Cyber Security Architect Ref. 1452

Mind Achieving Impact AwardSocial Mobility Foundation AwardThe Times Top 100Disability confident leaderThe Prince's Responsible Business

Cyber
Cheltenham
Permanent
Full Time
Total reward package is dependent on your skills and experience
No

CYBER SECURITY ARCHITECT

Are you an experienced technical security architect? Looking for a new challenge?

GCHQ is offering you an exciting opportunity to join our team of experienced technical Security Architects to consult on the secure design, build and operation of some of the most important computer systems in the UK. This exceptionally demanding role requires a breadth of specialist skills in technology and cyber security combined with very strong interpersonal and consultancy skills. You will communicate with stakeholders at all levels within GCHQ, The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and wider UK Government departments.

Our Cyber Security community are a trusted source of world class Cyber Security, Risk Management advice and consultancy services. Join us to build effective relationships with UK Government, Academia and global Industry partners, support the delivery of Government policy, and contribute to maintaining our reputation of being at the forefront of technology.

THE ROLE
Our security architects combine broad technical and security skills with strong business acumen, consultancy and communication skills. We are looking for people who are experienced in the design and build of a range of systems and services using modern technologies and cloud services.


We play a vital role in safeguarding the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure, data, systems and communications and are key to ensuring that the British Citizen can access UK Government services online safely and securely. We face a variety of challenges every day involving both current and future technologies, so with the help of our research teams we provide vital up-to-date guidance on the use of both current and cutting edge technologies. Our teams collaborate and use bespoke tools to tackle problems and develop solutions encompassing leading edge software and hardware. We are required to stay ahead of the ever-changing technical landscape meaning you will have many opportunities to take the initiative and work with various customers.

While the role is challenging, our flexible working policy ensures a healthy work-life balance. Wherever possible, we accommodate reduced hours or job share options, balanced against business needs.

REQUIREMENTS
We are looking for candidates with relevant industry experience or qualifications. We will be looking for evidence of you having responsibility for technology and design choices across a range of systems and services (e.g. Digital services, enterprise systems and mission IT systems). You’ll be able to identify vulnerabilities in systems design and work with technical architects, system owners and seniors to explain these issues and identify alternative approaches.
 As a security architect you will typically work on several projects for different organisations so you’ll never get bored!

•    You’ll understand the vulnerabilities in technologies and how they occur, how they are found and exploited by an attacker
•    You’ll have a keen interest in the latest technology, particularly security technologies, with a deep understanding of your technical specialism and awareness of innovative developments in your field.

We’re looking for an awareness of Cyber Security across Government and Industry, with an appreciation of customer’s needs and the delivery of bespoke services. You should have excellent consultancy and communication skills while working collaboratively and effectively within a team environment.

You will be able to provide evidence of advising senior decision makers on cyber security issues when making strategic technology choices, balancing user needs against security and other constraints.

It’s a unique opportunity for you to develop personally and contribute to the continuing development of the profession.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
At GCHQ we’re proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that’s designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we are committed to helping you fulfil your potential.

We are committed to helping you maintain your excellent technical knowledge through comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your personal needs and the requirements of your work, we will enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities.

ABOUT US
As one of Britain’s intelligence agencies, we unlock the complex world of communications to keep our nation safe. We work closely with MI5 and MI6, our partners in the intelligence community, to safeguard Britain’s people, interests and businesses from various threats. Think cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. It’s challenging, varied and meaningful work that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

SALARY
Total reward package is dependent on skills and experience

LOCATION
Cheltenham (located within an hour’s journey of Birmingham and Bristol)

SELECTION PROCESS
To apply for this position, you must meet our nationality, residency and security requirements.  You’ll find more details here: Recruitment Process.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we also guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

Be prepared to dedicate 60-90 minutes to completing your application. We’re conscious this might be more time than you expected, so our system will allow you to save your application at any time and come back to it later. But remember to submit your full application before the closing date.

Once we’ve established that you meet our eligibility criteria, the next steps of this selection process are:

- Personal interview*
- Drug test

*Interviews will be held in Cheltenham.
    
If you successfully complete these stages, you’ll receive a job offer, conditional upon you completing our developed vetting (DV) process which enables you to obtain the level of security clearance required to perform this vital role.

This Program / Vacancy is closed to applications.