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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer - **Company:** GCHQ - **Location:** Manchester, UK (Remote available) - **Salary:** £33,096.0 - £56,856.0 - **Contract:** Internship / Graduate position - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Engineering, Information Engineering, Python (Programming Language), Node.Js, Scrum Methodology, Reliability Engineering, Software Engineering, Rust (Programming Language), Large Language Models, Machine Learning Operations, Front End Software Development, Golang - **Published:** September 21, 2026 - **Apply:** https://recruitmentservices.applicationtrack.com/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-3/brand-7/xf-3bb2630bc052/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/6/opp/3852-Software-Engineers-Ref-3852/en-GB ## About the Role You'll be able to demonstrate solid programming fundamentals and proficiency in at least one modern language or framework, such as Go, Java, JavaScript, Node js, Python or Rust. To join us, you'll need a higher education background in a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), gained through a degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent qualification. Applications from candidates in the final year of their studies are welcome. Practical experience in software engineering is also required and may have been gained through software development projects, employment, internships, industrial placements or summer placements. Naturally curious and analytical, you'll enjoy solving problems and take a logical, persistent approach to technical challenges. You'll be keen to explore new ideas and broaden your knowledge. You communicate clearly with technical and non-technical audiences, sharing information in a way that supports collaboration and effective delivery. You work well with others, value different perspectives, and contribute positively within a team environment. Experience with generative AI would be advantageous, including AI-assisted development tools, agentic patterns, or applications that use large language models. An understanding of how to use these technologies responsibly, securely and effectively would also be beneficial. Most importantly, curiosity and a willingness to develop your knowledge as these technologies evolve will help you succeed in the role. A passion for technology and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing and continuous learning are valued will help you succeed in the role. Training and development We invest heavily in professional development and provide a range of learning opportunities to help you build your skills and progress your career. You'll have a minimum of 30% of your working time dedicated to development activities, with access to training through courses, conferences, technical communities, self-directed study and project-based learning. We actively support professional and academic development, including industry-recognised certifications, post graduate study and professional registration. Funding is available for relevant qualifications and certifications, such as Scrum Master, CISSP and AWS Certified Developer. You'll have opportunities to develop expertise across a range of software engineering disciplines, including front-end development, site reliability engineering, data engineering, solutions architecture, machine learning operations (MLOps), user experience (UX), Agile delivery and cloud engineering. You'll also benefit from mentoring, coaching and collaboration with experienced engineers, helping you broaden your technical knowledge and develop your career within our engineering community. ## Description Salary: £42,630, made up of a base salary of £35,134, a concessionary payment of £2,758, and a skills payment of up to £4,738 from day one, reflecting the skills and experience you demonstrate during the selection process. Plus, a £2,000 recruitment bonus. Flexible working: We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a range of flexible working arrangements, including part-time and compressed hours. Where business needs allow, we can also offer flexibility around start and finish times. Due to the nature of the role, homeworking isn't available., As a Software Engineer, you'll work as part of an Agile team to solve complex technical challenges using a variety of software engineering methods, languages and frameworks, including JavaScript, Java, Node.js, Python, Rust and Go. From day one, you'll contribute to meaningful projects while continuing to develop and broaden your technical skills. You'll work across a variety of environments, including on-premises and cloud-based solutions, collaborating with other engineers to deliver innovative and scalable systems. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to large-scale projects, share knowledge with the wider engineering community and learn from experienced colleagues. We encourage engineers to take ownership of their work and provide the support and autonomy needed to develop their expertise. If you're successful in securing a Software Engineer role, please note that occasional travel to another GCHQ site may be required. Where overnight stays are necessary, GCHQ will fully cover travel and accommodation expenses. Beyond delivering impactful work, you'll be part of a culture that values collaboration, learning and development, where everyone is encouraged to contribute and reach their potential., GCHQ is proud to have achieved Leader status within the Department for Work and Pensions' Disability Confident scheme. This is aimed at encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. As a Disability Confident Leader, we aim to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who best meet the essential minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview, where practical. This is known as an "Offer of an interview". 1. You'll be required to reach the minimum pass park for the online Situational Judgement Test (SJT), which assesses criteria important for all roles in our organisation. 2. A STEM background in Higher Education that could include a degree, apprenticeship or equivalent qualification. We'll consider candidates who have completed or are in their final year. 3. Practical software engineering experience this could be gained through practical software projects, relevant employment, internships, industrial placements, or summer placements. 4. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of at least one modern language/framework, such as Go, Java, JavaScript, NodeJS, Python, or Rust. ## Related Videos - [Your next 10x engineer isn't in your city. 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