Infrastructure Engineer

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Infrastructure Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology while contributing to the safety of the UK. You will be part of a supportive environment that emphasizes collaboration and innovation. With a focus on personal development, you will engage in comprehensive training and gain exposure to various specialisms. The position also provides flexible working arrangements, making it ideal for those who thrive in vibrant environments. If you are passionate about IT and eager to learn, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Facilities like gyms and restaurants

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Passionate about IT and technology with a strong desire to learn.
• Organized and adaptable, able to prioritize tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot infrastructure issues and support operational tasks.
• Collaborate within teams to develop customer-driven infrastructure.

Skills

Technical risk management

Operational security

Domain services (Windows/Linux)

Operating system administration

Web technologies (Tor/VPNs/Proxies/CDNs/Cloud)

Scripting (Python/PowerShell/Bash)

Virtualization (vSphere, Hyper-V)

Networking (Cisco, Juniper, NSX)

Automation tools (Terraform, Ansible, Docker)

Monitoring and analysis (ELK, Splunk)

Storage (3PAR & Primera)

Education

GCSE grade 4/C or above

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Docker

vSphere

Hyper-V

ELK

Splunk

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 a small proportion outside. We offer flexible hours, including compressed and part-time shifts. While working from home isn’t guaranteed, it might be possible occasionally, based on personal and business needs. Once fully trained, you may be required to join an on-call rota.

About Us

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

The Role

As an Infrastructure Engineer, you’ll join a friendly, skilled team dedicated to finding end-to-end solutions that optimize our systems and support our mission. You’ll be assigned a specialism based on your suitability, either at recruitment or after an in-role assessment. Specialisms include:

• Tailored Acquisitions
• Platform Engineers
• Network Engineers
• DevOps Engineers
• Web Technology SMEs

Regardless of your specialism, you’ll have influence and impact, developing solutions for infrastructure or operational challenges, and honing technical skills to advance your career. You’ll troubleshoot infrastructure issues and support operational tasks, gaining exposure to unique technology and growing in confidence and experience.

This role involves collaboration within teams of various sizes, engaging with customers, analysts, and the wider technical community to develop customer-driven infrastructure, meet requirements, and enable our mission’s success.

About You

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

You only need one qualification: GCSE grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in Maths. No other specific qualifications or deep technical background are required. You might have a STEM background, experience in a small company with exposure to end-to-end products, or simply a passion for IT. Enthusiastic, motivated, and eager to learn, you’ll thrive here.

Organized and adaptable, you prioritize tasks effectively, analyze problems, and communicate solutions clearly. No matter your career stage, if you’re passionate about learning in a collaborative, innovative environment, this role suits you.

Training and Development

On starting, you’ll be assigned a buddy and mentor to help you settle in. You’ll engage in formal and on-the-job training, taking ownership of tasks early. You’ll rotate through three team areas over 18 months, gaining comprehensive knowledge and experience. Afterward, you’ll be placed in the team that best matches your skills. Note: rotation and training are specific to our Samlesbury location; Manchester has its own program.

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

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

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

Rewards and Benefits

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

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public holidays
• Performance recognition schemes
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities like gyms, restaurants, coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. Our culture emphasizes inclusivity, and we aim to reflect society in our workforce. More info on our website.

We’re Confident

GCHQ has achieved Leader status in the DWP’s Confident scheme, supporting disabled applicants through fair recruitment and development practices. To secure an interview, you must meet essential criteria, including GCSE Maths Level 2 or equivalent, motivation, analytical skills, and awareness of emerging technologies. Support is available through our recruitment process, with details on our website.

What to Expect

The recruitment process includes:

• Application Sift
• Interview with skills assessment
• Conditional Offer

Applications take about 6-9 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offers are made.

Before You Apply

You need to be British or hold dual citizenship, and meet security clearance requirements. Review our eligibility criteria and support options on our website. The role is based in Samlesbury or Manchester; consider travel and relocation implications. Apply from within the UK only. Discuss your application only with close contacts.