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 software systems, establish engineering best practices, and deliver maintainable solutions. You will work hands-on across modern languages and cloud platforms, define code review, branching, and deployment practices, mentor others, and communicate technical priorities to stakeholders.
Requirements
- Have expertise in relevant software engineering frameworks and technologies
- Have experience with AWS, Azure, and GCP
- Have led Agile technical project teams
- Evaluate customer business requirements and deliver software solutions
- Demonstrate ownership of a technical project or piece of work
- Understand several modern languages or frameworks, such as Golang, Java, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, or Rust
- Demonstrate practical application of software engineering principles in a complex technical environment
- Be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
- Be eligible for Developed Vetting clearance
- Live within commuting distance of Cheltenham or Manchester
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the architecture and design of new and existing systems
- Establish and promote software engineering best practices
- Deliver high-quality software solutions
- Define code review, branching, and deployment strategies
- Review pull requests to support high-quality, maintainable solutions
- Apply software engineering practices to improve quality, productivity, and delivery
- Lead and mentor engineers or act as a technical expert
- Communicate technical information with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Benefits
- Flexible working patterns, including full-time, part-time, and compressed hours
- Hybrid working and some homeworking subject to business needs
- Flexible start and finish times where possible
- 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
- On-site gym, restaurant, and coffee bars at some locations
- Paid parental and adoption leave
Hiring Process
Initial online application with pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → technical and competency-based interview with presentation → conditional offer subject to vetting.