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, test, and deploy technical solutions for communications exploitation. You will research emerging technologies, prototype innovative approaches, develop software and signal-processing capabilities, and work with operators to deploy solutions across networks and military platforms.
Requirements
- STEM background through a diploma, foundation degree, apprenticeship, equivalent programme, or ongoing studies
- Experience with at least one modern programming language or framework
- Understanding of digital signal processing, telecommunications and signal protocols, RF engineering, or FPGA and VHDL
- Software development or engineering experience through projects, placements, apprenticeships, employment, or hobbies
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, test, and deploy technical solutions
- Contribute across the engineering lifecycle
- Research emerging communications technologies
- Prototype and experiment with technical approaches
- Develop software and signal-processing capabilities
- Apply AI to complex challenges
- Design bespoke hardware and RF solutions
- Work with operators to deploy technologies effectively
Benefits
- Part-time and compressed-hours arrangements
- Flexible start and finish times where business needs allow
- 25 days of 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
Hiring Process
Online application and pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → in-person assessment centre.