A new global cyber security research and development facility is set to create more than 170 jobs in New South Wales over the next five years.

The BT Global Cyber Security Research and Development Centre is a multi-million dollar venture, run by international telco BT and backed by the New South Wales Government. It will host BT’s newly-created role of chief global engineer for cyber product development.

NSW Minister for Innovation Matt Kean said the facility will employ experts in cyber security, offering roles in a range of streams.

“The areas of expertise in the new facility include cyber security, machine learning, data science analytics and visualisation, big data engineering, cloud computing, data networking, and the full life cycle of software engineering,” he said.

As part of the 170 intake, 38 roles will be graduate positions.

Kean said this facility will attract highly-qualified talent, boost the economy and protect large enterprises, industries, governments and even nations from cyber attacks in real time.

“This operation will help keep Australia’s best cyber security talent here in NSW and nurture our next generation of specialists to ensure we remain a regional leader in this fast-growing industry.

“I’m confident job opportunities offered by BT will also act as an incentive for Australian citizens currently working overseas to come back home and bring their highly valuable skills with them,” he said.

BT Security CEO Mark Hughes said the centre will address a major skills shortage in cyber security in Australia and elsewhere.

“Never before has cyber security been more important, and we see potential for growth not only in NSW and Australia, but further afield,” he said.

BT Security CEO Mark Hughes announcing the opening of BT's global cyber security R&D facility in Sydney

With a grant of $1.67 million from Jobs for NSW, BT will also make a $2 million investment in capital infrastructure, and a further multi-million dollar investment to employ these cyber security specialists.

“We are honoured to get the support of the NSW government in establishing the facility,” said Hughes.

The centre is located in North Sydney and is BT’s first global cyber security R&D facility outside the United Kingdom.