National Security Cyber Accelerator Programme

BAE Systems; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology company is seeking individuals for the National Security Cyber Accelerator program. This program, based in Gloucester and Manchester, provides 12 months of dedicated training in cybersecurity, hands-on mentorship, and the opportunity to work on major national security challenges. Ideal candidates are those passionate about technology, eager to learn, and possess proficiency in programming. This is an exciting opportunity to start a career in cyber defense with a focus on real-world applications and challenges.

Benefits

Hands-on training

Real-world experience

Mentorship opportunities

Qualifications

• Proficiency in at least one programming language.
• Demonstrable familiarity with computer technologies.
• Possession of a qualification or experience in the tech sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop systems critical to National Security.
• Find vulnerabilities in cutting edge technologies.
• Gain hands-on training and real-world experience.

Skills

Coding skills

Problem-solving

Knowledge of modern software engineering practices

Interest in vulnerability research or reverse engineering

Education

Relevant degree or qualification in technology

Tools

Programming languages

Cybersecurity tools

Job description

Job Title: National Security Cyber Accelerator

Location: Gloucester and Manchester (5 days/week on site)

Grade: GG08 - GG09

Closing date for applications: 18th January 2026

Join our Operational Cyber Group for our National Security Cyber Accelerator programme and launch your career in Cyber!

Do you see yourself developing systems critical to National Security or finding vulnerabilities in the most cutting edge technologies? BAE Systems’ Operational Cyber Group is looking for individuals with a passion for technology and learning – whether you’re switching careers, self‑taught, or come from a completely different field, we want to hear from you!

Step into our world with the National Security Cyber Accelerator where we will provide you with 12 months of dedicated training and real‑world experience. With this programme you will be joining our Operational Cyber Group and kick‑starting a career working on some of the nation’s toughest challenges.

What you’ll gain:

• Hands‑on training: be taught by specialists and dive into the range of languages, platforms, and technologies essential to cyber experts.
• Real‑world experience: work in our industry‑leading teams where you will put your knowledge into action.
• Mentorship that goes on beyond the Accelerator programme: receive guidance and support as you develop your career in cyber and find your specialism – whether that’s being a high‑assurance developer, a researcher pulling apart all sorts of technology, or a cutting‑edge vulnerability researcher.

Who we’re looking for:

• People who love to code – someone with the right attitude and aptitude for solving complex problems.
• Individuals with proficiency in at least one programming language.
• Demonstrable familiarity with computer technologies – whether by previous work experience in the tech sector, project work as part of a qualification/degree, or personal projects.
• Having a working knowledge of modern software engineering practices is a bonus.
• Special consideration will be given to individuals who demonstrate an interest and aptitude for vulnerability research or reverse engineering e.g. by playing Capture The Flag challenges.

Why join us?

Operational Cyber Group addresses the most critical cyber needs of governments and businesses across the globe, with a meaningful and tangible impact on UK National Security.

We are a supportive, inclusive and friendly team, committed to helping each other learn and succeed.

Recruitment Process

• CV review
• Telephone conversation with recruiter
• Online Coding Assessment
• Face‑to‑face interview in our Gloucester or Manchester office

Applicants will need to be eligible to work in the UK and be able to successfully achieve an eDV UK security clearance. For more details see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/dv-guidance-pack-for-applicants

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must at a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Life at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

We are embracing Hybrid Working. This means you and your colleagues may be working in different locations, such as from home, another BAE Systems office or client site, some or all of the time, and work might be going on at different times of the day.

By embracing technology, we can interact, collaborate and create together, even when we’re working remotely from one another. Hybrid Working allows for increased flexibility in when and where we work, helping us to balance our work and personal life more effectively, and enhance well‑being.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. We are proud to have an organisational culture where employees with varying perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds – the best and brightest minds – can work together to achieve excellence and realise individual and organisational potential.

Division overview: Capabilities

At BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, we pride ourselves in being a leader in the cyber defence industry, and Capabilities is the engine that keeps the business moving forward. It is the largest area of Digital Intelligence, containing our Engineering, Consulting and Project Management teams that design and implement the defence solutions and digital transformation projects that make us a globally recognised brand in both the public and private sector.

As a member of the Capabilities team, you will be creating and managing the solutions that earn us our place in an ever changing digital world. We all have a role to play in defending our clients, and this is yours.

Application instructions

• Register an account (this is optional, you can apply as a guest)
• Provide contact information
• Upload your CV
• Complete a short diversity & inclusion questionnaire

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