Applications for this job are now closed
Here at GCHQ, we have a clear purpose – we unlock the complex world of data and communications to protect the UK from threats such as cyber-attacks, terrorism, and espionage. Working together towards that goal, we support each other every step of the way in an environment that encourages teamwork and innovation. We’re proud to collaborate – and even prouder to work with purpose.
About the role
As a Trainee Software Engineer, you’ll work with various teams to tackle real-world problems every day. In this entry-level role, we’ll provide you with the essential skills you’ll need to deliver innovative technical solutions that keep the UK safe. What will this look like? It might mean you’re on placement in an Agile team, tackling real-world problems via a variety of software engineering methods, languages, and frameworks such as JavaScript, Java, C++, Node. Python, Rust, Go and .NET. Or you could be contributing to large-scale projects and be deployed into different environments like on-prem and Cloud. Whatever you’re working on, you’ll get the chance to discover cutting-edge technology and contribute to the wider engineering community.
Extensive experience isn’t necessary for this role. You might have just left college or university. Or perhaps you’re considering a change in career. What we’re looking for is a natural problem solver who is tech savvy and keen to grow a career in software engineering. Someone who’s open to learning about Agile ways of working and emerging technologies. This will be supported by experience in programme coding (via a simple web app or API), either self-taught or as part of a bootcamp or training initiative. Above all, you’ll be passionate, self-motivated, and collaborative.
We value your engineering mindset. So if you’re enthusiastic and able to grasp new languages and libraries, we’ll give you all the training you need and you’ll receive unwavering support throughout. And further training and career development will be encouraged, no matter where you are in your career – with a minimum of 10% of your work time dedicated to this.
Protecting a diverse nation takes diverse people. So, if you’re excited about working with us and think you can do much of what we’re looking for, but aren’t sure if you’re 100% there yet, we’d still love to hear from you.
What will we give you in return? Well, as well as a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages development, you’ll receive some amazing benefits. Everything from 25 days’ annual leave (plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays) and an excellent pension scheme to an interest-free season ticket loan and on-site facilities including a subsided gym (at some locations). Hybrid working options are also available, depending on the business area and needs. Finally, there’s the fact that you’ll enjoy plenty of purposeful challenges - this is a unique proposition you just won’t find anywhere else.
At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website: www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/life-at-GCHQ/diversity-inclusion
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our website - www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply
Salary
- £32,092 – you’ll also receive an additional one-off recruitment bonus of £2,000
