MI5’s intelligence collection and analysis operations utilise technology in a way you’d never thought possible. Our cyber analysis teams work to maintain a secure cyberspace and investigate those who seek to conduct cyber espionage and launch cyber-attacks against the UK. This is why we need the country’s brightest technical minds to meet the challenges of MI5’s cyber operations to counter cyber threats.


The Role

As a Cyber Technical Analyst you’ll provide specialist technical analysis to investigators to progress our investigations against hostile actors conducting cyber espionage against the UK.  The work is varied and will involve complex analysis including network and data forensics. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop new capabilities to support your analytical work.

To find out more about our cyber espionage work click here 

Who are we looking for?

This is an office based role where you will be working to tight deadlines and conducting complex technical analysis of unique data in the most innovative and creative ways possible within a strict legal framework. As you’ll be working closely with other intelligence collection, analysis and investigative teams, you will need to be comfortable explaining complex technical topics to a wider audience, to ensure the success of our operations.   

For success in this role you’ll need strong problem solving skills, an analytical mind-set and sound programming skills. An understanding of mobile / desktop operating system internals are also vital. Strong networking skills are a must. You’ll also have an in-depth understanding of and experience in computer/network security, particularly internet/network protocols, cryptography, firewalls, vulnerability research and related technologies.

Demonstrable experience in network analysis, computer/digital/network forensics, malware analysis, penetration testing, or vulnerability/exploits, would be highly advantageous.

Alternatively, you’ll have, or be expecting to achieve by Autumn 2017, at least a 2:2 in your degree or equivalent qualification in a technology related field such as computer science, computer security, software engineering, digital forensics or another similar subject.

Due to the nature of the role you will need to be able to adapt to evolving requirements, be able to meet the challenges of  high operational tempos and have the drive to see complex requirements through to completion. In return we’ll give you all the support you need to develop the skills required for a rewarding career at the forefront of computer security.  


Benefits

If you join us you’ll enjoy have access to a variety of benefits throughout your career. These include an excellent work/life balance with flexible working hours, a good pension scheme and the chance to work on interesting projects for a unique organisation. Click here to find out more about the culture and benefits of working for MI5.

MI5 is committed to reflecting both equal opportunities and the society we protect.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As a disability confident employer we offer an interview to all candidates with a disability who meet our minimum criteria for the job vacancy for which they are applying. This is known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS).  Along with the standard eligibility requirements for this post, your application will be assessed on how far you meet the job specification based on your application, the answers you provide in the “Skills and Additional Information” section and your performance in the online programming test. Your application must score the minimum amount of points set, if you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to interview.

The Recruitment Process

The first thing we will ask you to do is to complete our pre-screening questions to find out if you meet our initial criteria. If you do meet these criteria we will then ask you to begin an application. The first step will require you to create a login. You can do this by providing your full name, email address and a memorable password. Once you have successfully created a personal account, you will be required to complete an application form which will include some additional information on your skills and experience. You will also be required to complete an equal opportunities monitoring information form.  Our recruitment team will complete an application sift to assess how far you meet the job specification. Although there are different technical areas you will be assessed on, you do not have to excel in all the areas in order to pass. We are assessing your potential as well as your ability. Applicants who are successful at this stage will then be asked to complete an online test to assess their programming skills.  This will then be followed by an online challenge that will test candidates analytical skills.

Successful applicants will be invited to an assessment centre that will involve a face to face competency and technical interview to check you have the skills and motivation to work for MI5. You will also be asked to do some further work surrounding the analytical challenge from the previous stage of the recruitment process and to present this at the assessment centre. If you pass the assessment centre you will then attend a final selection interview, and assuming you pass this, you will then be asked to attend a security interview with a vetting officer that will explore your life and experiences.  The selection process can take between 6 and 9 months.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply, you must meet our residency criteria. You must be a born or naturalised British citizen and one of your parents must be a British citizen or have substantial ties to the UK. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for 9 out of the last 10 years prior to application. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You will nonetheless be considered if you have, for example, served overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of Her Majesty's Government, studied abroad, or lived overseas with your parents.

Due to vetting requirements you will need to be 18 years old, or above, to apply. Your application may take around six months to process.

You must not have applied for a Cyber Technical Analyst or Covert Technical Operations Specialist role with MI5 within the last 12 months.

Confidentiality

Discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a  close family member.