The right candidate for the post will pocket a £41,775 starting salary in the Manchester office and will help keep the country safe from terrorists and foreign spies
MI5 chiefs are hunting for a new ‘Q’ to kit out undercover vehicles with the latest spy gadgets. The vehicle installation technician will “work with a wide range of operational vehicles, fitting them with state-of-the-art technology”.
The Security Service – which keeps the country safe from terrorists and foreign spies says: “Far from your usual automotive role, this isn’t about fixing engines or running diagnostics. Instead, you’ll safely and securely install specialist equipment that supports vital surveillance work.”
MI5 pointed out it carries out “investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence” and then works with partners such as MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt the threats.
The right candidate for the post –based at its Manchester workshop – will pocket a £41,775 starting salary. They will be “an adaptable and effective problem-solver”.
The recruitment advert said: “Whether you’ve worked on cars, trains, or even rollercoasters, your background in engineering, electrical systems, or vehicle mechanics has given you an understanding of how things work.
“It also means you understand how to clearly read and understand wiring and circuitry diagrams.”
Ideal candidates should “enjoy finding better ways to do things” and “whether testing electrical systems or refining build standards” will “play a key role in enhancing how the team operates”.
It added: “That same proactive mindset carries through when you’re working independently on projects, contributing to design, fabrication, planning, and installation at every stage.
“You’ll also communicate clearly with customers to understand what they need, ways of working and potential areas of improvement.”
Candidates should hold a City & Guilds qualification in engineering, electrical systems, or vehicle mechanical systems, or equivalent experience over the years along with minimum grades in GCSE English and maths.
They will also need a driving licence and will have to pass both a driving and a medical assessment along with vetting.
The application process can take between six and nine months and “due to the nature of this role, remote and home working is not possible”.
MI5 said: “We know this might be a role unlike any you’ve done before, so you’ll be supported from day one.
“A role in MI5 means you’ll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.”