Cyber Security Infrastructure and Network 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 in the UK seeks a Cyber Security Infrastructure and Network Engineer to protect digital environments and enhance cybersecurity readiness. The ideal candidate will have a passion for cybersecurity, practical skills, and enjoy a diverse team environment. Offering a starting salary of £42,782 with progression to over £60,000 and benefits like free medical care, this role promotes inclusivity and growth in critical cyber roles for national security.

Benefits

Free medical and dental care

30 days annual leave

Flexible service arrangements

Enhanced parental leave

Qualifications

• Passion for cybersecurity shown through qualifications or practical experience.
• Capability or willingness to learn programming or scripting languages.
• Understanding or experience in network security, digital forensics, or incident response.
• Strong analytical skills and adaptability to complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain secure network infrastructure.
• Monitor and analyze system performance.
• Conduct security assessments and incident response.
• Collaborate and provide technical expertise.
• Develop and optimize security processes.

Skills

Interest in cybersecurity

Programming or scripting languages

Network security

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences

Education

Professional certifications (CEH, OSCP, CompTIA Security+)

Job description

Cyber Security Infrastructure and Network 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 below role represents one of many opportunities that will be available to you throughout your career. Final confirmation of cyber roles and locations will be made on completion of your initial training; decisions will take into account your skills, preferences and the needs of Defence.

The Role

Implements, maintains, and administers secure network and infrastructure systems to protect organisational assets. Tests and deploys hardware and software solutions to ensure resilience and compliance with security standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and Maintain Secure Network Infrastructure - Design, integrate, and maintain secure network and infrastructure systems, ensuring compliance with organisational security standards and defence‑in‑depth principles.
• Monitor and Analyse System Performance - Use diagnostic tools and performance tuning techniques to identify and mitigate system performance issues, ensuring availability, reliability, and resilience of infrastructure.
• Conduct Security Assessments and Incident Response - Perform security reviews, identify vulnerabilities, and conduct real‑time incident handling, including forensic analysis, intrusion tracking, and remediation to protect organisational assets.
• Collaborate and Provide Technical Expertise - Coordinate with stakeholders and provide actionable recommendations based on threat analysis, system assessments, and emerging trends to enhance the organisation’s security posture.
• Develop and Optimise Security Processes - Create and maintain standard operating procedures, implement new system design and testing processes, and ensure continuous improvement of network and infrastructure security solutions.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• 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‑traked 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

Applicationprocess

• Application: submita CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks arecompleted,and applications are sifted for suitability.
• Interview: shortlistedcandidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills,qualificationsand suitability for military service (command,leadershipand management experience).
• Medical Assessment: allcandidates must pass a medical screening.
• Offer: successful candidates receive terms andconditions,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:People‑Tx‑[e-mail].