At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage user accounts and ensure secure access to sensitive systems.
- Company: Join GCHQ, a leading intelligence and security agency in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Structured training and career progression opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Windows/Linux infrastructure and Active Directory is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Associate Infrastructure Engineer (Identity Access Management) role at Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ. Base pay range £36,408, including a concessionary payment of £2,658. You may also qualify for a skills payment ranging from £4,513 to £9,812 and a recruitment bonus of £2,000, both dependent on technical ability and successful assessment during the interview process.
About us: GCHQ is an intelligence cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting‑edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber‑attacks, and espionage. At GCHQ, you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that emphasises teamwork.
The role: As an Associate Infrastructure Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in keeping the UK safe by ensuring secure access to sensitive systems. Your work will help guarantee that the right people have the right access at the right time, supporting both our organisation and colleagues across our organisation as well as trusted partners in the UK and around the world. In this role, you’ll be actively involved in managing user accounts, resolving access and certificate issues, and monitoring platform health to maintain compliance and reliability. Collaboration with internal teams is key, as you work to understand access requirements and deliver effective solutions, while also contributing to strategic improvements in how identity services are delivered. You will not be expected to take on complex work immediately; the initial focus will be on learning and building situational knowledge across multiple platforms. There will be a requirement to travel to Cheltenham and London on occasion, with limited opportunities for international travel.
Your responsibilities will include supporting day‑to‑day identity operations, such as incident resolution and service requests. You’ll also contribute to product development and roadmap planning for identity services, and work with internal and external stakeholders to improve access management across multiple systems. You’ll also share knowledge and deliver training to help others adopt and maintain secure access practices.
About you: We’re looking for individuals with an infrastructure background and a passion for identity and access management. You should have practical experience with Windows or Linux infrastructure and essential skills in Active Directory. Familiarity with Oracle Identity and Access Management (IDAM) is desirable. You’ll need a solid foundation of practical IT experience, gained through real‑world work in infrastructure or support environments, with enough exposure to confidently apply your skills in this role. Success in this role requires exceptional interpersonal and communication skills alongside technical ability. Clear written communication for documentation, the ability to explain technical concepts to stakeholders, and effective relationship‑building across user communities are essential. A collaborative mindset and a proactive learning approach will further support your success.
Flexible working: This role is based on full‑time hours (37 hours per week) with flexibility around start and finish times within core working hours. While our preference is for full‑time working, in exceptional circumstances we may consider part‑time arrangements, subject to business needs. We also offer hybrid working, which includes some remote working, typically one day per week from home with the remainder in the office. This arrangement may vary depending on operational requirements.
Learning and development: From day one, you’ll be supported by a structured induction and a tailored development plan designed to help you grow into the role. Whether you’re new to identity and access management or looking to build on existing expertise, your training will combine practical experience with access to formal learning and mentoring.
- Technical Delivery: managing end‑to‑end delivery of cloud platforms and ERP systems, driving digital transformation and operational efficiency
- Product Development: contributing to the roadmap and lifecycle of IDAM services
- Collaboration: engaging with internal teams and external partners across the UK Intelligence Community
- Certification: pursuing qualifications from Microsoft, Linux, CyberArk and more
You’ll learn alongside experienced colleagues and have access to workshops, peer‑led sessions and internal conferences. As your confidence grows, you’ll take on more responsibility and begin shaping the future of identity services. Progression from this role to Infrastructure Engineer typically follows a structured path, with opportunities to broaden your product exposure and deepen your subject matter expertise.
Some of our benefits: You will enjoy 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, alongside 8 bank holidays and 2.5 additional leave days (set dates through the year). We also offer a competitive pension, with employer contributions of at least 28.97%, an interest‑free season ticket loan, and much more.
Associate Infrastructure Engineer (Identitiy Access Management) in Manchester employer: Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ
At GCHQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where teamwork is at the heart of what we do. As an Associate Infrastructure Engineer, you'll benefit from a structured induction and tailored development plan, ensuring you have the resources to grow your skills in identity and access management. With competitive pay, generous leave, and opportunities for professional development, working at our Cheltenham location means contributing to the safety of the UK while enjoying a fulfilling career.
Contact Details:
Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Infrastructure Engineer (Identitiy Access Management) in Manchester
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ!
✨Direct Apply to Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Infrastructure Engineer (Identitiy Access Management) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
