Computer Network Exploitation Roles

Job summary

Join our Computer Network Exploitation (CNE) team and use your technical skills, creativity and curiosity to help protect the UK. Working on unique and varied challenges, you’ll contribute to meaningful work that has a real operational impact. As part of a community of technical specialists, you’ll use technology and innovation to tackle complex problems, while receiving the support, training and development needed to grow your skills and fulfil your potential.

In CNE, we have the ability to do things that wouldn’t be possible elsewhere. Using bespoke technology and operating under strict legal safeguards and oversight, we lawfully infiltrate the devices and networks of terrorists and criminals to gather intelligence and disrupt threats. It’s fascinating, challenging work that offers opportunities across a range of specialist areas.

Job description

Exploit and Implant Developers

Working at a deep technical level, this role is about making and breaking things. As an Exploit Developer, you’ll identify weaknesses in target network environments and software, producing the tooling and bespoke solutions needed to exploit those weaknesses. As an implant Developer, you’ll use your deep platform knowledge and research skills to create covert software that enables enduring access and intelligence collection.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need excellent technical aptitude, proficiency in multiple programming languages, and a genuine interest in computer networking, reverse engineering, and cybersecurity.

Infrastructure Engineers provide the technical foundations that underpin all CNE activity, from capability development through to deployment of operations. Working across a range of disciplines, including networking, cloud technologies, cyber security and automation, you’ll design, document and deliver new infrastructure while supporting existing projects. You’ll work closely with customers to capture requirements, resolve technical challenges and help deliver efficient, scalable solutions. To succeed in this role, you’ll need technical aptitude, curiosity and an interest in infrastructure, networking and cloud technologies.

As an Operator, you’ll work at the forefront of operational activity, helping to pursue targets and deliver mission outcomes. Working closely with Exploit Developers, Intelligence Analysts and other specialist teams, you’ll use a range of technical tools and tradecraft to support operations and uncover valuable intelligence. The role combines technical problem-solving with an understanding of target environments, offering a unique insight into the work involved in protecting national security. To succeed in this role, you’ll need technical aptitude, curiosity and an interest in technology and operational problem-solving.

During your interview, we’ll explore how your knowledge, skills and experience align with opportunities across the CNE team. We’ll discuss the areas that best match your skills, experience and aspirations taking into account business requirements and the relevant role criteria. Based on your technical proficiency and potential, we’ll determine the opportunity that is the best fit for you within CNE.

Person specification

We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about technology and enjoy solving complex problems. You’ll be naturally curious, able to think creatively and motivated by finding innovative solutions to challenging situations. You should be comfortable learning new skills and technologies, approaching problems from different perspectives and working collaboratively with others to achieve shared objectives.

To be eligible, you’ll need to hold, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:2 degree in a STEM subject by Summer 2027. If you’re passionate about technology, problem-solving and innovation, and meet the eligibility requirements, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

Training and development

At GCHQ, we’ll invest in your development and adapt to the way you like to learn best. If you have an affinity for technology, a desire to learn, and the ability to adapt to the evolving challenges we face, we'll provide the training, opportunities, and support you need to succeed.

From bespoke internal courses and mentoring programmes to professional qualifications and funded master’s study, you’ll have access to a wide range of development opportunities.

We'll cover the cost of formal technical training and, where appropriate, offer access to a bursary scheme to help you gain a master’s degree or build on your existing qualifications.

You’ll gain experience across a broad range of technical areas, from complex operational infrastructure to sophisticated software development, giving you the opportunity to develop your expertise while supporting your long-term career ambitions.

From day one, you'll have access to mentors and subject matter experts who can provide advice and guidance throughout your journey. Together, we’ll create a structured development and career plan tailored to your goals, helping you build a rewarding and fulfilling career at GCHQ.

Rewards and benefits

You’ll receive a starting salary of £35,134, plus a £2,758 concessionary payment, bringing your total starting package to £37,892. In addition, you’ll receive a £7,000 specialist skills bonus, paid in two instalments: £3,500 on joining and £3,500 upon successful completion of your probation. Additional benefits include:

• 25 days of annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
• An excellent pension scheme.
• An interest-free season ticket loan.
• A cycle-to-work scheme.
• Facilities such as a restaurant and on-site coffee bar.
• Paid parental and adoption leave.
• Specialist skills advancement payments available upon assessment.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Equal Opportunities

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: people with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone.

We’re Disability Confident

GCHQ is proud to have achieved Leader status within the Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident scheme. The scheme encourages 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, are offer