Principal Digital Infrastructure Engineer

University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a skilled Network Security Engineer to lead the implementation of core network services and collaborate on digital infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in Cisco ACI technologies and network security, contributing to the university's digital and IT strategy. This role includes competitive salary and extensive benefits, including generous leave, pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension scheme

32–35 days leave plus bank holidays

Family-friendly policies

Discounted gym membership

Excellent training opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience with Cisco ACI technologies.
• Strong background in network security practices.
• Ability to design and implement digital infrastructure services.

Responsibilities

• Implement and develop core network service components.
• Provide network security and operational building technologies.
• Collaborate with engineers on best practices for digital strategy.

Skills

Cisco ACI

Network Security

Data Centre Management

Telephony Services

Firewall Security

Job description

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south‑east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role:

The Network & Security Services team plays a key role in the provision of services throughout the University. The team is responsible for the wired and wireless networks, data centre management, telephony services and network security. The role holder will work within the S&TD‑NSS team and closely with the Directorate of Estates & Facilities to continuously design and implement digital infrastructure services in existing, refurbished and new builds.

Specifically, the role holder will be required to be a point of reference for others in the area of Cisco ACI technologies and be the lead engineer in the implementation and development of core network service components, the design and delivery of network services and related operational building technologies in new and refurbished buildings as well as standardisation of processes for the University’s technical teams.

The role also backfills firewall security, load balancing and DNS/DHCP providing advice and recommendations on all other areas of the University network. Working closely with other engineers across the teams to collaborate on best practices to enable the digital and IT strategy.

Employer, External Only: University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL).

Benefits

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family‑friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start‑up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• The perks don’t stop there – click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits.

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.