Engineer – Application Operations (Security Database Administration)
UK NACE
Office location at Hanslope Park near Milton Keynes, MK19 7BH
Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park

Like all organisations, software and databases are vital to our operations. The difference here at UK NACE is that our work has a direct impact on the safety of the UK’s information, assets and people. If you’re an IT professional looking for a new challenge with a meaningful purpose, look no further.

At the UK National Authority for Counter Eavesdropping (UK NACE), we protect national security with our technical expertise. We work closely with the UK government, friendly foreign governments, the UK’s Intelligence Services and the critical national infrastructure (CNI) to protect the UK’s people and information against technical espionage and attacks. We complete expert operations, provide one-of-a-kind policy advice, locate and investigate threats, and much more. Our software and databases are at the very core of what we do, because they enable our colleagues to do their important, mission-critical work efficiently and accurately. So it’s vital that these systems are kept in optimal condition. That’s where you’ll come in.

Maintain software that’s vital to preventing technical espionage

As our Software and Database Support Specialist, you’ll monitor, configure, optimise and maintain our servers. Together with the wider operations team, you’ll play a critical role in identifying any problems with our operating systems, giving your expert advice to ensure they are resolved quickly and appropriately. As part of this work, you’ll gather evidence from users, engage with your colleagues directly to take ownership of escalated incidents, alerts or service requests, and carry out technical investigations to contribute to resolutions.

In addition to front-line support you’ll also look at forward planning and preventative measures. This will include knowledge sharing with your colleagues and taking regular stock of our software to ensure it’s suitable, cost-effective and licenced correctly. Day-to-day you’ll be in contact with internal users and stakeholders, along with external suppliers, to ensure everything runs smoothly. And you’ll do it all while getting involved in projects that help plan for the future, like building and designing new infrastructure. This is a role with service at its heart – where everything you do will help support your colleagues throughout UK NACE and FCDO Services.

Use your software skills to keep mission-critical work on track

To apply, you’ll need Agile and ITIL at Foundation level or equivalent experience, along with a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in an IT-based discipline. Bringing an awareness of technologies such as encryption, public key infrastructure, anti-malware, event logging and firewalls, you’ll also already have experience working in a fast-paced team under pressure. Existing database administration skills and experience, along with an Expert level Microsoft qualification, will help you hit the ground running, but if you haven’t yet got these, you just need to have a willingness and motivation to learn.

And in terms of your qualities, you’ll be ready to take ownership and use your initiative. Someone who’s comfortable making decisions and providing a great service to your colleagues. You’ll also have an understanding of all things technical, and an unwavering curiosity that motivates you to the root of a problem and find the best solution. You’ll also be an excellent team player, keen to pass on your knowledge to help upskill others. And finally, you’ll be passionate about our purpose, and excited by the challenge of contributing to work that protects the UK’s people and assets from harm.

Help shape the future of IT at a historic organisation

And as for what we do for you, we offer a competitive salary, 25-30 days’ annual leave per year (depending on length of service) and a Civil Service pension. We also invest in our people – so you’ll have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, canteen and restaurants, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there.

Want to see your future team’s work in action? Step into our Virtual Embassy, to see how we deliver for government customers and how you could help. Explore the embassy now at virtual-embassy.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting on our website: https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply.



Hanslope Park based posts attract a Location Allowance of £1,750 per annum.

FCDO Services are regulated by the Civil Service Commission.