Data and AI Systems Specialist

You'll be joining a specialist security team that is a trusted partner to governments worldwide, protecting critical national infrastructure and committed to the safety and security of our nation and global communities. Our mission focused work is innovative, inspiring and technologically challenging in a way that makes every day different and stimulating. We provide the opportunity to work on rare projects, with exciting tools and brilliant people. Everyone has access to unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities and your contribution is always valued., This role is central to building and operating the secure, scalable infrastructure that powers our data and AI platforms. You'll lead the design and deployment of resilient backend services, working hands-on with Linux systems, Kubernetes clusters, and secure networking. You'll support efforts to integrate external and internal data sources, ensuring they are governed, compliant, and usable across our analytics and AI platforms. Working closely with the GSS CTO and external partners, you'll shape how data enters our environment and how it's transformed into decision-ready services.

This job role can be based in Manchester, Ipswich, Cheltenham. Onsite (Office based 5 days per week). Monday-Friday 37.5 hours per week. You will need to be eligible to obtain DV Security Clearance before starting this role. You will need to have lived in the UK for 10+ years to be eligible.

What you'll be doing

• Works under high level direction within a clear framework of accountability.
• Design, build, and run Kubernetes-based platforms and supporting services for high-throughput data/AI workloads.
• Implement and manage supporting infrastructure services including integration with external enterprise and third-party systems.
• Ensure platform reliability through SLAs, monitoring, alerting, and automated recovery.
• Maintain platform compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Review infrastructure code, mentor junior engineers, and drive DevOps and platform engineering best practices.

Essential Skills

• Cloud Computing
• Programming/Scripting
• Data Wrangling
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
• Decision Making, * Secure infrastructure design and operations for mission-critical platforms (hardening, patching, access control, audit).
• Building and operating scalable data/AI platforms (e.g., NiFi, Spark, object storage like S3/MinIO, HDFS or equivalents) on Kubernetes or VMs.
• Delivering services with measurable reliability (SLA, monitoring, alerting).
• Familiarity with compliance and governance frameworks e.g. CIS.

Do you have experience in Spark?

• Competitive salary + 10% On Target Bonus
• BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% Employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
• On-call allowance (Depending on role requirements)
• 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service
• Huge range of flexible benefits including cycle to work, healthcare, season ticket loan
• World-class training and development opportunities
• From January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It's for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.
• Enhanced women's health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.
• 24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues
• 2 weeks paid carer's leave
• World-class training and development opportunities
• Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes.
• Discounted broadband, mobile and TV packages
• Access to 100's of retail discounts including the BT shop

#LI-Onsite