Infrastructure Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Darwen; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Infrastructure Engineer to join a dynamic and skilled team dedicated to optimizing systems and supporting critical missions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment. You’ll be involved in troubleshooting, developing solutions, and gaining exposure to various technologies. If you have a passion for IT, a willingness to learn, and a collaborative spirit, this position is perfect for you. With flexible working options and a commitment to your professional development, you’ll thrive in this innovative setting.

Benefits

25 days' annual leave

Recognition via performance scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Facilities like gym and restaurant

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• GCSE grade 4/C in Maths or equivalent Level 2 qualification required.
• Enthusiasm and motivation to learn in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop solutions for infrastructure and operational challenges.
• Collaborate with teams to meet customer-driven infrastructure needs.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Adaptability

Organizational Skills

Education

GCSE grade 4/C in Maths

Level 2 qualification in Maths

Tools

Python

PowerShell

Bash

vSphere

Hyper-V

Cisco

Juniper

Terraform

Ansible

Docker

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. Remote work isn’t guaranteed but may be possible occasionally, based on needs. Once trained, you may also 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, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ, you’ll do varied 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 optimise our systems and support our mission. You’ll be assigned a specialism—either at recruitment or after an initial assessment—such as:

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

Regardless of your specialism, you’ll influence and impact our work, developing solutions for infrastructure and operational challenges. You’ll troubleshoot issues, support lifecycle tasks, and gain exposure to unique technology, advancing your confidence and experience.

This role involves collaboration within teams and with various customers and analysts, developing customer-driven infrastructure, meeting requirements, and enabling our mission’s success.

About You

If you’re passionate about IT and technology, thrive in vibrant environments, and love learning, this is an exciting opportunity! 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. A background in STEM, experience in small companies, or a passion for IT is sufficient. Enthusiasm, motivation, and eagerness to learn are key.

You are organized, adaptable, and can prioritize tasks under pressure. You analyze problems, explore solutions, and communicate clearly. If you’re passionate about learning in a collaborative, innovative environment, this role suits you.

Training and Development

Starting, you’ll be assigned a buddy and mentor. You’ll engage in formal and on-the-job training, taking ownership of tasks early. You’ll rotate through three areas of our large team, spending 6 months in each, to gain comprehensive experience. After 18 months, you’ll be placed in the team that best matches your skills. Note: rotation and training are specific to Samlesbury; Manchester has a tailored program.

You can develop skills 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)
• Virtualization (vSphere, Hyper-V)
• Networking (Cisco, Juniper, NSX)
• Automation tools (Terraform, Ansible, Docker)
• Monitoring (ELK, Splunk)
• Storage (3PAR & Primera)

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

Rewards and Benefits

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

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public holidays
• Recognition via performance scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities like gym, restaurant, coffee bars (some sites)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity to reflect society. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including under-represented groups such as women, minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. Learn more at 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 for disabled candidates. The essential criteria for application include:

• GCSE or Level 2 Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
• Motivation to work at GCHQ
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Awareness of emerging technologies

Additional support and adjustments are available. More info at: https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

What to Expect

The recruitment process involves:

• Application Sift: review of motivation and skills
• Interview: skills assessment and potential skills payment
• Conditional Offer: upon success

Process duration: 6-9 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

You must be British or dual British. Full eligibility info is on our site. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. More on the vetting process is available online.

We have a strict drugs policy. Recreational drugs are not permitted once you start. Use a separate email for applications, avoiding personal identifiers.

The role is based in Samlesbury or Manchester; consider logistics and costs. Applications from outside the UK are not accepted until visiting the UK. Discuss your application only with close contacts.

Right to Withdraw: We may close applications early if enough are received. Submit early to avoid missing out.