Senior Cyber Security Engineer, British Intelligence Agencies
MI5
£64-66.3k
£64,005 for Manchester and £66,332 for London In addition, there will be opportunities to qualify for additional allowances and a skills-related payment under the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (GDDPCF), formerly the (DDaT) Digital, Data and Technology Capability Framework.
More information about location
4-5 days a week in office
UK's domestic and foreign intelligence services
Posted today
UK's domestic and foreign intelligence services
1001+ employees
Posted today
£64-66.3k
£64,005 for Manchester and £66,332 for London In addition, there will be opportunities to qualify for additional allowances and a skills-related payment under the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (GDDPCF), formerly the (DDaT) Digital, Data and Technology Capability Framework.
More information about location
4-5 days a week in office
1001+ employees
Company mission
MI5, MI6 and GCHQ work together to protect the UK from a range of national security and overseas threats, keeping citizens safe.
Role
Who you are
- You’ll bring practical experience in a security-focused role, such as cyber security engineering, penetration testing or a closely related technical discipline. This could be supported by a STEM degree with relevant experience, or a technical role with a strong security focus
- Experience with real-world systems is essential, identifying and solving security issues, alongside a solid understanding of core security principles such as Secure by Design. You'll have applied techniques such as threat modelling, vulnerability assessment or security testing, and be confident thinking critically about how systems can be exploited and secured
- You communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders and are comfortable working collaboratively to resolve issues. Curious and pragmatic, you’re motivated to keep learning and apply your expertise to complex, high-impact challenges
- Training and development
- From the moment you join, you’ll be supported to develop your expertise in cyber security through a blend of hands-on experience and structured learning. You’ll work closely with experienced colleagues across a range of security challenges, gaining exposure to different systems, tools and approaches
- A wide range of development opportunities is available, including on-demand learning platforms, virtual cyber ranges and formal training aligned to your role. There is also support available to achieve industry-recognised certifications, such as SANS (The Sans Institute), GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional Qualification) or Offensive Security qualifications, alongside opportunities to attend UK-based and international security conferences
- As you grow in the role, you’ll take on increasingly detailed work, building both technical depth and influence, with the support of your team, mentoring opportunities and exposure to real-world threat intelligence
- To work at MI5, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
What the job involves
- As a Senior Cyber Security Engineer, you'll play a central role in protecting the organisation's digital products, embedding security into how systems are designed and built. The role combines engineering and security expertise, applying practical skills to identify weaknesses, validate controls and help teams deliver secure, resilient systems from the outset
- Working within a highly collaborative environment, you’ll contribute to organisation-wide security capability, tackling complex challenges across a diverse and evolving technology landscape. Early engagement in the development lifecycle is vital, shaping design decisions, influencing architecture and ensuring security is integrated into modern engineering practices
- This role combines technical depth with real influence. Threat modelling, vulnerability assessment and security testing form a core part of the work, applying an adversarial mindset to uncover risks. Just as important is working directly with engineers, architects and stakeholders to resolve those risks, improve practices and raise the organisation's overall security maturity
- You’ll take a "purple team" approach, combining elements of red team testing and defensive security – identifying vulnerabilities and working with teams to fix them, building better, more secure systems
- The role also extends to the wider direction of security engineering: supporting less experienced colleagues, influencing technical decisions and helping stakeholders understand risk, trade-offs and priorities. With a high degree of autonomy, you'll take ownership of complex problems and play a key role in how security is delivered across the organisation
Application process
- An initial online application form including pre-screening questions to ensure you meet our eligibility criteria
- Online Situational Judgement Test (SJT) in which you rate the appropriateness of responses to a series of short scenarios
- A full online application form, assessed at application sift, where we will review your motivation for the role and the organisation
- An online interview, including questions relating to your motivation and our core competencies
- An in-person technical skills-based interview
- If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer of employment, subject to vetting
Our take
The British Intelligence Agencies - GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 play crucial roles in protecting the nation from a range of security threats. By focusing on counterterrorism, espionage, and cyber threats, the unified force works to safeguard the public and support law enforcement agencies. Its work, largely behind the scenes, is pivotal in ensuring national security.
With origins dating back to the 19th century, each of the British Intelligence Agencies plays a specific role within the security services. GCHQ focuses on signal intelligence gathering and information assurance, MI5 on counterterrorism and national security, whilst MI6 is focused on foreign intelligence and overseas security. This evolution into three specific organisations reflects the agency's ability to stay ahead of emerging security challenges, adjusting its strategy and operations as needed.
As technology and global threats change, the British Intelligence Agencies' approaches continue to evolve, ensuring the UK's security remains a top priority. With its deep expertise and ongoing adaptation, they are major key players in protecting national and international interests, whilst responding to complex security dynamics.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Company
Company benefits
- Merit awards – we have a merit award system to recognise exceptional contributions by individuals or team
- Flexible working – opportunities to work part-time, compressed hours or as a job share are available, dependent on the role and business needs
- Pension – we understand the importance of saving for retirement and offer a desirable pension scheme, which gives you a guaranteed pension based on career average earnings
- Annual leave – our employees are entitled to 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years’ service. In addition to this, employees are entitled to public and privilege holidays. Part-time employees receive the same entitlement calculated on a pro-rata basis
- Maternity and paternity leave – we offer maternity and paternity leave over and above the statutory entitlements
- Voluntary service leave – we offer special leave for our employees who wish to undertake voluntary work
- Rented accommodation loan – moving house to take up an offer of employment can be expensive. We offer new joiners the opportunity to take out an interest-free loan of up to £2,500, via our benevolent fund, to assist with the financial burden of relocating into privately rented accommodation. You will be sent an application for the loan at the point of receiving a final offer of employment
- Season ticket loan – we recognise that travel expenses from your home to the office can be significant, so we offer an interest-free season ticket loan which can be used for travel, car park costs or the purchase of a bicycle
- On-site facilities – there is a gym, restaurant, and coffee bar at some locations
- Clubs and societies – we offer a range of sports clubs, fitness classes, societies, and language training facilities
- Childcare Vouchers – we offer two childcare voucher schemes which provide a simple and cost-effective way for employees to receive help towards the cost of childcare
- Eye Voucher Scheme – we offer eye care vouchers and a financial contribution towards prescription glasses
- Physiotherapy – we offer subsidised in-house physiotherapy
- Personal learning – all our staff can undertake professional development to improve their skills and performance in the workplace
Company HQ
Manchester, UK
Articles
Leadership
Ken McCallum
(Director General)An MI5 Officer with over 25 years of experience in national security and intelligence. Their career has spanned roles in counterterrorism, cyber security, and leading MI5's strategic response to major incidents. They were appointed Director General in 2020 and previously served as Deputy Director General and Director General of Strategy.
Blaise Metreweli
(Chief)Blaise joined the Service in 1999 and has had a range of roles, most recently Director General Technology & Innovation (Q). She has spent most of her career operationally in the Middle East & Europe.
Anne Keast-Butler
(Director)Became the first female Director of GCHQ in May 2023. Previously served as Deputy Director General at MI5, where they led operational and investigative work, including responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With over 30 years in national security, they have held key roles in MI5, GCHQ, and Whitehall, including launching the National Security Programme.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at British Intelligence Agencies
- At the Intelligence Agencies, 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 underrepresented in our workforce, such as women, those 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: https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/life-at-gchq/diversity-inclusion.html
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