Cyber Security Detection Engineer – Cyber Direct Entry

Ministry of Defence - ZigZag Careers Pathway; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is looking for a Cyber Security Detection Engineer to design and optimize cybersecurity monitoring systems. This role involves analyzing threats, collaborating across diverse teams, and developing security procedures. You will receive specialized training and a competitive salary starting at £42,782, with potential progression to over £60,000 and additional bonuses for skilled contributors. The position values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Benefits

Free medical and dental care

Childcare benefits

Enhanced parental leave

Flexible service arrangements

Qualifications

• Passion for cybersecurity and experience in digital environments.
• Willingness to learn programming or scripting.
• Experience in network security, digital forensics, or incident response.
• Strong analytical skills able to handle complex challenges.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize monitoring systems for improved detection.
• Analyze threats using intrusion detection technologies.
• Develop and maintain security standards and procedures.
• Communicate findings to diverse stakeholders.
• Monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Cybersecurity passion

Programming/scripting (Python, Java, PowerShell)

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Team collaboration

Education

Professional certifications such as CEH, OSCP, CompTIA Security+

Tools

Network traffic analysis tools (Snort, Wireshark)

Job description

Cyber Security Detection Engineer – Cyber Direct Entry

JPAN: n/a

Grade: Mil OR4

Location: Multiple, including Southwest and Northwest England

Contract: Regular Military Commitment with bespoke TACOS

Security clearance: DV

Closing date: 28 Feb 2025

All offers of employment are subject to achieving UK security clearance. Applicants normally need at least five years of UK residency to gain this clearance.

Overview

Cyber Direct Entry offers an accelerated route into military cyber roles for individuals with proven cyber skills or aptitude. This programme strengthens the UK’s ability to respond to growing cyber threats.

You’ll receive tailored training focused on essential skills for operating in cyberspace. Traditional medical and fitness standards are not our immediate concern, and waivers can be applied where appropriate.

We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Cyber talent comes from every identity, and we know that a diverse workforce makes us stronger.

The cyber sector includes many neurodivergent professionals, and we embrace neurodiversity. Different ways of thinking often lead to unique insights.

Formal qualifications are not essential. If you can show your skills and passion for cyber, we want to hear from you. Successful applicants will be fast-tracked into operational cyber roles.

The Role

Designs, configures, and optimises monitoring systems and cybersecurity tools to improve detection accuracy and relevance. Ensures security data collection supports timely identification of threats across environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and Optimise Detection Systems – Develop, configure, and optimise monitoring systems and cybersecurity tools to enhance detection accuracy and relevance, ensuring timely identification of threats across diverse environments.
• Analyse and Respond to Threats – Use intrusion detection technologies and network traffic analysis tools (e.g., Snort, Wireshark) to identify and analyse anomalies, malicious activities, and vulnerabilities, providing actionable insights for incident response.
• Develop and Maintain Security Standards – Create, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and secure configuration management techniques (e.g., Security Technical Implementation Guides) to ensure compliance with organisational security policies.
• Collaborate and Communicate Effectively – Work with stakeholders and cybersecurity teams to manage and update detection rules, signatures, and configurations. Present technical findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences through clear and concise communication.
• Monitor and Improve System Performance – Continuously monitor system performance and availability, troubleshoot issues, and implement enhancements to ensure the resilience and dependability of cybersecurity infrastructure.

About You

• Has a passion for cybersecurity and an interest in protecting digital environments, shown through qualifications or practical experience
• Can use or is willing to learn programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, Java, PowerShell)
• Understands or has experience in areas like network security, digital forensics, penetration testing, or incident response
• Brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills and can adapt to complex challenges
• Works well in diverse teams and can explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences
• Preferred Qualifications: Professional certifications such as CEH, OSCP, or CompTIA Security+ are desirable, as is knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001) and incident response methodologies.

Security requirement: Candidates must achieve and maintain Developed Vetting (DV). Failure to do so may result in termination of employment.

Training

Fast-tracked basic military training will introduce you to the Armed Forces without some traditional military skills (e.g., weapon training). Bespoke professional training will provide foundational cyber skills for Defence and show how your work supports national security. Ongoing specialist training and mentoring, including industry courses (e.g., SANS), will be available throughout your role.

Salary & Benefits

Base Salary: Starting at £42,782, with progression to over £60,000.

Additional cyber-skills payments: From £6,270 per year for junior operators to £26,125 per year for highly experienced individuals.

Pension: Automatic enrolment in the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (opt-out available).

Leave: 30 days annual leave plus eight UK bank holidays.

Other benefits: Free medical and dental care, childcare benefits, enhanced parental leave, and flexible service arrangements.

Application process

Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.

Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).

Medical Assessment: all candidates must pass a medical screening.

Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.

Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: [e-mail].