Infrastructure Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Northwich; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Infrastructure Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, focusing on optimizing systems and supporting critical missions. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, you'll gain exposure to unique technologies while developing your skills in a supportive environment. The position includes flexible working options and comprehensive training, making it ideal for those eager to learn and grow in the IT field. If you're ready to make a difference, this role could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Facilities like gym and restaurant

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Passion for IT and technology with a willingness to learn.
• Organized and adaptable, able to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Experience in STEM or small companies is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot infrastructure issues and support operational tasks.
• Collaborate with teams to develop customer-driven infrastructure.
• Engage in formal and on-the-job training for skill development.

Skills

Technical risk management

Operational security

Domain services (Windows/Linux)

Operating system 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)

Education

GCSE grade 4/C or above in Maths

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Docker

vSphere

Hyper-V

Cisco

Juniper

NSX

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 of time working outside of the office. We offer flexible working hours, including options for compressed and part-time shifts. While working from home isn’t guaranteed, it might be possible on occasion, based on personal and business needs. Once fully trained, you may also 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, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners 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 and inclusive environment that emphasizes teamwork.

The Role

As an Infrastructure Engineer, you’ll be part of a friendly and skilled team dedicated to finding end-to-end solutions that optimise our systems and support our mission. You’ll be assigned a specialism based on your suitability, either at recruitment or following 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 creating innovative operational approaches. You’ll troubleshoot infrastructure issues, support operational tasks, and gain exposure to unique technologies to grow your confidence and experience.

This role involves collaboration in both large and small teams, engaging with various customers and analysts across missions to develop customer-driven infrastructure, meet requirements, and enable our mission’s success.

About You

If you are passionate about IT and technology, thrive in vibrant environments, and love learning, 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 with end-to-end product exposure, or a passion for IT and technology are beneficial. Enthusiasm, motivation, and eagerness to learn are key.

You should be organized, adaptable, able to prioritize tasks, and communicate solutions clearly. Regardless of your career stage, 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 to help you settle in. You’ll engage in formal and on-the-job training, taking ownership of tasks early on. 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 our Samlesbury location; Manchester will have its tailored program.

You’ll develop skills in areas such as:

• Technical risk management
• Operational security
• Domain services (Windows/Linux)
• Operating system 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 application for specialist skills payments and external training to enhance your knowledge of new technologies.

Rewards and Benefits

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

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

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including under-represented groups. Learn more about our culture and environment 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 for disabled candidates. To qualify for interview, you must meet the essential criteria, including a GCSE or Level 2 Maths qualification, motivation, analytical skills, and awareness of emerging technologies. We offer support and adjustments during the recruitment process. Details are available on our website: https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

What to Expect

The recruitment process includes:

• Application Sift
• Interview with skills assessment
• Conditional Offer

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

Before You Apply

Applicants must be British or hold dual citizenship, meet security clearance requirements, and comply with policies on drugs and application procedures. Ensure your contact details are secure and consider practicalities like location and travel. Applications from outside the UK should be made only when visiting the UK.

We reserve the right to close the role early if enough applications are received. Submit your application promptly to avoid missing out.