GCHQ - Telecommunications Engineering

What makes this work so interesting? Working for Britain’s intelligence servicesContributing to the well-being and security of Britain. Using pioneering technology and building complex systems, much of which will be new and totally unique. Challenge of intercepting systems which are ‘intercept proof’. Constant change/development. Possibility of travel. Working with technically excellent people on demanding challenges. 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.

Our telecommunications team focuses on finding innovative solutions to unique and often quite tricky challenges, regarding the collection, transmission, analysis, exploitation, processing and protection of communications traffic and data. The technology you could be working with ranges from de-framers, decoders and demodulators to optics and personal comms systems.Some travel may be involved, and you will constantly be exposed to new technologies. There are four main areas for this type of role, all calling for resourceful and creative thinkers:

• Designer


• Development Specialist


• Enhance and Support Service Specialist


• Implementation and Deployment Specialist.

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).