Have the opportunity to work in one of a wide number of technological fields.
In addition to mainstream technical graduate recruitment, we select around 20 fast track
Graduate Trainee Project Managers and Graduate Technologists a year. We also regularly recruit
more experienced Systems Engineers, Project Engineers and Managers.
To work on the technical aspects of large engineering programmes/research activities or manage technical projects. This requires rigorous analysis and
careful planning, in-house design, development and production of hardware and software or the technical management of contracts to provide complete
systems.
Computing and IT opportunities include: systems design, software development and support, high-speed networks, high-performance workstations, database management systems, major IT systems acquisition, advanced computer technologies or new approaches to computer security.
Electronics and Communications opportunities range from: The design or engineering development of communications systems including signal processors, antennas and receivers, point to point links and data networks, advanced DSP technologies or LSI design and simulation using CAD facilities.
Or expect to obtain in the current academic year, a first or second class honours degree in a relevant engineering or scientific subject. These include
Communications, Computing, Electronics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, IT and Physics. Other courses which include a substantial element of one or
more of these subjects may also be acceptable.
HND/HNC or equivalent in an IT, Electronics or Communications related discipline or 4 years' relevant work experience will also be considered for IT and Communications support positions.
For senior positions, you must be of graduate calibre, hold a technical qualification and have 3 - 6 years' experience.
Starting salaries presently range from £16,221 to £23,256, depending on experience and qualifications. Salaries for more senior positions range
from £21,886 to £34,492. Performance related pay enables those who perform
to a consistently high standard to benefit accordingly. Salaries are reviewed annually in
October.
The Graduate Trainee Project Manager programme is designed to develop skills needed to manage the many and varied aspects of technical projects
undertaken within GCHQ. Work covers a wide spectrum, from programme management to hands-on research projects. Project branch attachments form the
largest part of the training. With assignments such as: configuring part of a local area network, programming/upgrading a software application,
designing/developing hardware or writing a communication-link service specification based on user needs.
The Graduate Technologist Programme concentrates on developing your knowledge and skills in your chosen applied technology field. It's designed to
equip you to become a Senior Engineer, dealing with some of GCHQ's biggest technical challenges. Opportunities exist in both electronics and computer
science applied research. The core of your training is sponsored by a GCHQ branch to research a specific area of technology, developing your creativity
and innovative skills. The work placements also involve organising and managing a programme of technical work and developing your skills in communicating
technical ideas.
We offer two technical student sponsorship schemes for undergraduates:
1. The Student Scientist Engineer Scheme (SSE) provides sponsorship throughout your degree
course, with an annual bursary and useful work experience.
Main features:
2. The Sponsored Engineer and Scientist Scheme (SES) provides a summer work placement, a bursary for your final year at university and a two year work
contract with GCHQ.
On successful completion of degree:
What you need:
For the SES scheme you need to be about to start or in the early stages of your penultimate year.
Both schemes can lead to the offer of a permanent position.
Join one of two IEE/BCS accredited schemes, both of which offer a two year, individually tailored, structured training programme:
Training which includes:
2.1 honours Degree in a relevant engineering/scientific or IT related discipline (e.g. Electronics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Communications,
Computing, Information Technology, Physics etc.).
Starting salaries presently range from £17,948 to £23,256, depending on experience and qualifications. You'll get an annual review every October.
Performance related pay enables those who perform to a consistently high standard to benefit accordingly.
Have a vital role in enabling us to provide the highest quality intelligence and communications security expected by our customers - working at the
forefront of computer and communications technology.
To work with some of the country's leading computer scientists on the research and development of systems to keep us at the forefront of modern
communications - from signal processing through line, radio and satellite systems to supercomputers and high speed networks.
A 2.2 or higher in an IT related subject - or be of graduate calibre with 4 years' IT experience. An HND/HNC (or equivalent) in an IT related subject
plus 2 years work experience will also be considered. As well as good logical and problem-solving skills you should also be a good team worker.
Starting salaries presently range from £16,221 to £23,256, depending on experience and qualifications. You'll get an annual review every October.
Performance related pay enables those who perform to a consistently high standard to benefit accordingly.
On successful completion of degree:
The SSE scheme requires you to be about to start your final year of A levels (ie making your UCAS choices), or be currently in the first year of an honours
degree in a relevant engineering/scientific or IT related discipline (e.g. Electronics, Electronic Engineering, Communications, Computing, Information
Technology, Physics etc.)
