Science & Technology
Technology’s behind everything we do, which makes working in our Science and Technology teams varied, challenging and always exciting. The diverse systems we use ensure we operate effectively, provide reliable data to the UK government, and connect us to our intelligence partners. Working here will put you right at the heart of our mission to protect the UK, using your technical aptitude to solve unique and complex problems.
We recruit people with a wide range of abilities, from new graduates to highly experienced technologists. As well as highly technical specialists who focus on developing and supporting systems applications, we look for analysts and project managers who can apply technology to meet our business needs.
APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
We also have a joint SIS, MI5 and GCHQ Apprenticeship Scheme. Aimed at those with an interest in developing technological expertise, successful candidates will spend a period of time in each agency, developing their skills and working with some of the world’s most cutting edge technologies.
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, 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
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Profiles
I joined straight from university with an honours degree in Computing and Networks. During my studies I had part time jobs in the fast food industry and as a chef, but I wanted something more meaningful. So, when my partner semi-jokingly suggested MI6, I started researching the network engineer role and other aspects of working here, and soon knew it was where I wanted to be.
I applied online, but I knew the competition would be high, and didn’t expect to get much further. So I was surprised when I was invited to an interview and then an assessment centre, which I passed. Nothing beats the feeling when you’re told you’ve been accepted for a job with MI6!
No two days are quite the same. For example, last week I was shadowing someone to learn a support process for a new system when my boss asked if I could urgently go overseas. 24 hours later I was being briefed by “our man in the Middle East” on an office move that needed new technical equipment installed to a tight deadline, with as little disruption as possible. There was no room for error, but I love challenges like this – being part of a great team and knowing that what I do has a real, positive and immediate impact.
When I returned, I was back to working alongside project managers, security experts and software engineers, ensuring the networks we design and implement stay secure and function in an efficient and supportive way.
MI6 is a fantastic place to work. In many ways your career is in your own hands. I’ve had in-house training in skills such as VSAT and RF, and help with gaining professional qualifications. And every three to five years you have the chance to move to an operational or corporate job, or to further specialise and build your technical skills. There are very few places in the world where I could work with such a wide range of network technologies and make such an impact.
Being part of the Service makes you feel more like a member of a family rather than an employee. The work’s fascinating and the people are great. I honestly think working for MI6 is one of the best jobs you’ll have in your life.
Applications
Process
Senior Change Business Partner London based
This role will be vital to optimising the way MI6 operates as a global intelligence service. With a significant track record of leading, designing and delivering complex change, you’ll be well-placed to shape and systemise our organisational approach to change. You’ll do this through building the capability of Service leaders to lead change effectively, by developing organisational change agility and moving the dial on cultural and behavioural change.
Senior Business Analyst London based
Working closely with the Senior Change Business Partner, this role will help to set the strategy and case for change within a key business area. We’ll be looking for an experienced Business Analyst who is confident to operate in different delivery environments and who can quickly build trust and rapport with very senior stakeholders.
Software Engineer London based, £50,500 - £64,131 (including an allowance up to £9,000)
MI6 is the UK’s foreign human intelligence agency. Every day, we gather secret intelligence from all over the world that helps us protect the UK. Our work requires sophisticated technology and innovative techniques, which is why we need your help. As a Software Engineer, you’ll give us a crucial edge in a rapidly changing, data-driven world. Ultimately, your role is to make sure MI6 gets the technology it needs. You’ll work with teams across the Organisation delivering the software required by your customers. Using your experience of software, you’ll take ownership of large problems and work with other teams to analyse them, developing a plan to deliver them throughout the engineering lifecycle.
Software Engineering Specialists (incl. graduates and part time) London based, £34,106 - £44,054 (depending on experience)
We at MI6 – or as we’re more formally called, the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) – are looking for experienced Software Engineering Specialists, Software Engineering Graduates or Software candidates searching for part time, flexible working patterns who understand the complex world of programming, integrating or supporting software products and underlying technologies. You will be involved in all stages of the software development lifecycle and your work will contribute to the protection of the UK’s national interests both at home and overseas. We take training seriously and provide time for you to develop your skills and expertise in a diverse suite of programming languages, databases and operating systems.
Change Business Partners London based, £60,882 - £65,448
MI6 is the UK’s foreign human intelligence agency. Today we’re looking for Change Business Partners to optimise the way we operate as a global intelligence agency in the 21st century. While you play a critical role in protecting the UK’s national security, both at home and overseas, we’ll play an equally vital role in your future.
Change Delivery Lead London based, £48,135 - £51,749
MI6 is the UK’s foreign human intelligence agency. Today, we’re looking for Change Delivery Leads to optimise the way we operate as a global intelligence service in the 21st Century. While you play a critical role in protecting the UK’s national security, at home and overseas, we’ll play an equally vital role in your future.
Change Manager London based, £40,861 - £43,925
MI6 is the UK’s foreign human intelligence agency. Today, we’re looking for Change Managers to optimise the way we operate as a global intelligence service in the 21st Century. While you play a critical role in protecting the UK’s national security, at home and overseas, we’ll play an equally vital role in your future.
Business Analysts London based, £40,861 - £43,925
MI6 is the UK’s foreign human intelligence agency. Today, we’re looking for Business Analysts to optimise the way we operate as a global intelligence service in the 21st Century. While you play a critical role in protecting the UK’s national security, at home and overseas, we’ll play an equally vital role in your future.
Data Scientist London based, £42,328 - £68,265 (depending on skills and experience)
MI6 is the UK’s foreign human intelligence agency. Every day, we gather secret intelligence from all over the world that helps us protect the UK. Our work requires sophisticated technology and innovative techniques, which is why we need your help. As a Data Scientist, you’ll give us a crucial edge in a rapidly changing, data-driven world. Ultimately, your role is to make sure MI6 gets the technology it needs. Proficient in a range of data science tools, you’ll use your knowledge to develop analytical tools and techniques working closely with colleagues to identify the most complex analysis requirements, and work with them to identify, develop and implement innovative solutions. Excited about the benefits data science can bring, you’ll develop a good understanding of new and existing technology across different work sectors with a view to improving our analysis capability within the Organisation.
Technical Security Engineer London & Home Counties based, £31,174 to £38,521 (depending on location & experience)
MI6 is the UK’s foreign human intelligence agency. Every day, we gather secret intelligence from all over the world that helps us protect the UK. Our work requires sophisticated technology and innovative techniques, which is why we need your help. As a Technical Security Engineer, you’ll give us a crucial edge in a rapidly changing, data-driven world. Ultimately, your role is to make sure MI6 gets the technology it needs. You’ll utilise a variety of technical capabilities to support delivery of the Organisation’s core goals and objectives and provide 2nd and 3rd line technical support for our systems. Using your experience, you’ll provide technical advice and support and you’ll be motivated to travel overseas typically for one to two weeks at a time.
Eligibility
Tackling the threats to our national security
Nationality
We protect British interests both at home and overseas. Because of this, to be eligible to apply you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered but you may be required to give up your non-British citizenship before you can take up employment with us. Each case will be carefully considered on its own facts.
Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply from the age of 17 years. If successful, you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday.
Drug use
We have a strict no drugs policy which prohibits the use, possession or supply of illegal drugs, including the use of drugs that are illegal in the UK but are legal in some other countries. Misuse or abuse of prescribed medication or any other substance is also incompatible with holding security clearance, which can be refused or withdrawn if this policy is not observed, so you must adhere to our policy from the point of application onwards.
The point of application is the date you submit your application form.
You will be required to undergo a drug test during the application process.
Security clearance
When you join SIS, you’ll be given clearance relevant to your role. Some of our positions mean you’ll have access to a wide range of sensitive information. It’s paramount, for the safety of our organisation, our people and our country, that this information doesn’t get into the wrong hands. Because of this, you’ll have to pass our security clearance to the appropriate level. It’s a long process, up to three months in most cases. And it takes a very fair, in-depth and pretty intrusive look at your life, including your finances. So it’s important to be aware of this commitment before you apply, and be completely open and honest when you answer our security questions. If any details are concealed, your application can’t be taken forward.