Exploitation Engineer
GCHQ is the United Kingdom's intelligence, security and cyber agency, working to identify, analyse and disrupt threats to the UK.
About Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
A UK public body whose statutory function includes foreign-focused signals intelligence. GCHQ uses technical capabilities, analysis and online effects across counter-terrorism, cyber security, serious and organised crime, strategic advantage and support to defence. It has publicly described responsible AI use in its national-security mission.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will work in an Agile team to design, develop and deploy technical solutions across the engineering lifecycle. You will research, prototype and experiment with software, firmware and hardware; develop signal-processing, communications, RF and bespoke hardware capabilities; and work with operators to deploy technologies across global networks and military platforms.
Requirements
- STEM background through a diploma, foundation degree, apprenticeship or equivalent programme
- Experience with at least one modern programming language or framework, such as C++, Go, Java, JavaScript, .NET, Node.js, Python or Rust
- Understanding of digital signal processing, telecommunications and signal protocols, RF engineering, or FPGA and VHDL
- British citizenship or dual British nationality
- Eligibility for Developed Vetting
Responsibilities
- Design, develop and deploy technical solutions
- Research, prototype and experiment to solve operational problems
- Develop software, firmware and hardware capabilities
- Contribute across user needs, development, testing and deployment
- Develop communications and signal-processing capabilities
- Apply AI to complex challenges
- Design RF and bespoke hardware solutions
- Work with operators to deploy technologies across networks and military platforms
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements including part-time work, compressed hours, and flexible start and finish times
- £2,000 recruitment bonus
- 25 days' annual leave rising to 30 days after five years, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
- Employee performance recognition scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Subsidised gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars at some locations
- Paid parental and adoption leave
- Travel and accommodation expenses for required overnight travel to another GCHQ site
- Travel-cost reimbursement for eligible in-person recruitment and vetting appointments
Hiring Process
Online application with pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → in-person assessment centre.