The team manages a diverse and rapidly increasing product portfolio, ranging from development of covert tools for mobile device data acquisition, computer and network exploitation, building custom radio frequency hardware, to the implementation of cutting-edge data visualisation platforms.
Collaboration and capability sharing are critical to our mission so working alongside other Government and Law Enforcement agencies will ensure that no two projects nor two days are ever the same in this role. The team is recognised across the LE and UKIC community as deep subject matter experts in a range of complex technical specialisms including software engineering, hardware electronics, radio frequency, computer and network exploitation, and reverse engineering.
To enable the rapid prototyping and production of bespoke capabilities, the team is split into two distinct functions:
- Engineering: this function is responsible for managing the full stack development and testing of all bespoke solutions. This could include; developing tools to normalise, interrogate and visualise large datasets, command and control systems, to producing plugins and modules to extend functionality of commercial and in-house built tools.
- Exploit Development: this function is responsible for conducting security research before producing specialist tools that assist in the exploitation of digital devices, encrypted communications and networks.
The G7 Exploit Development Lead is responsible for leading exploitation projects within TXD, which will range from pioneering applied/exploratory research through to the development of operational capabilities. This is an exciting role that will give the successful candidate the opportunity to shape the future of HMRC's most sensitive capabilities.
Person specificationAs the Exploit Development Lead within the Technical Exploitation Development team, you will:
- Support the Head of TXD in the design and commissioning of novel projects, ensuring that these fit within the team's overarching portfolio. You will also support the Head of TXD in producing proposals for the acquisition of new tooling, capabilities and resource.
- Take ownership of exploitation projects, which will include implementing project designs and managing the project team.
- You will be responsible for day-to-day management and prioritisation of the project teams work, including development, documentation, and testing.
- Possess and maintain a cutting-edge technical skillset. You will be expected to directly contribute to the development of exploitation projects as well as identifying and proposing new opportunities to the Head of TXD.
- Use your software engineering skills to rapidly produce capabilities, ranging from Proof of Concepts through to robust new platforms. You will coordinate closely with your Engineering Lead counterpart to ensure that more complex capabilities meet defined engineering standards, or to facilitate joint working with TXD's Engineering function.
- Ensure that appropriate security controls are implemented within novel projects, to safeguard capabilities and promote technical security.
- Work with colleagues within the team as well as key customers, to ensure that projects are transitioned to a deliverable capability stage. This will include conducting project reviews and preparing Transfer To Ops (TTOP) documentation for Head of TXD sign-off - this may consist of technical documentation, user manuals, testing strategies and other supporting documents.
- Work with infrastructure teams to deploy novel capabilities to end-users, including ensuring adherence to DevSecOps processes and defining code pipelines.
- Represent the department at cross-organisation events and working groups, showcasing the abilities and capabilities of the team and fostering strong community relationships.
- Provide mentorship and/or training to junior staff as appropriate. This will include direct line management responsibility, as well as upskilling initiatives deployed across the team.
Essential CriteriaIt is essential for you to demonstrate experience of:
Software Development• Strong practical experience with at least one of the following programming languages: Java, Kotlin, Objective-C, C, C++, Go.
• Strong practical experience of at least one scripting language e.g. Python, Bash, Powershell.
• Recent experience with the following tools and processes:
- Testing methodologies e.g. unit tests, functional testing, integration testing, regression testing.
- Containerisation technologies such as Docker.
- Agile programming methodologies.
- Business collaboration processes e.g. Kanban.
- Code repository management (e.g. Git).
- Secure Code Design practices (check wording).
• Experience of communicating complex topics to a high standard, in both written and verbal formats. This should ideally include disseminating reporting/documentation to audiences of varying technical ability as well as seniority.
• Experience of mentoring and managing junior staff, either as a line manager or as a project lead.
• An understanding of security control mechanisms in a software engineering context and how to implement these during the development process.
• Capable of capturing user requirements and translating these into system designs (user stories).
• Have experience of supporting capabilities for their entire operational life, including customer support, patching and decommissioning.
Exploitation• A proven ability to manage innovative projects with tight deadlines and/or high levels of risk.
• Demonstrable experience in collaborating with a range of internal and external stakeholders on complex exploitation projects or research.
• Capable of representing the team or wider elements of HMRC at relevant working groups and able to deliver briefings and upskilling sessions within these groups.
• Extensive experience in at least one of the following, with an ability and aptitude to learn additional skills as required:
- Radio Frequency Engineering.
- Cryptography.
- Vulnerability Research.
- Exploit Development.
- Reverse Engineering.
- Digital Forensics.
- Pen Testing.
- Hardware Exploitation.
• Hold a minimum of a University level academic qualification in cyber security, digital forensics or a related subject.
• Knowledge, understanding and practical application of the following legislation: Investigatory Powers Act (IPA 2016), Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA 2000) and the associated Codes of Practices.
Desirable Criteria• One or more qualifications that supports your ability to manage projects and teams e.g. Certified ScrumMaster, Association of Project Management qualifications.
• Commercial qualifications in cybersecurity, digital forensics or software engineering e.g. SANS, Offensive Security.
• Experience working on government projects, particularly those involving the development of sensitive or critical systems.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning.
Additional InformationIn addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. Once in post you will be required to apply for Developed Vetting ( DV ) clearance which has a requirement for 10 years UK residency. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post. This post is open to 'UK Nationals Only'.
CODE have a support network that can offer assistance to colleagues throughout the DV process. CODE understands the experience of obtaining DV clearance affects individuals differently with the process being in depth and intrusive. The network consists of CODE DV cleared volunteers who will be able to guide you through the process and systems and look to alleviate any concerns.
Qualifications• Hold a minimum of a University level academic qualification in cyber security, digital forensics or a related subject.
• Knowledge, understanding and practical application of the following legislation: Investigatory Powers Act (IPA 2016), Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA 2000) and the associated Codes of Practices.
Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Presentation - The presentation brief will be sent out to those invited for an interview. There will also be follow up technical questions.
BenefitsAlongside your salary of £65,869, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £19,082 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.
We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.
- Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
- Family friendly policies.
- Personal support.
- Coaching and development.
To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service
Things you need to knowSelection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
How to ApplyAs part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:
- A name-blind CV including your job history, qualification details and previous experiences.
- A 1,000-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should detail how you meet the requirements and essential criteria in the person specification part of the advert, providing evidence of your suitability and what experience you bring to the role.
Please evidence any Desirable Criteria where applicable (up to 250 words max). This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy holder where candidates have the same score at interview.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
SiftAt sift, your CV and your Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.
We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.
InterviewDuring the panel interview, you will be asked strength-based questions to explore your motivations relevant to the job role.
This is an example of a strengths-based question:
"It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?"
There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.
A technical element will also be assessed at interview. We will test your technical skills by way of a 15-minute presentation delivered at interview. The presentation brief will be sent out to those invited for an interview. There will also be follow up technical questions.
Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Eligibility Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days(Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application -
[insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date
[insert date]'
. To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application .
Reserve ListA reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.
Merit List After interview, a single merit list will be created, and appointments will be made in strict merit order until the set demand is filled. If successful, you will be informed when we reach your position on the merit list.
Criminal Record CheckApplications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.
Hybrid working at HMRCHMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).
Reasonable Adjustments We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Additional Security InformationPlease note in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.
Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.
Terms and Conditions Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.
HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.
Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.
Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.
Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.
Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.
If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK .
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window) .
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window) .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirementsOpen to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
Apply and further informationThis vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicantsJob contact :
- Name : Andrew Looker
- Email : andrew.looker@hmrc.gov.uk
- Telephone : 07766497919
Recruitment team- Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk
Further informationAppointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles.
In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk . Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles.
If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.