At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop platforms that empower developers to build critical technology for national security.
- Company: Join MI5, the UK's security service, dedicated to keeping the nation safe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, career growth, and opportunities for training and certifications.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on sharing knowledge and best practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in national security while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in platform engineering or software development, with strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: London
About the job
MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people, and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing, and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners including MI6 and GCHQ, to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses, and other organisations on how to keep themselves safe. A role in MI5 means you'll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.
Job description
As a Platform Engineer, you'll design, develop and operate platforms that give developers the tools they need to build critical technology that helps keep the country safe. Joining MI5 offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing technology capability while being part of an expanding engineering workforce, helping to enhance platforms and products delivered across the organisation. Day to day, the role involves building developer tooling, managed services, and automation, along with self-service solutions. Infrastructure-as-code is used to ensure consistency and reliability across cloud and on premises environments, enabling teams to move quickly with confidence.
A significant part of the role centres on working closely with our product teams, understanding pain points, prioritising what matters most, and shaping solutions that meaningfully improve the developer experience. The outcome is streamlined workflows, reduced friction, and more time for engineers to focus on delivering solutions to meet MI5's outcomes. You'll play a key part in contributing to our engineering community by sharing best practice standards, patterns, and establishing clear and consistent approaches that teams can adopt with confidence.
When issues arise, you'll get stuck in, troubleshooting platform problems and improving reliability, usability, and observability, while feeding those insights back into better design. Sharing knowledge across teams will be a big part of the role, as will helping to build a consistent, collaborative engineering culture. You'll also support other engineers, helping them build confidence and develop their skills.
We know that platform engineering evolves constantly, and the quality of this role depends on keeping pace with it. As a result, there is a regular protected time to horizon scan, research emerging trends, and pursue training or certifications relevant to your career.
Person specification
A natural problem solver, you enjoy tackling complex challenges and turning them into practical solutions. Experience may come from working as a Platform or DevOps Engineer across a range of technologies and customer environments, or from a Software Engineering background with demonstrable experience in solving platform and infrastructure-related challenges in current or recent roles. An understanding of the software development lifecycle in an enterprise or commercial environment is essential, alongside familiarity with design patterns and secure coding practices.
Working closely with engineers and technologists, this role focuses on understanding challenges and shaping effective platform solutions. Confidence communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences is important, particularly when explaining ideas clearly, aligning on priorities, and building trust across teams. You'll be comfortable working independently with a high level of autonomy, making pragmatic decisions and seeing work through from problem to solution. Being proactive in seeking support from senior engineers and leaders when needed, along with a willingness to learn and grow, is also important.
Proficiency in at least one modern programming language, such as Node.js, Python, or Java, is expected along with experience in core engineering practices including TDD, CI/CD pipelines, cloud services, and agile methodologies. Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform is also important.
Platform Engineer - MI5 The Security Service - HEO employer: Government Digital & Data
The Government Digital Service (GDS) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of digital transformation within the UK government. With hubs in vibrant cities like Bristol, London, and Manchester, GDS fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, ensuring that every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact on public services. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to harnessing technology for the public good, where your contributions will help shape the future of digital government.
Contact Details:
Government Digital & Data Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Platform Engineer - MI5 The Security Service - HEO
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Government Digital & Data, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
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Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Government Digital & Data
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Government Digital & Data. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Platform Engineer - MI5 The Security Service - HEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Government Digital & Data insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Government Digital & Data that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Digital & Data
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Government Digital & Data to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Government Digital & Data.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
