Technologists
Technology and engineering
What do we do?
Keeping agents safe
MI6 agents must be able to contact us to pass intelligence whilst minimising the use of local infrastructure. This requires a huge set of solutions to ensure that one compromise does not reveal our network of agents.
Covert technical operations
MI6 deploys technologists in the UK and overseas to help us identify and disrupt our adversaries or collect vital intelligence through covert means.
Operating anywhere with partners
MI6 teams work together alongside UK government colleagues and international partners (like the Five Eyes community) to get vital intelligence back to Whitehall. To do this and protect our sources, MI6 uses Q’s technology.
Data exploitation and insight generation
MI6 collects and receives a vast array of data in a massive range of formats from agents and partners. Q technologists combine this data and use AI and analytics to maximise the insights we derive from it.
Platforms, architecture and enablers
To deliver the technology for all of these challenges, it is vital that we have strong, resilient and secure tech platforms that enable our teams to rapidly develop solutions.
Make Q your career
Our people join as apprentices, graduates or with experience working elsewhere. We look for people with potential in the following areas:
- Engineering – software, data, DevOps, infrastructure and infrastructure operations, communications.
- Architecture – solution architects, security architects and enterprise architects.
- User experience – service design, interaction design and accessibility specialists.
- Cyber – digital forensics, monitoring and risk management.
- Data – data scientists, analysts and data engineers.
- Advisory and enabling – risk advisors, technical security advisors, researchers and product management.
Tech Talent Network
If you are a tech professional with three years or more industry experience and are interested in joining us, but haven’t seen a role for your skillset yet, then the Tech Talent Network could be perfect for you. As a network member, you’ll receive unique insights into our work and our intelligence partners, MI5 and GCHQ, through exclusive content and job alerts tailored to your area of expertise.
Join our Tech Talent Network
“The culture in engineering makes it a great place to work. I get to work on really exciting projects and have designed apps for the UK Intelligence Community.”
Matt, Software Designer
Join us at any stage in your career
You can join us at any stage in your career – Q technologists join as apprentices, graduates and with industry experience.
Unparalleled access
Q technologists get fascinating behind-the-scenes views of elements of UK government and industry, from the most sensitive defence and security sites to seeing the cutting edge of UK academia.
Work overseas
Q technologists have opportunities for long- and short-term deployments overseas.
Develop yourself and your career
You’ll spend 20% of your time innovating and learning skills vital to your and our success. Our people receive funding throughout their careers for industry and bespoke learning courses, as well as the opportunities to build experience through secondments with a range of governmental or private sector partners.
Externally recognised progression
There are great opportunities to progress as Q grows. Many of our technology roles, like our software engineering profession capability framework, are structured around the
Work–life balance
While home working is not possible due to the sensitive nature of what we do, we’ll help you find a working pattern that best suits you, while ensuring vital work is delivered. We offer part-time working, compressed hours and job shares.
Software Engineering Apprenticeship
Software Engineering Apprenticeship
Technology Graduate Development Programme
Technology Graduate Development Programme
Tech Talent Network
Our technologies
Delivering ethical technology
Contribute to Q right now!
Visit the ICDS website
What you can expect as a Technologist
Are you right for the role?
Eligibility
Nationality
You need to be a British Citizen (if you hold dual nationality then one component will need to be British).
Skills and experience
The skills and experience required depends on the role. Take a look at our current vacancies to find out more.
Security Vetting
You will need to be willing to undergo security clearance. For more info on this, please see our Vetting page.
Visit our Vetting page
Support and membership
English