Assistant Network & Firewall Specialist

AWE; Reading; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A company in the national security sector is seeking a dedicated Network Engineer to support and maintain firewall and network systems. This role is site-based in the Reading area and offers a salary starting from £27,980. Responsibilities include installation of networking equipment, resolving network issues, and ensuring configurations are up to date. Qualifications sought include networking experience and strong communication skills. The role provides a stimulating environment with opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

270 hours of annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Professional career development funding

Employee Assistance Programme

Defined contribution pension

Life assurance

Discounts for everyday spending

Paid time off for volunteering and public service

Qualifications

• Previous proven experience within a networking environment.
• Ability to operate under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good technical investigation and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Installation and maintenance of routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Use network management tools to diagnose and resolve network problems.
• Ensure all network equipment is fit for purpose and updated.

Skills

Networking experience

Strong communication

Technical investigation skills

Problem-solving skills

High personal standards in safety and quality

Education

Juniper certification

Job description

Overview

Information Services and Security have a vital role to play in a crucial national mission. We’re here to enable the organisation to deliver through the use of technology. As AWE transforms itself to meet the needs of the UK’s next‑generation nuclear deterrent, we need to adapt to deliver data‑driven decision making, flexible and future‑proofed IT services, adaptable cyber security, support to a multi‑billion Pound building programme, and many more.

The scale might be daunting to some, but you’ll find it stimulating. We’ve got a long journey that we’ve only just started and we’re looking for motivated people who can take us in the right direction. Your role will contribute directly to that shared mission. We won’t deceive you, in some areas we’re starting from a low base, but within ten years this organisation will look very different, and you can help make that happen. This is a role where you’ll contribute to a legacy of national security for decades to come. So come and join us.

AWE is seeking a dedicated Network Engineer to support and maintain AWE’s firewall and network systems. Each day offers a new challenge and learning opportunity.

Location

Reading area. This role is a site‑based role which cannot be done from home.

Salary

From £27,980

Benefits

• 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
• Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part‑time.
• Opportunities for professional career development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training.
• Employee Assistance Programme and occupational health services.
• A generous defined contribution group personal pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution).
• Life assurance.
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special leave policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family.
• A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing – more information available on our careers site.

Role

Reporting to the IT Manager, the successful Network Engineer will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of routers, switches and firewalls and the day‑to‑day running of multiple networks.

Responsibilities

• Use network management tools to investigate, diagnose and resolve network problems within service‑level‑agreement tolerances.
• Ensure all network equipment is fit for purpose and running the latest stable firmware.
• Escalate significant issues to the line manager.
• Ensure network services are maintained and up to date through routine configuration/installation of hardware and software.
• Support project work and travel to remote sites where required.
• Ensure network configurations are up to date and standardised.
• Create and ensure network documentation is up to date.

The Candidate

To be considered for this position, we are looking for candidates who have the following skills, qualifications and experience:

• Previous proven experience within a networking environment.
• Working to high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.
• Good communicator (written and oral) with sound facilitation skills that can be related to colleagues of all levels including contractors.
• Ability to operate under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good technical investigation and problem‑solving skills.
• Highly proficient computing skills.
• Maintain technical skills to support latest network hardware/software.
• Juniper certification would be advantageous.
• Ideally experience of working in a secure environment.
• Knowledge of protocols, especially OSPF and 802.1X.
• Data centre experience advantageous.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to work flexibly and to occasionally work evenings and weekends where exceptional circumstances require it.
• On‑call roster duties will be required.
• All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.