SC Cleared Network Engineer (3rd Line)

Pertemps; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence organisation in Oxford is seeking an SC Cleared IT Network Specialist to provide technical support and maintain network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in IT support, a relevant Bachelor's degree, and strong knowledge of network equipment, including Cisco. This role involves troubleshooting, user training, and ensuring IT security compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and software on Windows and possibly macOS.
• Ability to configure and troubleshoot firewall routing issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide Level 3 support to end-users for hardware, software, and network issues.
• Assist with maintenance and troubleshooting of network infrastructure.
• Monitor network performance and escalate critical issues.

Skills

Experience in similar role

Knowledge of firewalls and routing

Solid knowledge of networking and IP networks

Experience with Cisco network equipment

Customer-focused attitude

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field

IT certifications (CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified, ITIL)

Tools

ServiceNow

JIRA

Job description

We are recruiting for an SC Cleared IT Network Specialist on contract, based in Oxford, working for a leading Defence organisation.

Essential:

• Previous experience in a similar role
• Strong working knowledge of firewalls and routing
• Solid knowledge of networking and IP networks
• Knowledge and experience of Cisco network equipment configuration

Desirable:

• Previous experience working in a corporate environment
• Detailed knowledge of IT/IM architecture
• Exposure to virtualisation platforms (ESXi, vCenter)
• Experience working in a secure environment
• Working knowledge of ITIL principles
• Cisco qualification

The IT Support Engineer is responsible for providing technical support to end-users within the organisation. This role involves troubleshooting hardware and software issues, managing IT systems, and supporting network infrastructure. The IT Support Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of IT services and contributes to projects that enhance IT systems and security.

Key Duties:

Network and Infrastructure Support:

• Assist with maintenance and troubleshooting of network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless access points.
• Monitor network performance and escalate critical issues to senior engineers or the network team.
• Support setup and maintenance of VPN connections and remote access solutions for off-site employees.
• Support setup and maintenance of proxies and GPO policies.

Technical Support:

• Provide Level 3 support to end-users for hardware, software, and network issues.
• Support IT technical teams for software deployment, configuration, and network-related issues.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems promptly to minimise downtime.
• Assist with installing, configuring, and upgrading hardware, operating systems, and software.

IT System Maintenance:

• Maintain and monitor IT systems, including servers, desktops, laptops, printers, and mobile devices.
• Assist in ensuring all IT equipment functions properly and perform routine maintenance.
• Manage user accounts and access permissions, adhering to security protocols.

User Training and Documentation:

• Provide end-user documentation, training, and guidance on IT systems.
• Create and update troubleshooting documentation and IT procedures.

IT Security and Compliance:

• Ensure systems comply with security policies and GDPR.
• Assist with deploying antivirus, updates, and security measures to protect data.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Customer-focused with a positive attitude towards resolving issues.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Proactive in identifying and resolving IT issues.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills for explaining technical issues to non-technical users.
• Familiarity with ITSM tools (e.g., ServiceNow, JIRA) and remote support.

Education, Qualifications, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator, or ITIL Foundation are advantageous.
• Extensive experience in IT support roles.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and software on Windows and possibly macOS.
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP) and server configuration.
• Ability to configure and troubleshoot firewall routing issues (Palo Alto / Checkpoint).
• Strong working knowledge of firewalls, routing, networking, and Cisco equipment.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based, with occasional travel across the UK.
• Regular hours, with some out-of-hours support for upgrades or emergencies.