Skip to main content

This job has expired

Senior Software Engineer Ref. 1757

Employer
MI5.
Location
Central London
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
13 May 2019

View more

Clearance Level
None / Undisclosed
Sector
Defence, Engineering
Job Type
Permanent
Whatever your role at MI5, you'll be contributing to protecting the UK from threats to national security including terrorism and espionage. We currently need Senior Software Engineers to work within our expanding Engineering section.

The Role

Engineering is the beating heart of MI5, developing and maintaining tools and capabilities that support all aspects of our business. We solve problems that you don't see elsewhere, in a unique context that comes with a satisfaction nobody else can offer you. We require experienced software engineers with vision and enthusiasm to join us as technical leaders to help extend and grow our current engineering capability.

Our senior software engineers take ownership of problems and products, helping to lead teams to deliver products that are central to the operation of MI5. We design, build and test solutions using a variety of different technologies that answer questions across the full range of intelligence, analytical and corporate areas of our business. Whilst retaining your role as an individual contributor, you will mentor and coach members of the team, establishing a vision for the products you work on and sharing knowledge amongst colleagues. You will have a direct impact on wider strategy, driving our engineering capability and culture forwards whilst continuing to support our fast-paced operational business.

There will be many opportunities to continue your personal and professional development, through programmes to accredit your skills and experience. This includes British Computing Society qualifications or professional registration as a Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer.

The nature of our work presents unique and fascinating engineering challenges of the like you will have never seen before. This is your opportunity to join MI5 at this exciting time of change, making direct impact on our engineering capability and, in turn, national security.

Key Responsibilities
  • Help to lead an agile product team to engineer software, shaping the direction of the products and working closely with delivery leads, product owners and architects.
  • Take ownership of solutions, distributing work amongst the team and collaborating with partner teams to ensure an efficient and effective outcome.
  • Participate in our continuous improvement practices to improve ways of working in the team and product centre.
  • Organise and lead communities of practice for engineers to discuss and share ideas.
  • Support and develop junior colleagues through mentoring or line management and identify areas for your own development.


The Person

We are looking for passionate leaders in the technology world who are excited to take the initiative, be creative and drive engineering change across the intelligence agencies. To do this you will need strong communication and interpersonal skills alongside a flexible and reactive approach. You should be able to work independently, taking ownership of major developments and projects, but also be a strong team player. A thirst for personal development is crucial, being prepared to expand and develop your skills.

You should have engineering delivery experience of one or more of the following areas: Object Oriented Programming, Data storage, Front end web technology, Big Data technology or Middleware and messaging. Technical qualifications are desirable but more importantly you should have a high level of technical credibility and an ability to engage a wide range of colleagues with a variety of backgrounds from across the intelligence agencies. Experience of agile delivery methodology is also highly desirable.

Recruitment Process

Initially, we will ask you to complete our pre-screening questions to find out if you meet our initial criteria. If you do meet these criteria we will then ask you to begin an application.

You will need to create a log in and provide your full name, email address and a memorable password. Once you have successfully created a personal account, you will be required to complete an initial registration form, providing contact details and equal opportunities monitoring information.

You will then be invited to upload your CV and complete an online application form. Our recruitment team will conduct a sift of your application. Successful applicants will be invited to a telephone interview, which will include some competency based questions and will explore your motivation to work for MI5.

Assuming you pass the telephone interview, you will be required to attend a face to face interview at MI5. If successful, this will be followed by a security interview with a vetting officer. You should read about the vetting process and satisfy yourself that you meet the criteria outlined in the vetting pages of the How to Apply section prior to submitting an application.

Giving misleading information or omitting or concealing information during the recruitment and vetting process is viewed very seriously. You should ensure that you follow our guidance from when you apply.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to the "Disability Confident" scheme we offer an interview to all candidates with a disability who meet our minimum criteria for the job vacancy that they are applying for. This is known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS).

Along with the standard eligibility requirements for this post, your application will be assessed on how far you meet the job requirements. Your application must score the minimum amount of points set. On successful completion of this stage, you will be invited to interview. This will normally be a telephone interview and is our guaranteed interview.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply, you must meet our residency criteria. You must be a born or naturalised British citizen and one of your parents must be a British citizen or have substantial ties to the UK.

Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for nine out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. However, we will still consider you if you've served overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of Her Majesty's Government, studied abroad, or lived overseas with your parents.

Due to vetting requirements, you will need to be 18 years old, or above, to apply. Your application may take around six months to process.

Owing to the sensitivity of our work, we do not publicly disclose the identities of our staff. Discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

The Security Service is committed to reflecting both equal opportunities and the society we protect.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert