Senior Software Engineer (GCHQ Permanent) in Manchester

As a Senior Software Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in solving mission‑critical challenges. You’ll contribute to the architecture and design of both new and existing systems, establish and promote best practices, and deliver high‑quality software solutions. Drawing on your expertise in a range of software engineering methodologies, you’ll introduce fresh ideas and innovative approaches that make a real impact at the core of our mission: keeping the UK safe, both in the real world and online.

This is a practical, impact‑driven role with plenty of opportunities to develop yourself and others. Operating at a deep technical level, you’ll apply your expertise across a variety of software engineering frameworks and technologies, working with languages such as JavaScript, Java, Node.js, Python, Rust and Go. Alongside hands‑on engineering, you’ll help shape how teams build and deliver software by defining code review, branching and deployment strategies, and reviewing pull requests to support high‑quality, maintainable solutions.

You’ll bring a pragmatic approach to adopting new software engineering practices, using them to improve quality, productivity and delivery, and helping others do the same. As part of a wider network of peers, you’ll collaborate and learn from others. With your experience, you’ll set the standard, introduce innovative ways of working, and help shape technical priorities.

Whether leading and mentoring a team or acting as the technical expert within a high‑performing group, you’ll draw on your knowledge of diverse methodologies to deliver impactful solutions. Confidently engaging with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, you’ll make a positive contribution to the wider engineering community.

Flexible working – opportunities to work part‑time, compressed hours or as a job share are available, dependent on the role and business needs.

Merit awards – we have a merit award system to recognise exceptional contributions by individuals or teams.

Maternity and paternity leave – we offer maternity and paternity leave over and above the statutory entitlements.

Annual leave – our employees are entitled to 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years’ service. In addition to this, employees are entitled to public and privilege holidays. Part‑time employees receive the same entitlement calculated on a pro‑rata basis.

Childcare Vouchers – we offer two childcare voucher schemes which provide a simple and cost‑effective way for employees to receive help towards the cost of childcare.

Clubs and societies – we offer a range of sports clubs, fitness classes, societies, and language training facilities.

Voluntary service leave – we offer special leave for our employees who wish to undertake voluntary work.

On‑site facilities – there is a gym, restaurant, and coffee bar at some locations.

Season ticket loan – we recognise that travel expenses from your home to the office can be significant, so we offer an interest‑free season ticket loan which can be used for travel, car park costs or the purchase of a bicycle.

Rented accommodation loan – moving house to take up an offer of employment can be expensive. We offer new joiners the opportunity to take out an interest‑free loan of up to £2,500, via our benevolent fund, to assist with the financial burden of relocating into privately rented accommodation. You will be sent an application for the loan at the point of receiving a final offer of employment.

Pension – we understand the importance of saving for retirement and offer a desirable pension scheme, which gives you a guaranteed pension based on career average earnings.

Personal learning – all our staff can undertake professional development to improve their skills and performance in the workplace.

Eye Voucher Scheme – we offer eye care vouchers and a financial contribution towards prescription glasses.

Physiotherapy – we offer subsidised in‑house physiotherapy.

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will bring expertise in the frameworks and technologies mentioned above, along with experience working with cloud platforms AWS, Azure, and GCP. You’ll have successfully led Agile project teams, evaluated customer business requirements, and delivered high‑quality software solutions that make a real impact.

Strategic and self-driven, you’ll serve as a bridge between teams, communicating technical information with clarity and confidence. You’ll thrive in a fast‑paced, innovative environment where creativity is key to solving complex and unprecedented challenges.

Experience of generative AI would be advantageous, whether through using AI assisted software development tools, understanding agentic patterns, or developing applications that use large language models. An awareness of how to evaluate AI‑generated outputs and use these technologies responsibly, securely and effectively would also be beneficial. What matters most is your curiosity and willingness to develop your knowledge as these technologies evolve.

We welcome experienced professionals from a variety of related fields, including security engineering, site reliability engineering and data engineering. Your genuine enthusiasm for software engineering, combined with your ability to mentor others, collaborate effectively, and stay ahead of emerging technologies, makes you a valuable contributor to a forward‑thinking engineering community.