Working for NCF
How to apply for jobs with the National Cyber Force.
The National Cyber Force is a partnership between defence and Intelligence; Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). We operate in and through cyberspace to counter, disrupt, degrade and contest those who would do harm to the UK and our Allies, to keep the country safe and to protect and promote the UK’s interests at home and abroad.
As a partnership, the National Cyber Force derives its greatest strength from its diversity of skills and thought.
It is vital that our workforce represents the communities we serve. Our people are at the core of National Cyber Force.
National Cyber Force operates from various locations across the United Kingdom with its headquarters based in Samlesbury, Lancashire.
Working for NCF - case studies
Apply for a job
Currently you may join the partnership directly via MOD (military or civil servant) or GCHQ.
Alternatively, search ‘NCF’ or National Cyber Force on Civil Service Jobs to see any current vacancies.
Another potential route is the MOD Direct Cyber Entry Scheme. The scheme offers a unique opportunity to join UK Defence in specialist military cyber roles without following the traditional career pathway. Formal qualifications and training are not necessarily required.
The fast-tracked scheme is open to experienced cyber professionals as well as people who can demonstrate strong technical skills or aptitude in areas like cyber security, networks, and software engineering.
Across their time with Defence, cyber direct entrants can expect to serve and gain experience in a variety of roles, including working within the National Cyber Force.
Applications can only be submitted via the Royal Navy, Army or the Royal Air Force. For more details on selection criteria and eligibility visit MOD Direct Cyber Entry Scheme.
While the existence of the National Cyber Force is not a secret, its people are, and discretion is vital. You should not discuss your job application, other than with your partner or close family. You should make them aware of the importance of protecting your connection to the National Cyber Force. You should not mention your application on social media or discuss it with anyone else. You will receive further guidance during the recruitment process.
Working for the National Cyber Force
A common misconception about the National Cyber Force is that we only employ technical people that can code. Coding is a skill that we value but there are many other skills we need. There are a range of exciting and fulfilling career opportunities, from operational planners and intelligence analysts to finance and HR professionals.
A career with the National Cyber Force is like no other. You will have the opportunity to build exceptional skills, work on complex projects and deliver incredible cyber operations that you can’t do anywhere else. You could also be using cutting-edge science and technology to tackle challenges and help make society safer for all.
Cyberspace is constantly evolving, and so are cyber careers. You may want to consider a career in cyber if you enjoy gaming, problem solving, spotting patterns, understanding human behaviour, working with numbers and data, or exploring the latest science and technology. Working in cyber provides you with the chance to use your skills to their full potential and play your part in keeping the United Kingdom and its allies safe.
Eligibility and vetting
The work we do is often highly sensitive, so it’s critical that we can trust our people to handle highly classified information with care. For that reason, our vetting process is thorough but fair to ensure applicants meet the required security standards.
Successful candidates for roles within NCF must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of clearance needed to work for NCF is e-developed vetting (EDV). *
*Candidates will also be required to obtain additional screening with vetting authorities to take on a role within the organisation. The vetting authority will depend on the route taken to join the partnership.
People working with UK government assets must also complete Baseline Personal Security Standard checks.
Graduates, students and apprentices
Whether you’re in the middle of your GCSEs or exploring your options in further or higher education, there has never been a better time to consider how your passion, skills or experience can be used to help tackle global cyber threats.
NCF needs employees with wide ranging skill sets, not only technical skills, but also vital skills such as project management, HR, communications and finance. We are committed to nurturing the interests of young people, particularly in the realms of digital and STEM subjects to help prepare you for a potential, future career.
Routes and resources
The national security professional cyber community is growing. And, as we continue to build a first-class force, so is the National Cyber Force.
If you think you have what it takes or are considering future career options, check out these potential routes and helpful resources below.
An annual, high-level simulation-based competition aimed at university students. Designed to test strategic, technical, and leadership skills in responding to a fictional national security incident, the competition brings together government, industry, and academia to nurture diverse talent in cybersecurity through hands-on learning and professional networking opportunities.
The network brings together representatives from industry, academia and government to share their perspectives and develop thinking on offensive cyber. Through the Cyber Effects Network, a UK-based community of interest has been built to explore how cyber effects are best utilised.
Funding and scholarships opportunities
A government backed outreach and education programme designed to create opportunities for talented young people in future-focused tech careers.
Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme
This scheme offers tuition fee support and an annual bursary for students pursuing approved engineering or technical degrees. It provides a pathway to becoming an officer in the Royal Navy, the British Army, Royal Air Force, or as an MOD Civil Servant.