Infrastructure Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Chorley; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Infrastructure Engineer to join a dynamic team focused on optimizing systems and supporting critical missions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and develop innovative solutions in a collaborative environment. You'll engage in meaningful work that directly contributes to national security, while also benefiting from extensive training and development opportunities. With a starting salary of £36,408 and additional bonuses based on performance, this position promises a rewarding career path for those passionate about IT and eager to learn.

Benefits

25 days leave, rising to 30 after 5 years

Performance recognition schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities (gym, restaurant)

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• GCSE in Maths or equivalent is essential.
• Background in STEM or experience in small companies is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop infrastructure solutions to support operational tasks.
• Collaborate with teams to meet customer-driven infrastructure needs.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Adaptability

Problem-Solving

Passion for IT

Education

GCSE grade 4/C in Maths

Level 2 qualification in Maths

Tools

Python

PowerShell

Bash

Terraform

Ansible

Docker

vSphere

Hyper-V

Cisco

Juniper

Job description

Job Description

Infrastructure Engineer Ref. 3481

Department: Engineering
Location(s): Manchester, Samlesbury
Salary: £36,408, plus a recruitment bonus of £2,000, dependent on skills assessed during the interview. Additionally, there is an opportunity to obtain a skills bonus of £4,513, based on a skills review during your first year in the role.

Job description

Flexible Working: This role is primarily office-based, with most work undertaken in the office and some time working outside. We offer flexible hours, including compressed and part-time shifts. Remote work isn’t guaranteed but may be possible occasionally based on needs. Once trained, you might join an on-call rota.

About Us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber, and security agency tasked with keeping the UK safe. We use advanced technology, ingenuity, and partnerships to identify, analyze, and disrupt threats. Working with MI5 and MI6, we protect against terrorism, cyber-attacks, and espionage. At GCHQ, you’ll engage in varied, fascinating work in a supportive, inclusive environment emphasizing teamwork.

The Role

As an Infrastructure Engineer, you’ll join a friendly, skilled team focused on developing solutions to optimize systems and support our mission. You’ll be assigned a specialism—such as:

1. Tailored Acquisitions
2. Platform Engineers
3. Network Engineers
4. DevOps Engineers
5. Web Technology SMEs

Your influence and impact will be significant, developing infrastructure solutions or innovative approaches to operational challenges. You’ll troubleshoot issues, support operational tasks, and gain exposure to unique technology to grow your skills and confidence.

This role involves collaboration within teams and with various customers and analysts to develop customer-driven infrastructure, meet requirements, and enable our mission’s success.

About You

Are you passionate about IT? Do you thrive in dynamic environments and love learning? If so, this opportunity is for you!

Qualifications required: GCSE grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in Maths. No other specific qualifications or deep technical experience are necessary. A background in STEM, experience in small companies, or a passion for IT are beneficial. Enthusiasm, motivation, and eagerness to learn are key.

You should be organized, adaptable, capable of prioritizing effectively, analyzing problems, and communicating solutions clearly. A passion for continuous learning and collaboration is essential.

Training and Development

You’ll be assigned a buddy and mentor, engaging in formal and on-the-job training. You’ll rotate through different areas of our team for 6 months each, gaining comprehensive experience. After 18 months, you’ll be placed in the team matching your skills. Note: Rotation and training are specific to Samlesbury; Manchester has its own program.

Depending on your specialism, you can develop skills in areas such as:

• Technical risk management
• Operational security
• Domain services (Windows/Linux)
• OS administration and security
• Web technologies (Tor/VPNs/Proxies/CDNs/Cloud)
• Scripting (Python/PowerShell/Bash)
• Virtualisation (vSphere, Hyper-V)
• Networking (Cisco, Juniper, NSX)
• Automation tools (Terraform, Ansible, Docker)
• Monitoring (ELK, Splunk)
• Storage (3PAR & Primera)

We support your growth through exposure, technology use, and external training, including funded qualifications.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salary: £36,408, with potential for skills payments and benefits including:

• 25 days’ leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 holidays
• Performance recognition schemes
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities (gym, restaurant, coffee bars at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity to reflect society. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, including women, minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent candidates. Learn more on our website: https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/life-at-gchq/-.html

We’re Confident

GCHQ is a Leader in the DWP’s Confident scheme, promoting fair recruitment and development of disabled candidates. To secure an interview, you must meet the essential criteria assessed during the application sift, including qualification in Maths, motivation, analytical skills, and awareness of emerging technologies. Support is available for reasonable adjustments: https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

What to Expect

The recruitment process is merit-based and transparent:

• Application Sift: Review of motivation and skills
• Interview: Skills assessment and potential skills payment
• Conditional Offer: Upon success, a job offer

Applications may take 6-9 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

You must be British or dual British to apply, and the role requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. Full eligibility criteria and vetting info are on our website. We recommend setting up a separate, non-identifiable email account for your application. The role is based in Samlesbury or Manchester; consider travel and relocation costs. Applications from overseas should wait until visiting the UK. Discuss your application only with close contacts.