Software Engineers, British Intelligence Agencies
£42.6k
£2000 recruitment bonus
5 days a week in office
UK's domestic and foreign intelligence services
Be an early applicant
UK's domestic and foreign intelligence services
1001+ employees
Be an early applicant
£42.6k
£2000 recruitment bonus
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 be able to demonstrate solid programming fundamentals and proficiency in at least one modern language or framework, such as Go, Java, JavaScript, Node js, Python or Rust
- To join us, you’ll need a higher education background in a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), gained through a degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent qualification. Applications from candidates in the final year of their studies are welcome
- Practical experience in software engineering is also required and may have been gained through software development projects, employment, internships, industrial placements or summer placements
- Naturally curious and analytical, you’ll enjoy solving problems and take a logical, persistent approach to technical challenges. You’ll be keen to explore new ideas and broaden your knowledge
- You communicate clearly with technical and non-technical audiences, sharing information in a way that supports collaboration and effective delivery. You work well with others, value different perspectives, and contribute positively within a team environment
- A passion for technology and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing and continuous learning are valued will help you succeed in the role
Desirable
- Experience with generative AI would be advantageous, including AI-assisted development tools, agentic patterns, or applications that use large language models. An understanding of how to use these technologies responsibly, securely and effectively would also be beneficial. Most importantly, curiosity and a willingness to develop your knowledge as these technologies evolve will help you succeed in the role
What the job involves
- As a Software Engineer, you’ll work as part of an Agile team to solve complex technical challenges using a variety of software engineering methods, languages and frameworks, including JavaScript, Java, Node.js, Python, Rust and Go
- From day one, you’ll contribute to meaningful projects while continuing to develop and broaden your technical skills. You’ll work across a variety of environments, including on-premises and cloud-based solutions, collaborating with other engineers to deliver innovative and scalable systems
- You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to large-scale projects, share knowledge with the wider engineering community and learn from experienced colleagues. We encourage engineers to take ownership of their work and provide the support and autonomy needed to develop their expertise
- If you’re successful in securing a Software 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
- Beyond delivering impactful work, you’ll be part of a culture that values collaboration, learning and development, where everyone is encouraged to contribute and reach their potential
- 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
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.
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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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