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 engineering team to design, develop, test and deploy software, firmware and hardware solutions for communications exploitation. You will research technologies, prototype and experiment with solutions, apply signal processing and AI, and work with operators to deploy capabilities across global networks and military platforms.
Requirements
- Have studied a STEM subject through a diploma, foundation degree, apprenticeship or equivalent programme
- Have experience with at least one modern programming language or framework
- Understand digital signal processing, telecommunications and signal protocols, RF engineering, or FPGA and VHDL
- Demonstrate practical engineering or software development experience
- Be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
- Live within commuting distance of Cheltenham
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, test and deploy technical solutions
- Research emerging communications technologies
- Prototype and experiment with solutions to operational problems
- Develop software and signal-processing capabilities
- Apply AI to complex engineering challenges
- Design bespoke hardware and RF solutions
- Work with operators to deploy technologies across networks and military platforms
Benefits
- Recruitment bonus of £2,000
- 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after five years, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
- Flexible arrangements including part-time, compressed hours and flexible start and finish times where business needs allow
- 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
- Covered travel and accommodation for required overnight travel
Hiring Process
Initial online application and pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → in-person assessment centre.