Infrastructure Engineer Ref. 2173

SIS – also known as MI6 – is the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service.  Our people work secretly at home and abroad to help make the UK safer and more prosperous.  We work closely with MI5, GCHQ, HM Armed Forces, law enforcement and a range of international partners.

We have three core aims: stopping terrorism, disrupting the activity of hostile states, and giving the UK a cyber-advantage.

Who are we?
We work alongside our colleagues in the intelligence community to develop and maintain IT solutions which support our core aims. Our engineers have rewarding and fulfilling careers spanning multiple technology areas.  We integrate existing solutions, create products and services using agile methods, innovate and apply our own unique skills. Our focus is on achieving the greatest mission value.

SIS is an inclusive organisation.  Some of our engineers work either part-time or adapt their working patterns around family life.  We give you flexibility so you can operate at your best.

Our infrastructure team enable the delivery, development and support of our security systems, both within the UK and Overseas, as well as providing 2nd and 3rd line technical support for these systems. They are also responsible for contributing to the development of our next generation security systems and innovative new countermeasures.  We want you to use your skills and experience to support technical operations fundamental to intelligence gathering and helping to safeguard our nation, but the first thing you will notice about your colleagues is how ordinary and normal they are, surprising given how extraordinary the challenges that they (and maybe you) will be encountering.

The second thing you will notice is that, when it comes to meeting these challenges, there is no hierarchy, superiority or deference based on position. We strive to represent diversity in every respect - everyone brings their experiences and their creativity; good ideas and positivity are valued above all and, at SIS, you will find plenty of support to try out those ideas.

Who are you?
You’ll be excited about technology and interested in new capabilities and the opportunities they present. You will want to learn and develop throughout your career. You will also require good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical information in simple terms.

You will have good problem solving skills, resilience and an ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You’ll build relationships and collaborate well with a diverse range of colleagues and contacts.   

It is expected that the candidate will have some of the below attributes:

Experience deploying and managing:
-    Windows Server environments (Windows Server 2012/ 2016)
-    Linux server environments (Red Hat, Ubuntu, CentOS or other Linux variant)
-    Virtualised environments (VMware)
-    A variety of commercial and bespoke applications
-    Infrastructure Engineering, with experience of working with Cloud Vendors, or working with Windows related technologies such as Active Directory, Exchange or Windows Server
-    Physical or Technical Security officers with experience of installation for CCTV, IDS and ACS
-    Graduates within relevant technical fields, or equivalent qualification in a technology related field or STEM subject

Experience working with the following would be desired:
-    Public Cloud Infrastructure deployment & management for AWS, Azure or GCP
-    APIs
-    Agile Methodologies (Kanban, Scrum)
-    Scripting Skills (Python, PowerShell, Bash etc.)

Candidates would be expected to hold at least one of:
-    2:2 or higher degree in a STEM subject
-    AWS Associate in either: Solutions Architect or SysOps Administrator
-    Microsoft Azure Associate in either: Administrator or Security
-    Google Cloud Certified Professional in either: Architect, Network or Security
-    Red Hat Certified System Administrator or Red Hat Certified Engineer or equivalent Linux qualifications
-    Microsoft Modern Desktop Administrator Associate or Microsoft Security Administrator Associate or Microsoft Enterprise Administrator Expert or equivalent Microsoft qualifications
-    VMware Professional in either: Data Centre Virtualization or Network Virtualization

We are equally happy to consider applications from people without academic qualifications, but with relevant background in similar fields such as technical security specialists, outside broadcast technicians or technology signals officers.

What will you do?
Working as part of a small diverse team, you will be expected to:
-    Deploy a wide variety of advanced technical capabilities to support delivery of intelligence that protects national security and the UK’s interests
-    Work with other technical specialists to identify, counter and provide advice on complex and evolving technical threats to the UK and our allies
-    Work across a range of disciplines. In some roles you will be able to meet a high standard of technical self-sufficiency that will allow you to complete and commission a wide array of installations
-    Undertake work which may involve network analysis, telecoms, RF transmission, securing physical sites, electrical sign-off, building regulations compliance or 2/3rd Line IT Support
-    Support delivery of complex cyber operations as part of a wider UK team
-    Translate your knowledge in a way that people who aren’t technical experts can understand
-    Be based in the UK, but may have opportunities to work abroad – usually planned but occasionally at short notice.  

SIS and IT
SIS exists to collect secret foreign intelligence that helps protect the UK’s security and prosperity.  This intelligence is gathered all over the world and reported to the Government - informing policies that counter threats to this country including weapons proliferation, terrorism, cyber-attack and regional instability.  We offer flexible working including part-time/compressed hours, shared parental and adoption leave, an interest-free season ticket loan and 25 days paid annual leave.  

SIS could not operate without its technology teams.  They ensure the security and effectiveness of an international communications network that operates around the world.  We are everyday people doing extraordinary work, and despite popular belief, we recruit people just like you.

To join us you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality and be aged 18 or over at the time you join, so you can apply within 6 months of your 18th birthday.

Please do not discuss your application with anyone other than your partner or a close family member, who must also have British nationality. They should also be made aware of the importance of discretion.

Benefits
-    Pension
-    Interest-free Season Ticket loan
-    Cycle to Work scheme
-    Financial support for learning and development
-    Subsidised gym