
Explore careers at GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence and cyber security agency. From tech and analysis to linguistics and legal roles, learn about job areas, benefits, and how to apply for exciting, security cleared positions that help protect national security.
GCHQ, or Government Communications Headquarters, works on the frontline of national security and helps to keep the UK safe from real-world and cyber threats.
It is one of the country’s three intelligence and security agencies, along with MI5 and MI6.
If you’re interested in pursuing an intelligence agency career, read on to find out more about working at GCHQ.
You can also search for GCHQ jobs and other security cleared roles available right now.
The range of jobs available at GCHQ is extremely diverse, with the organisation offering various routes for employees to develop their national security careers.
Corporate roles lie at the heart of everything the agency does and provide many opportunities for professional and personal development.
Legal experts have a vital role to play in advising different departments on contract terms and conditions, the latest regulatory developments and more.
Administrative teams facilitate the wide range of activities that take place at GCHQ every day, from staff training and recruitment to organising travel and conferences.
Procurement officers and specialists at GCHQ have opportunities to work on diverse projects across the agency and contribute to key initiatives.
A large proportion of work at GCHQ is centred around technology. So, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that these roles come with significant responsibilities.
GCHQ analysts spend a lot of time working with data, tackling problems and producing reports that could have a direct impact on foreign policy and national security.
Cyber security and computer network specialists at GCHQ take on responsibilities such as infiltrating systems used by terrorists and criminals.
This area encompasses a range of roles within the agency, including developers, programmers and data analysts. These professionals respond to world events and support other teams in carrying out their operations.
Working in information assurance at GCHQ involves using a combination of tech expertise and people skills to provide advice on using technology as effectively as possible.
Jobs at GCHQ can provide opportunities to apply your specialist skills to solving problems while learning new things.
Language experts play a critical part in the agency’s day-to-day operations by carrying out tasks such as translating, interpreting and contextualising foreign intelligence.
You could use your mathematical knowledge and capabilities in areas such as applied cryptography to help GCHQ solve complex problems, write optimised algorithms and design new cyber security protocols.
Specialists in knowledge and information management help to ensure that the huge amounts of data circulating within the agency are properly dealt with and protected.
GCHQ’s ambition is to build a work environment that balances effective teamwork and collaboration with opportunities for individual employees to define their own identities and achieve their personal goals.
Its culture is based on foundations such as integrity, professionalism, ingenuity, constant learning and inclusivity.
The agency also offers benefits including:
Search for GCHQ jobs and other security cleared roles now.