MI5’s intelligence collection operations utilise technology in a way you’d never thought possible.  Computer and mobile device security is advancing at a rapid pace and it’s vital for MI5 to stay ahead of the game. This is why we need individuals with the brightest technical minds and the drive to meet the challenges of MI5’s covert operations to counter threats from terrorism and cyber espionage.

We currently have vacancies within two areas of this challenging and exciting field of work:

Cyber Technical Analyst

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 of data 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

Covert Technical Operations Specialist

In this role you will take the lead in deploying a wide range of advanced MI5 technical capability to enable intelligence collection in fast paced and high profile investigations. Working alongside investigators you will give a unique insight into the complex and evolving threats to national security by developing methods to allow us to access the computers and devices used by terrorist groups that pose a serious threat to the UK.

We have produced a short video about the role which can be viewed here 

Who we’re looking for

These are office based roles where you will be working to tight deadlines and rapidly solving technical problems in the most innovative, tactical and covert ways possible within a strict legal framework. As you’ll be working closely with other intelligence collection 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 these roles you’ll have, or will 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.  You’ll also have an understanding and experience in computer/network security or computer/digital forensics and/or penetration testing.

Alternatively you must have a demonstrable background / experience in computer/network security or computer/digital/network forensics and/or penetration testing.

It would be highly advantageous for applicants to have malware analysis or scripting and development skills (including on mobile platforms).  An understanding of internet/network protocols and mobile/desktop operating system internals would also be desirable.  

Due to the nature of the roles 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 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 MI5.

To find out more about our technical intelligence collection work click here

Benefits

If you join us you’ll have access to a variety of benefits throughout your career with us.  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.  To find out more about the benefits of working for MI5 Click here 

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 and the answers you provide in the “Skills and Additional Information” section.  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 provide your CV and 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.

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 participate in a technical challenge, which has been designed to assess your skills and will form the basis of your technical interview. If you pass the assessment centre you will then be asked to 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.  

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 nine 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.

Confidentiality

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