Infrastructure Engineer

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as an Infrastructure Engineer, where you’ll work in a dynamic team dedicated to optimizing systems and enhancing security. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology while collaborating with various stakeholders. You’ll develop your skills through formal training and hands-on experience, rotating through different areas of the team. With a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including flexible working hours and professional development opportunities, this position is perfect for those eager to grow in a supportive environment. If you are passionate about IT and thrive in innovative settings, this is your chance to make a significant impact.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Recognition through performance schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Facilities like gyms and restaurants

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent in Maths is essential.
• Enthusiasm for IT and technology is key.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Adaptability

Organizational Skills

Education

GCSE in Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

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 outside. We offer flexible hours, including compressed and part-time shifts. Working from home isn’t guaranteed, but may be possible occasionally. Once fully trained, you may need 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, 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 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 optimise systems and support our mission. You’ll be assigned a specialism based on your suitability, either at recruitment or after an assessment. Specialisms include:

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

In your specialism, you’ll influence and impact projects, develop solutions, and hone technical skills. Responsibilities include troubleshooting infrastructure issues and supporting operational tasks, with exposure to unique technology and opportunities for growth.

This role involves collaboration within teams and with various stakeholders, developing customer-driven infrastructure, meeting 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 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. A background in STEM, experience in small companies, or a passion for IT is sufficient. Enthusiasm, motivation, and eagerness to learn are key.

You should be organised, adaptable, able to prioritise, analyse problems, and communicate solutions clearly. If you’re passionate about learning in a collaborative, innovative environment, this role suits you.

Training and Development

Initially, you’ll be assigned a buddy and mentor. You’ll undergo 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 matching your skills. Note: rotation and training are specific to Samlesbury; Manchester has a tailored programme.

Depending on your specialism, you can develop skills in:

• Technical risk management
• Operational security
• Domain services (Windows/Linux)
• Operating system security
• Web technologies (Tor, VPNs, Proxies, CDN, 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 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 public holidays
• Recognition through performance 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 to reflect society and encourage applications from under-represented groups, including women, minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. More info on our culture and environment is 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, supporting disabled applicants through fair recruitment. To secure an interview, you must meet essential criteria, including:

• 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 is available through our website: https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

What to Expect

Our process is fair and merit-based, including:

• Application Sift
• Interview with skills assessment
• Conditional Offer

Applications may take 6-9 months, so continue current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

You need to be British or dual British. Full criteria are online. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. More info on vetting is available. We have a strict drugs policy and recommend setting up a separate email for applications. The role is based in Samlesbury or Manchester; consider travel and relocation costs. Applications from overseas should be made when in the UK. Discussing your application should be limited to close contacts.