Software Developer

GCHQ; Bolton; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job description

Job Title: Software Developer

Location: Samlesbury

Closing Date: 23:00 on Tuesday 15th April 2025

Salary: £36,408 (includes non-concessionary payment of £2,658). You'll also have the opportunity to qualify for a skills payment (up to £9,812) following a successful skills assessment.

Flexible Working: This is a full-time office-based role, due to the sensitivity of the nature of the work involved. Compressed and reduced working hours patterns will be considered.

About Us

At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Working closely with our British Intelligence partners in MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. A role in GCHQ means you'll have varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The Role

As a Software Developer at GCHQ, you'll work on innovative ideas as part of a team that fosters continual experimentation. Using your technical skills, you'll provide insight into operational activity and develop pioneering software solutions to optimise and resolve specific challenges. You'll collaborate with colleagues across multiple technical teams and mission areas to develop capabilities, share ideas and contribute to operations.

Responsibilities will include researching and analysing web and mobile technologies as well as designing, documenting, and implementing solutions for operational requirements. You'll support existing operations and software solutions throughout their lifecycle, all while helping to push innovative, cutting-edge ideas and technologies forward.

• Server and client-side technologies
• Dynamic and Runtime analysis techniques
• Software Principles and Design Patterns
• Object Oriented Programming
• Android App Development
• Agile/Lean Methodologies

About You

To apply, you'll require GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in English Language and Maths. You'll also need some experience contributing towards a project or deliverable as part of a Software team. More importantly, we're looking for curious, analytical people with a keen interest in technology and finding creative solutions.

Training and Development

At GCHQ, we're committed to developing our staff and recognise this will look different for everyone. We have an exceptional skills community dedicated to helping you grow and from day one, you'll receive full support from your Line Manager.

Rewards and Benefits

You'll receive a starting salary of £36,408 plus other benefits including:

• 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• You may qualify for Specialist Skills Payments starting from £4,513 which can be expected once you have completed your first year in post, depending on your progress and development in the role, and subject to assessment.

Equal Opportunities

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.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:

• Application Sift
• Interview - which will cover technical and competency-based questions
• If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 - 9 months to process including vetting, so we advise you continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer.

Before You Apply

To work at GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV).

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application.

Right to Withdraw Statement:
Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.