Systems Engineering: about us

GCHQ's IT architecture is an n-tier component-based model exploiting technologies such as NT desktop, Java, UNIX and NT servers, middleware and commercial workflow, and underpinned by a flexible high-speed network employing the latest web technologies.

Large-scale data systems play an important role in this model, with the application of data warehousing, data marts and business intelligence/data mining tools. New systems are developed using object-orientated analysis and design techniques, with a focus on UML, at both the systems and applications level.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to an organisation working at the leading edge of technology, whose expertise spans across the range of Communications, Electronics and Information Technology. Your contribution will lead to the enhancement of systems providing vital intelligence and security in support of UK interests worldwide.

You can expect to work on the technical aspects of large IT / Communications Engineering programmes or Applied Research projects. Building on your existing abilities, you can expect to undertake a programme of Continuous Personal Development (CPD) to ensure that your skills are kept in line with technological change.

Opportunities for advancement will be fair and open and your career will progress on the basis of your proven ability to 'do the job'. Staff move position on a regular basis, both to develop their own skills and to meet the needs of the business. Opportunities to diversify are therefore excellent.

Computing and IT opportunities include: systems design, software development and support, high-speed networks, database management systems, major IT systems acquisition, advanced computer technologies or new approaches to computer security.

Electronics and Communications opportunities range across 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.

This list is certainly not exhaustive, but provides a flavour of the breadth of technology across the Department.

As a technologist you would be able to undertake a wide variety of interesting and challenging work, examples of which are listed below.

Accelerated Development

Additionally, there is an enhanced development scheme open to you once you have joined or completed a certain period of work with GCHQ.

The Professional Technologist Trainee Scheme is accredited by the IEE, IIE and BCS, and provides an opportunity for all technologists who fulfil the institutions' requirements to qualify for Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status. This is achieved on the job, with support from management, technical mentors and the scheme manager using an approved and structured ongoing process of Continued Personal Development.

Overseen by senior technical sponsors, the scheme enables technologists to gain validation for their technical expertise from respected external institutions, including payment of the annual membership fees of the chosen institution(s). Entry to this is by application to the scheme manager on joining GCHQ.

IT and Software Development

GCHQ has a wide range of modern applications programs to support intelligence production and so it follows that we have a variety of jobs requiring IT skills. For example our IT specialists advise users on the applications suitable for their particular requirements, source an existing suitable product or develop something new from scratch if necessary, install it, and assist users to obtain the best from their new application.

GCHQ runs large, networked, time-critical systems, the operation of which requires detailed knowledge of modern computer-to-computer communications. The management of these networks is a key responsibility for our technical staff. Large database systems are vital to GCHQ operations and the development of these systems provides ample challenges.

Listed below are just some examples of the kind of work you could get involved in:

• Design, development and integration of new databases and data processing applications;
• Working on data encryption algorithms and protocols;
• Managing large performance-critical network systems;
• Software development using C, C++, Java, CORBA and XML, as well as vast client server database architectures and object-oriented programming techniques;
• Training users on new applications;
• Customising off-the-shelf packages;
• Investigation into how to protect computer systems and networks from hacking and other security threats.

Electronics and Communications

This involves working on the design or engineering development of a wide range of communications systems including signal processors, antennas and receivers, point to point links and data networks; or on advanced DSP techniques or LSI design and simulation using CAD facilities.

Examples of some of the recent work carried out by our technical personnel include:

• Writing software in C++ to implement a new technique for analysing the harmonic content of signals;
• Carrying out a feasibility study for a new generation messaging system;
• Linking a communications network to a LAN;
• Work on security-related technologies to protect government and military communications channels;
• Giving technical presentations to visitors and on training courses run by GCHQ for external customers.

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