Overview

A typical day as an Associate Software Engineer involves working within an Agile team to tackle real-world problems using a variety of software engineering methods, languages, and frameworks such as JavaScript, Java, C++, Node.js, Python, Rust, Go, and .NET. If you secure an Associate Software Engineer role, occasional travel to another GCHQ site may be required. When overnight stays are necessary, GCHQ will fully cover travel and accommodation expenses.

Flexible working: We offer full-time and part-time hours, with a minimum commitment of three days a week. While flexibility is a priority, there may be occasions when attendance on specific days for formal courses or in-house training is required. We offer a strong work-life balance, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and certifications. While we’re remote-working friendly, due to the nature of our work we cannot guarantee regular work-from-home opportunities.

You’re not expected to arrive with a wealth of knowledge or skills on day one. If you have a passion for technology and are keen to build a career in software engineering, this role is for you. You’ll have the ability to demonstrate knowledge of at least one modern language or framework, such as C++, Golang, Java, JavaScript, .NET, Node, Python, or Rust. While the languages we use most at the moment are JavaScript, C++, Java, and Python, it’s important that you can learn new languages and libraries and keep your skills up to date. We value your tenacity and perseverance with problems that seem unsolvable.

To join us, you must have a background in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) subject at higher education level, such as a diploma, foundation degree, apprenticeship, or ongoing studies. A completed qualification is not essential; what matters most is genuine interest in technology and a commitment to learning. You’ll also need to have completed a full-stack software engineering bootcamp (typically lasting six months or more), or have equivalent practical experience. This experience could come from a practical software development project, a software engineer-related role, or relevant employment, such as an industry or summer placement. The ideal candidate will be passionate about technology and thrive in collaborative environments where sharing insights and continuous learning are valued. You should be eager to engage in a structured training programme spanning 6 to 12 months, which includes formal instruction, self-directed learning, and cohort-based development.

Training and development

At GCHQ, we take pride in providing an inclusive and supportive working environment. As an Associate Software Engineer, you'll receive dedicated support and training. We value and nurture talent, and we're committed to helping you reach your full potential. We appreciate your ability to learn and adapt to new challenges, so we'll invest in your development through your preferred learning methods—whether that's through books, study, courses, conferences, or engaging team-supported projects. Training and career development are encouraged, with a minimum of 30% of your work time dedicated to professional growth. We actively support each individual's pursuit of educational goals—whether that involves obtaining qualifications (such as cloud or framework-specific methodologies), advancing academic credentials like MSc or PhD degrees, or working towards recognised professional statuses such as Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Engineering Technician (EngTech).

1. A STEM background in Higher Education that could include a degree, diploma, or apprenticeship. We'll consider candidates who have completed or partially completed these qualifications.
2. Attended a full-stack software engineering bootcamp (usually lasting 6 months or more) or equivalent experience. This experience could be gained through a practical software project or relevant employment, including an industry or summer placement.
3. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of at least one modern language/framework, such as C++, Golang, Java, JavaScript, .NET, Node, Python, or Rust.

About GCHQ

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse, and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ, you'll take on varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

Our culture and diversity

At GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word—individuals with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce, such as women, individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website: https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/life-at-gchq/diversity-inclusion.html. We are Disability Confident Leader and encourage equitable interview opportunities for disabled applicants where practical.

We provide a base salary of £33,750, plus an additional Concessionary Payment of £2,658.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
• opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• interest-free season ticket loan
• an excellent pension scheme
• a cycle to work scheme
• on-site facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (available at some locations)
• paid parental and adoption leave