Senior Software 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 design and improve new and existing systems, deliver high-quality software, and promote effective engineering practices. You will work hands-on with modern languages, frameworks, cloud platforms, and software delivery methods. You will define code review, branching, and deployment approaches; review pull requests; lead or mentor colleagues; assess customer requirements; and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Requirements
- Demonstrate ownership of a technical project or piece of work
- Demonstrate knowledge of modern languages or frameworks, including Golang, Java, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, or Rust
- Demonstrate experience working in an Agile technical project team
- Apply software engineering principles to deliver, maintain, and improve software in a complex technical environment
- Have experience with cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, and GCP
- Be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
- Pass Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance
- Live within commuting distance of Cheltenham or Manchester
- Comply with the strict drugs policy
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the architecture and design of new and existing systems
- Deliver high-quality software solutions
- Establish and promote software engineering best practices
- Define code review, branching, and deployment strategies
- Review pull requests to support maintainable solutions
- Apply software engineering methodologies and frameworks
- Lead and mentor colleagues or act as a technical expert
- Evaluate customer business requirements
- Communicate technical information to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Improve quality, productivity, and delivery through engineering practices
Benefits
- One-off recruitment bonus of £3,500, paid in two instalments
- 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
- Flexible working patterns, including part-time and compressed hours
- Potential homeworking depending on business needs
- Flexible start and finish times where possible
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- On-site gym, restaurant, and coffee bars at some locations
- Paid parental and adoption leave
- Reimbursement of eligible in-person interview or assessment travel costs
Hiring Process
Online application and pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → technical and competency-based interview with presentation → conditional offer subject to vetting.