GCHQ - Systems Engineering

Salary :

What makes this work interesting? Working for Britain’s intelligence services. Contributing to the well-being and security of Britain. Exposure to cutting-edge technology and using it creatively. Working alongside and learning from industry experts. Career paths on technical or management routes. Coaching and mentoring others. Working in a growing team, in a totally unique working culture. Training and development opportunities. A friendly, helpful work environment. Continuous Personal Development plan with an established ‘Investor in People’. Support to study for professional qualifications, where applicable. Excellent conditions and benefits, including attractive pension options and competitive, annually reviewed salaries, plus flexible working policies.

GCHQ is a critical part of the UK’s intelligence and security service, working with MI5 and MI6 to counter threats to Britain. Home to one of Europe’s most powerful IT estates, we are a technologically driven organisation with some 1500 people working in a variety of teams within a major IT function.

Whether you have or are looking to gain experience in this area, you’ll enjoy career-building exposure at the leading-edge of technology and on some of the most complex Systems Engineering challenges being faced in the UK. Working alongside specialists in communications, electronics and information technology, your contribution will lead to the enhancement of systems providing vital intelligence and security in support of UK interests worldwide.

Our IT architecture is an n-tier component-based model exploiting technologies such as:

• NT desktop, JavaUNIX and NT servers


• Middleware and commercial workflow


• A flexible high-speed network employing the latest web technologies


• Large-scale data systems with the application of data warehousing, data marts and business intelligence/data mining tools


• New system development using object-orientated analysis and design techniques, with a focus on UML, at both the systems and applications level.

You can expect to work on either Applied Research or the technical aspects of large IT/Communications Engineering programmes or projects. And, to build on your existing abilities, you can undertake a programme of Continuous Personal Development (CPD) to ensure that your skills are kept in line with technological change.

You must be a British citizen with a good degree and/or postgraduate qualification in Computer Science or an IT-related subject, Electronics, Electrical & Electronic Engineering or Communications. Alternatively, a good HND/HNC with relevant work experience or significant experience, regardless of technical qualifications (for certain positions).