Infrastructure Engineer

GCHQ; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking agency focused on national security as an Infrastructure Engineer. This role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment. You'll develop your skills through structured training and hands-on experience, rotating through various specialisms to gain comprehensive insights. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, you will tackle infrastructure challenges and support vital operations. The agency values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive workplace where your contributions will make a real difference. Embrace this opportunity to grow and make an impact in a fascinating field.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Recognition schemes

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 required.
• Experience in STEM or passion for IT is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop solutions for infrastructure challenges.
• Engage with diverse teams to meet unique requirements.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Adaptability

Technical risk management

Operational security

Education

GCSE grade 4/C in Maths or equivalent

Tools

Windows

Linux

Scripting languages

Virtualization technologies

Automation tools

Networking

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 outside. We offer flexible hours, including compressed and part-time shifts. Remote work isn't guaranteed but may be possible occasionally. Once trained, you may be required to join an on-call rota.

About Us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency dedicated to keeping the UK safe. We utilize cutting-edge technology, ingenuity, and partnerships to identify, analyze, and disrupt threats. Working with MI5 and MI6, we protect against terrorism, cyber-attacks, and espionage. Join us for 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 end-to-end solutions that optimize systems and support our mission. You'll be assigned a specialism based on your suitability, either at recruitment or after an initial assessment. Specialisms include:

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

Regardless of your specialism, you'll influence and impact projects, develop solutions for infrastructure challenges, and grow your technical skills. The role involves troubleshooting, supporting operational tasks, and engaging with diverse teams and customers to develop customer-driven infrastructure, meeting unique requirements, and enabling our mission's success.

About You

Are you passionate about IT and technology? Do you thrive in vibrant environments and love learning? If yes, 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 deep technical background is required. Experience in STEM, small companies, or a passion for IT is beneficial. If you're enthusiastic, motivated, and eager to learn, you'll succeed.

Organized and adaptable, you prioritize effectively, analyze problems, explore solutions, and communicate clearly. Passion for learning and collaboration is key, regardless of your career stage.

Training and Development

You'll be assigned a buddy and mentor, engaging in formal and on-the-job training. Early responsibilities will help develop your skills. 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.

Depending on your specialism, you'll develop skills in:

• Technical risk management
• Operational security
• Domain services (Windows/Linux)
• OS administration and security
• Web technologies
• Scripting languages
• Virtualization technologies
• Networking
• Automation tools
• Monitoring and analysis
• Storage solutions

We support your skill development through exposure, technology use, and applications for specialist payments. External training and funded qualifications are encouraged.

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
• Recognition schemes
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities like gym, restaurant, coffee bars (some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve. Applications from under-represented groups are encouraged. Details at: Diversity & Inclusion

Disability Confident

GCHQ is a Leader within the DWP's Disability Confident scheme, offering fair interviews for disabled candidates meeting essential criteria. The criteria include:

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

Support and adjustments are available. More info at: Application Support

What to Expect

Our process: Application Sift, Interview (skills assessment), Conditional Offer. Each stage must be passed. The process may take 6-9 months, so continue current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be UK citizens or dual nationals, with security clearance (DV). Details at our website. Refrain from recreational drugs; declare prior usage. Use a separate email for applications, avoiding identifiable info. Consider practicalities of location, as no relocation costs are provided. Applications from overseas should wait until visiting the UK. Discussing applications outside close contacts is discouraged.

We may close applications early once enough are received.