitment process follows these stages:
1. Baseline Eligibility
- Review via an initial application form and pre-screening questions to confirm eligibility.
- Nationality requirement: UK citizenship or dual UK nationality.*
x2. Online Assessment
The following tests are mandatory to progress:
- Online Situational Judgement Test (SJT): Evaluates core competencies for GCHQ roles.
- Includes a pass mark to advance.
- Internal Sift:
- Minimum pass motivational and technical skill tests.
- An assessment of your ability to analyse technical problems and adapt/innovate with technology.
3. Holistic Review
- Successful candidates move to the application form.
- Interview stage (competency & technical questions).
- Offer of conditional employment (finalised after security checks).
Note: Each stage must be passed to progress to the next. Expect a 6–9-month process from application to offer.
Vetting and Security Clearance
- Before appointment, you must secure the Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
- Assessed for baseline personnel security.
Travel and Sponsorship
- No relocation assistance is provided, so check commute feasibility before applying.
- Travel costs for in-person appointments may be reimbursed (details confirmed upon invitation).
Eligibility
- Open to *UK nationals or dual UK nationals.
- UK-based applicants only (no exceptions for overseas candidates).
Drug Policy & Legal
- Must declare any past drug usage during internal screening.
- Any shortlisted candidates must avoid recreational drugs from point of application onward.
Further Information
For complete details, visit GCHQ Careers Network Engineer Listing.
Note to Applicants:
- Applications are subject to closure once sufficient candidates have been received.
- Security proceeds via mandatory vetting charter.
- Feedback is limited to interview/assessment attendance.
Contact Point: CAREERS
Email: careers@recruitmentteam.org.uk pré-recruitment questions. For compression of this outdated advert, see: data retention policy at end-of-service.
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