At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep the UK Government connected through secure telephony infrastructure.
- Company: Join GCHQ, a leader in data and communications security.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and diverse work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in national security while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in telephony infrastructure and networking is essential.
The predicted salary is between 37892 - 37892 £ per year.
Closing Date - 23:00 on Tuesday 2nd June 2026
£37,892, comprising a basic salary of £35,134 plus a concessionary payment of £2,758
Flexible working: This role is primarily office-based due to the sensitive nature of the work. However, flexible working arrangements are supported, including flexitime with flexible start and finish times, as well as the option to work full-time, part-time, or compressed hours.
About us
At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to help keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Working closely with our British Intelligence partners in MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber‑attacks. A role at GCHQ means you’ll have varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment, that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
The role
As a Telephony Infrastructure Engineer at GCHQ, you’ll play a vital part in keeping the UK Government connected when it matters most. From critical conversations across the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) and Whitehall to high‑stakes, time‑sensitive communications, the work ensures every call gets through securely, reliably and without compromise. Working across a range of classified telephony platforms – including call gateways, enterprise media, and transcription services – you’ll ensure these services remain resilient, compliant, and ready for anything. Whether engineering improvements, resolving complex cross‑domain issues, or collaborating closely with partners and suppliers, you’ll play a central role in shaping and strengthening our communication capabilities. And you won’t be working alone. You’ll be part of a team of experts who share the same dedication, working in a collaborative environment built on mutual support and shared success. As capability develops, a skill payment is available on reaching Infrastructure Engineering Level 1 or above. Once all relevant training is complete, there is an opportunity to join the on‑call rota, which offers additional pay and is entirely optional. From time to time, the role may also involve occasional overseas travel.
About you
While no specific qualifications are required for this role, you’ll have experience in telephony infrastructure, with a solid understanding of networking and the support and maintenance of voice and unified communications (UC) systems. That experience may be gained through formal training, classroom learning, or practical experience in the field; what matters most is the ability to apply it. Experience with Cisco technologies is highly beneficial, as these are widely used in our environment. A clear focus on customer experience is essential, supported by sound judgement and the ability to assess information and deliver solutions that are timely, well‑reasoned and reliable. You’ll have good administration skills and some general Windows and Linux experience, and you’ll be ready to build on both. Curious by nature, you approach problems with a proactive mindset, and the people around you know they can count on you to work independently and deliver consistent results. Clear and confident communication is essential, with the ability to influence effectively and work collaboratively with stakeholders and colleagues to achieve shared goals. Equally comfortable contributing as part of a team or working independently, there is a genuine willingness to share knowledge and support others to succeed.
Training and development
When you join the team, you’ll be joining a community that takes professional development seriously and invests in helping people grow their skills. From day one, you'll be welcomed through departmental induction days and supported by a defined training pathway, along with a mentor to help you settle in with confidence. From there, the development doesn't stop. There are three skill gateways to progress through within the grade, each building on the last, with the expectation that you'll be working towards the next level within your first 12 months. Over a 2 to 3‑year placement, you'll develop steadily towards Infrastructure Engineering Level 2, growing your expertise and your impact along the way. The pathway is both internal and external: as well as incorporating GCHQ’s own Internal Development Pathway, you'll have access to external industry accreditation and the opportunity to work towards Cisco qualifications and other certifications that will support your career long‑term.
Rewards and benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £37,892 plus other benefits including:
- 25 days of annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
- opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
- an interest‑free season ticket loan
- a cycle to work scheme
- facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations)
- paid parental and adoption leave
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: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under‑represented in our workforce such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those with low socio‑economic backgrounds. GCHQ is proud to have achieved Leader status within the Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident scheme. This scheme aims to encourage 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 offered an interview, where practical.
Security clearance
The role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). This is something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. Find out more about the vetting process.
Location
The role is based in Cheltenham, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance.
Infrastructure Engineer (Telephony) Ref. 3734 in Cheltenham employer: GCHQ Careers
At GCHQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As an Infrastructure Engineer (Telephony), you'll enjoy flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training pathways, and opportunities for career advancement, all while contributing to the vital mission of safeguarding the UK. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, GCHQ fosters an environment where every team member can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Infrastructure Engineer (Telephony) Ref. 3734 in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at GCHQ on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won't find anywhere else.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the technical side! Brush up on your telephony infrastructure knowledge, especially around Cisco technologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects or challenges you've faced in the past, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since clear and confident communication is key, consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms. This will help you articulate your thoughts better and make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at GCHQ. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Infrastructure Engineer (Telephony) Ref. 3734 in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Infrastructure Engineer role. Highlight your experience with telephony infrastructure and any relevant Cisco technologies, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate how you've used them in real-world situations. We want to see examples of how you've tackled problems or improved systems in your previous roles, especially in networking and unified communications.
Be Clear and Confident:When writing your application, communicate clearly and confidently. Use straightforward language to explain your experiences and how they relate to the job. Remember, we value good communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at GCHQ!
How to prepare for a job interview at GCHQ Careers
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your telephony infrastructure knowledge, especially around Cisco technologies. Familiarise yourself with the specific systems mentioned in the job description, like call gateways and unified communications. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also prepared to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've tackled complex issues in telephony or networking. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help demonstrate your proactive mindset and ability to deliver reliable solutions under pressure.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since clear communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts concisely. Prepare to explain technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. This will highlight your ability to influence and collaborate effectively with others.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
GCHQ values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Highlight your willingness to support colleagues and share knowledge, as this aligns with their collaborative culture and shows you're a good fit for their team.
