Senior Network Engineer

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC); East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific organization is seeking a Network Engineer to manage critical networking infrastructure at the National Quantum Computing Centre. The candidate will ensure network performance and security, collaborate with various teams, and oversee networking projects. Essential qualifications include experience in managing complex networks, cybersecurity awareness, and proficiency in relevant programming languages. This role offers flexible working and strong development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working scheme

Defined benefit pension scheme

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex network infrastructures.
• Proficiency in LAN, WAN, VLANs, routing, and switching protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong practical understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• Experience in Linux networking.
• Proficiency in Python, Bash, or PowerShell.

Responsibilities

• Manage NQCC's networking infrastructure ensuring stable service.
• Coordinate networking projects and maintain cyber security.
• Advise stakeholders on networking advancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Generate accurate network service reports.

Skills

Network infrastructure management

LAN, WAN, VLANs, routing

Network monitoring and optimization

Analytical mindset for issue resolution

Excellent communication skills

Cybersecurity awareness

Linux networking

Python, Bash, or PowerShell proficiency

Job description

Overview

Salary: Band E S2 £51,242 gross per annum

Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and offer flexible working, but do require at least 4 days a week on-site)

Due to the requirement of obtaining an enhanced security clearance for this role, we are only able to accept applications from persons who have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.

Come and do the kind of computing that got you into technology in the first place. Work withcutting-edge tech and world-leading scientists and engineers. And harness the power of some of the country\'s most advances supercomputers to tackle work that improves daily life in the UK and far beyond.

Put simply, come and discover the impact you can make when you\'re equipped, encouraged and inspired to perform to your very best.

About the NQCC

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing.

Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.

The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and is part of the wider National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP).

Our Benefits

Our Benefits include a flexible working scheme (subject to business requirements), Defined benefit pension scheme and 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.

About the Role

We have a great opportunity for a Network Engineer to join the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC).You will be working alongside scientists, engineers, developers, and experts in quantum technologies, working to enhance the UK's quantum computing capabilities. You will also engage with internal and external stakeholders. The Network Engineer is critical to the delivery of our ambitious technology roadmap for supporting quantum computing advantage for the UK.

The NQCC oversees diverse projects for classical and quantum technologies, aiding quantum computer development in our labs. This involves intricate software, high-performance computing, security, and collaborations. We seek a candidate to optimise network infrastructure and systems, ensuring performance, security, and adherence to best practices.This role requires network expertise, security awareness, and a commitment to staying current.The candidate will manage the NQCC network, serving various IT systems whilst collaborating with multiple teams.

Key Responsibilities

Managing the NQCC\'s networking infrastructure, you will ensure stable service while aligning with security policies. Leading networking projects, you will coordinate resources and maintain cyber, network, and data security across all stages.Your role involves advising stakeholders on networking advancements, managing projects within NQCC\'s framework, and procuring and implementing new technology for operational enhancement. You will work with cross-functional teams, maintain thorough technical documentation, and generate accurate network service reports. Collaboration with the benefits and evaluation team will be crucial for project success, as you promote positive change and continuous improvement throughout the process.

This is an outline description of the key responsibilities and accountabilities involved in the job. This is not an extensive list, and there may be other duties expected of you appropriate to the band and level of responsibility of this post.

Person Specification

Prior knowledge of quantum computing is not required for this role.We offer significant development and training opportunities. Applicants for this role should meet the following criteria:

Please note the below criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated

Essential:

• Experience in managing complex network infrastructures. Proficiency in LAN, WAN, VLANs, routing, and switching protocols.Familiarity with network monitoring and optimization. (S)
• Analytical mindset for efficient issue resolution, especially under pressure. (I)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work collaboratively. (S&I)
• Evidence of a strong, practical understanding of cyber-security, testing tools, authentication, encryption, and cloud services. (S&I)
• Strong grasp of network security principles, firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and encryption. (S&I)
• Experience in Linux networking. (S&I)
• Proficiency in Python, Bash, or PowerShell. (S)

You would need to be available to occasionally travel/work within the UK and overseas for workshops, conferences, and meeting, when required.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the role, and a requirement to support diverse projects, the successful candidate is required to successfully complete national pre-employment control checks to the BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) to fulfil the role.BPSS checks can take between 9-12 working days.Once in post you will need to successfully complete a Security Check (SC) clearance.

Join us and discover what\'s possible!