Operational Cyber Engineer - Manchester - National Security West
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Operational Cyber Group is home to industry-leading specialists in high-assurance software development, research, reverse engineering, and vulnerability research. Focused on National Security, we tackle some of the UK's toughest and most meaningful technical challenges. Our teams deliver mission-changing capability across a wide range of platforms and technologies. We are looking for Early Careers Software Engineers-graduates, career-changers, or those with emerging experience-who are excited to apply strong technical skills, creative thinking and problem-solving in the ever-evolving space of cybersecurity. You don't need prior experience in cyber or defence: your success will be supported through training and mentorship. Role Description
Technical delivery: apply modern development practices to build secure, reliable solutions for our customers. Implementing robust solutions: design, develop, test, and document software in accordance with business & industry best practices, to meet our customer requirements, leveraging continuous integration where appropriate. Adaptability: work with a range of languages, tools, and technologies to support real-world missions, including exploring and learning to use emerging languages and technologies. Collaboration: work alongside experienced engineers to deliver high-assurance code, taking part in peer reviews and technical discussions.
Requirements
We do not expect you to have mastered everything listed below-if you believe that your skillset lies in low-level software engineering, exploit development, or complex problem-solving through programming, we want to hear from you.
Familiarity with a variety development tools (IDEs, debuggers, or version control) and techniques (unit testing, mocking, continuous integration, test-driven development). Understanding of computing principles (e.g. stack/heap distinction, compiled/interpreted languages). Proficiency with at least one solution language (e.g. C++, Java, C#) and one utility language (e.g. Python, JavaScript, Perl, PowerShell). Understanding of the internals of at least one major operating system. Ability to pick up new languages and technologies quickly. Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively, including with people from non-technical backgrounds.
Benefits & conditions
Impactful Work: you will be addressing the most critical cyber needs of governments and businesses across the globe, with a meaningful and tangible impact on UK National Security. Flexible Working: we offer flexible hours, part-time options, and a minimum of 25 days' holiday per year. Benefits Package: private medical and dental insurance, competitive pension scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, discount cards, childcare vouchers, and more. Supportive Community: we are inclusive and friendly team, committed to helping each other learn and succeed. We have active Diversity & Support groups focusing on wellbeing, neurodiversity, mental health, and more. Clear Career Progression: with structured progression pathways, mentorship, and training throughout your career, your growth is supported from day one.