DevOps engineer

As the Lead DevOps Engineer, you will join an expanding DevOps capability responsible for helping engineering teams deploy, operate and maintain software effectively across established platforms. You’ll be responsible for leading a team of engineers, provide technical leadership across this area and have a strong foothold in the automation and AI-assisted engineering space. You will be at the forefront of the journey to improve deployment speed, operational reliability and productivity.

• You will provide technical leadership across DevOps, deployment, and service operations, driving improvements in how software is deployed, operated, and maintained on established platforms.
• You will lead the adoption and effective use of Kubernetes and containerised environments, while embedding Site Reliability Engineering principles across both services and teams.
• Your focus will be on enhancing CI/CD pipelines, automation, and release processes, using AI safely to boost deployment efficiency and operational productivity.
• By identifying and reducing bottlenecks between software development and production, you will improve overall reliability, observability, and operational performance.
• Furthermore, you will guide fellow engineers and promote effective DevOps practices, ensuring a careful balance between delivery pace and the essential requirements of security, resilience, and service stability.

• You'll be self-motivated, with high standards and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
• You'll have experience using AI within engineering processes, reviewing AI output, and guiding AI to produce software and deployments that meet corporate standards.
• You'll also be skilled at integrating AI capabilities into production systems, including familiarity with emerging standards such as the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
• You'll have a relevant degree or equivalent experience in industry, and a passion for writing code, improving processes, and communicating with technical and non-technical colleagues alike.
• You'll be constantly looking to improve yourself and learn new things, and you'll thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Finally, you’ll have experience leading a team of engineers, including setting a clear direction and providing guidance to junior engineers.

• You’ll be joining a community that invests in helping people to grow their skills.
• You’ll have access to a broad mix of learning opportunities, including in-house and online training, technical deep dives and development pathways shaped around your interests and the needs of the organisation.
• This includes support to strengthen your capability across modern AI techniques, Cloud technologies and wider analytical or engineering practices.
• We’ll support you with the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework.
• You’ll also have opportunities to work with external professional bodies and training providers offering routes to specialist accreditation, advanced AI training and broader professional recognition.
• Whether you choose to deepen your expertise in a specific technical area or expand your capability across new domains, you’ll have the guidance and support you need to progress.
• You’ll also benefit from mentoring, peer support and a collaborative community that shares knowledge openly.
• You’ll have opportunities to rotate across different teams, explore emerging technologies and contribute to shaping how MI6 evolves its AI and data science capability.
• As you develop, you’ll have the space to experiment, expand your expertise and play an active role in strengthening our AI practice across the organisation.
• 25 days annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service
• an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
• opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• interest-free season ticket loan (travel and parking)
• pension scheme with employer contributions of at least 28.97%
• cycle to work scheme
• a subsidised gym and an on-site restaurant/coffee shop
• paid parental and adoption leave