Senior Software Engineer (Technical Exploitation) - Stratford

Senior Software Engineer (Technical Exploitation) - Stratford About the job

Job summary

Discover what it's like to work in a compliance role that makes an impact. Could you help us shape a stronger, fairer future? Your next career move starts here.

Rule keepers - begin your compliance journey

HMRC is the UK's tax, payments and customs authority and we have a vital purpose: we collect the money that pays for the UK's public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support.

HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department's civil and criminal investigations.

FIS provides HMRC with an effective investigation arm to enforce the Department's compliance policies. This enables the Department to deliver against the strategic responsibilities across all the taxes and duties it administers. This includes complex offshore evasion, international smuggling of illicit excise goods, exports of controlled weapons and technology, labour market abuses, VAT and Self-Assessment repayment frauds and a host of other fraud attacks targeted at the tax system.

FIS is home to a wide range of people with a variety of skills and professional backgrounds - including accountants, cybercrime specialists, criminal justice professionals, tax professionals and operational delivery support teams to name but a few. We use a range of powers and approaches to protect funding for UK public services, investigating the most harmful tax cheats and ensuring nobody is beyond our reach.

Covert Operations, Digital Exploitation (CODE) sits within FIS. Working across Law Enforcement and government, CODE provides investigative tools and covert techniques to front-line investigations and works with key partners to develop and provide access to new technology and systems to enable investigators to respond to serious and complex tax evasion and crime.

Job description

The Technical Exploitation Development (TXD) team plays an integral role in His Majesty's Government's fight against serious and organised crime, supporting investigations totalling hundreds of millions of pounds each year.

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 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 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 is responsible for conducting security research before producing specialist tools that assist in the exploitation of digital devices, encrypted communications and networks.

All staff across both functions are expected to code and test, to produce capabilities as part of the software development lifecycle. Engineers are required to work and collaborate closely within both functions.

Our modern tech stacks vary between products (some examples can be found under the essential criteria), so the team is supported to adopt new technologies and specialisms.

Person specification

The role is ideal for experienced developers and engineers who enjoy problem solving and are driven to overcome complex technical challenges to produce solutions that enhance our sensitive capabilities. You will be expected to:

• Carry out research and development of new equipment, tools and techniques to counter the threat, risk and harm posed by serious organised criminals.
• Work in a team of software engineers and exploit developers, ensuring services are built, tested, delivered, and operated as required.
• Lead on the rapid development of user-driven prototypes to identify technical options and inform architectural approaches.
• Ensure systems are robust, scalable, open and secure to deliver a high-quality digital user experience.
• Follow best practice guidelines and seeking to improve those guidelines.
• Work with your team to provide estimates on user stories/task/requirements.
• Collaborate as part of a team to design components for larger systems.
• Provide guidance, technical operational support and training in the installation and use of developed tools and techniques for deployment by investigation officers.
• Work as part of a skilled team sharing ideas, but also take the initiative and work independently with little supervision.
• Ensure all work is carried out within the requirements of the legal framework to be compliant in the law enforcement and legislative process.
• Provide direction and participate in code review, pair programming and mentoring to support junior engineers.
• Break a problem down into its component parts to identify and diagnose root causes as well as troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities.
• Build relationships and collaborate with external law enforcement agencies, private industry and academia.
• Communicate complex technical problems to stakeholders with clear communication that's understood by all.

Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST): Applicants will be required to be cleared by an occupational health assessment to be able to attend a public and personal safety training (PPST) course. Successful completion of the PPST is required to undertake duties away from the office for this role. Failure to pass and maintain the PPST certificate may affect receipt of the flexibility payment.

Security Information: 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.

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.

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.

This post is open to 'UK Nationals Only'.

Essential Criteria:

It is essential for you to demonstrate experience of:

• Proven ability to successfully develop computer software and have an understanding of the software development lifecycle.

• Must be able to demonstrate identifying user requirements, ability to design software, write secure code and implement testing methods.

• Working as part of an agile software delivery team, leading on aspects of development work, providing guidance and setting development direction for more junior members of a team.

• Continuous integration (integration and unit testing).

• Using and maintaining source code version repositories using Git.

• Experience of working with tools for API, performance, accessibility and security testing.

• Problem solving and delivering a range of possible solutions, including through technical work and process improvement.

• You can demonstrate an awareness of information security and the types of security controls that can be used to mitigate security threats within solutions and services.

Experience in one or more of the following languages:

• Python, Java, Go, Rust, C, Objective-C.

• HTML5, JavaScript, React, Vue.js, Node.js, TypeScript.

And experience in at least one of the following technologies:

• Mobile application development: Android, iOS.

• Automation and testing: Ansible, Chef, Jenkins, Terraform.

• Logging and Visualisation: Elastic, Kafka, Spark, Graylog, Splunk.

• Reverse Engineering: Correlium, IDA Pro, Ghidra.

• Common exploitation/pen testings open source tools.

• Digital Forensics and Cyber Security tools.

Desirable Criteria:

• Have academic and industry qualifications that evidence your ability, expertise and credibility, such as a degree in a software engineering, cyber security, digital forensics or related subject, and/or industry qualifications like GIAC (e.g. GAWN, GREM, GCIH, GCTI), OSCP, OCWP, etc.

• Experience working with project management tools.

• Experience of handling large data sets and scaling their handling and storage.

• 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:

• you will be advised of the technical skills / presentation details ahead of interview.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £50,686, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £14,683 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 know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV, to include your job history, with a short description of your jobs/roles, duties and any key achievements. Please also let us know of your Qualifications.
• A 1000-word Personal Statement, describing how your skills, attributes and experience would make you suitable for the role, referring to the Person Specification, and how you meet the Essential Criteria.

Please also provide a statement (max 250-words) for the Desirable Criteria, if applicable to you, on the application form. This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy-holder where candidates have the same scores at sift or 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.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the Personal Statement.

At full sift your CV and 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.

Interview

During the panel interview, we will assess your Technical Skills by asking you to prepare and deliver a 15-minute Presentation. There will be follow up technical questions. Further details will be sent out in advance of interview.

You will also be asked an Experience-based question, and Strength-based questions to explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the 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.

Interviews will take place via video link (Microsoft Teams).

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: [email protected] - 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 List

A 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.


Criminal Record Check

Applications 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.


Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC 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 [email protected] 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 Information

Please 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.

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.

Security

Successful 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 requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The 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 Inclusion

The 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).