Network and Firewall Specialist

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

Job summary

A leading nuclear research organization is looking for a skilled Network Engineer to support and maintain their Firewall and Network Systems in Reading. The role involves designing and implementing network solutions, troubleshooting problems, and mentoring less experienced team members. Required candidates should have proven experience in networking, strong knowledge of protocols, and excellent communication skills. This position also requires obtaining security clearance and occasional remote site travel.

Benefits

Market leading contributory pension scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working hours

Salary sacrifice scheme

Relocation package available

Qualifications

• Proven engineering experience within a networking environment.
• Ability to produce clear written operating procedures and documentation.
• Willingness to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure and implement network solutions.
• Resolve network problems within service level agreement tolerances.
• Mentor less experienced team members.

Skills

Networking protocols knowledge, especially OSPF

Problem-solving skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Technical investigation skills

Tools

Juniper equipment

Extreme Network equipment

NAC solutions/802.1X

Job description

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?

For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK's ultimate deterrent - Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counterterrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.

It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?

AWE are seeking an experienced, innovative and 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

Salary - from £35,840 subject to skills and experience

AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) offers an attractive array of benefits which include:

• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement (270 hours a year including bank holidays, plus every other Friday off)
• Flexible working hours
• Salary sacrifice scheme
• Relocation package available (terms and conditions apply)

The 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.

The key tasks will include:

• Design, configure and implementation of network solutions.
• Use of network management tools to investigate, diagnose and resolve network problems within service level agreement tolerances.
• Ensure all network equipment is fit for purpose, configurations are up to date and running the latest stable firmware.
• Understanding project technical requirements and producing low level designs, including network diagrams and configuration build documentation.
• Fulfilment of service requests and resolving incidents.
• Mentoring of less experienced members of the team.
• Support of project work and remote sites will be required.
• Liaise with 3rd party Vendors to resolve issues.

The Candidate:

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

Required Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Previous proven engineering experience within a networking environment.
• Good knowledge of networking protocols, especially OSPF
• 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, meet tight deadlines and influence decisions.
• Good technical investigation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to produce clear and concise written operating procedures and documentation.
• Maintain technical skills to support latest network hardware/software.
• Strong ability to think creatively and seek continuous improvement.

Desired Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Experience with Juniper equipment (particularly EX, SRX and QFX platforms)
• Experience with Extreme Network equipment.
• Experience with NAC (Network Access Control) solutions/802.1X.
• Data Centre experience.

Other requirements:

• Willingness to work flexibly and to occasionally work evenings and weekends where exceptional circumstances require it with overtime allowance.
• Due to the nature of this role you will be working from our Aldermaston site full-time
• On call roster duties will be required with additional allowance.
• Occasional travel to remote sites will be required therefore driving licence is essential.

All Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.