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 architect new and existing software systems, deliver high-quality maintainable solutions, and improve engineering practices. You will work hands-on across software frameworks and languages, define code review, branching, and deployment strategies, review pull requests, mentor others, lead technical work, and communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Requirements
- Expertise in the stated software engineering frameworks and technologies
- Experience with AWS, Azure, and GCP
- Experience leading Agile project teams
- Ability to evaluate customer business requirements
- Ability to demonstrate ownership of a technical project or piece of work
- Ability to work with modern languages and frameworks including Golang, Java, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, and Rust
- Experience applying software engineering principles to deliver, maintain, and improve software in a complex technical environment
- British citizenship or dual British nationality
- Ability to obtain Developed Vetting security clearance
- Ability to live within commuting distance of Cheltenham or Manchester
Responsibilities
- Design and contribute to the architecture of new and existing systems
- Deliver high-quality software solutions
- Establish and promote software engineering best practices
- Apply software engineering methodologies and frameworks
- Define code review, branching, and deployment strategies
- Review pull requests
- Improve quality, productivity, and delivery through engineering practices
- Lead and mentor teams or act as a technical expert
- Communicate technical information to technical and non-technical stakeholders
Benefits
- Flexible working patterns including full-time, part-time, compressed hours, and flexible start and finish times
- Some homeworking may be available depending on business needs
- 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of 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
- Reimbursement of eligible in-person interview or assessment travel costs
Hiring Process
Online application with pre-screening questions → Online Situational Judgement Test → Technical and competency-based interview including a presentation → Conditional offer subject to vetting.