Systems Administrator/Network Technician

Carbon 60; Southwick; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Maritime Works (MarWorks) in Portsmouth seeks three Systems Administrator/Network Technicians to support build, integration, deployment and maintenance of digital platforms and network infrastructure for operational environments.

The roles involve working from build guides, configuring Windows and Linux systems, and ensuring secure, compliant operations. Occasional travel to Defence locations may be required, with DV clearance on appointment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Systems Administrator, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, ICT Technician, or similar technical role.
• Experience building and configuring Windows Server and/or Linux systems.
• Knowledge of LAN/WAN networking principles and IP networking fundamentals.
• Experience installing, configuring and troubleshooting switches, routers and network-connected devices.
• Ability to follow structured build documentation and technical processes.
• Experience supporting users and resolving technical incidents.
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices and secure system administration.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a small, collaborative team.
• Eligibility to obtain DV Security Clearance.
• Experience working within MOD, Royal Navy, Defence Digital, or a secure government environment.
• Knowledge of VMware or virtualised infrastructure platforms.
• Experience with Active Directory, Group Policy and Identity Management.
• Understanding of Defence policies, standards and accreditation processes.
• Relevant industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certifications, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Build and configure servers, network equipment and digital platforms in accordance with approved build guides and technical procedures.
• Install, configure and maintain Windows and Linux-based systems.
• Support Layer 2 and Layer 3 network infrastructure, including switches, routers and communications equipment.
• Assist with the integration and testing of new digital capabilities before release into operational use.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software and networking issues.
• Conduct system upgrades, patching and configuration changes.
• Support technical trials, experimentation activities and capability demonstrations.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, installation instructions and configuration records.
• Work closely with engineers, military stakeholders and industry partners to deliver operational outcomes.
• Ensure systems remain compliant with Defence security and governance requirements.
• Provide technical support to deployed and operational users when required.
• Participate in equipment installation activities at Defence locations.

Skills

System administration

Windows Server

Linux

LAN/WAN networking

Switches/routers

Build documentation

Cybersecurity

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

DV clearance eligibility

Tools

Cisco networking

VMware

Job description

Maritime Works (MarWorks)

Systems Administrator/Network Technician

Location: Semaphore Tower/MCSU, Portsmouth. Working Pattern: Full-time, On-site. Security Clearance: SC on start or willingness to obtain, with the ability and willingness to obtain DV Clearance. Travel: Occasional travel to MOD and Royal Navy sites, including Plymouth, as required.

About MarWorks

MarWorks is a specialist delivery team focused on solving operational digital challenges and rapidly delivering capability to the front line. Originally established as an innovation function, the team now focuses on digital integration, infrastructure delivery, networking, and platform support across maritime environments.

Working within a multidisciplinary team of military personnel, civil servants, and industry partners, you will help build, integrate, test and support digital capabilities that enable operational users across the Royal Navy and wider Defence community.

This is a hands-on engineering role suited to individuals who enjoy building, configuring, troubleshooting, and delivering technical solutions rather than purely designing them.

The Role

We are seeking three Systems Administrator/Network Technicians to join the MarWorks team in Portsmouth.

The successful candidates will support the build, integration, deployment and maintenance of digital platforms, network infrastructure, and communications systems. Working from established build guides and technical instructions, you will help deliver reliable and secure capabilities into operational environments.

One of the three positions may take on additional supervisory responsibilities, coordinating day-to-day activity for the Portsmouth-based team and acting as a focal point for local tasking and prioritisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and configure servers, network equipment and digital platforms in accordance with approved build guides and technical procedures.
• Install, configure and maintain Windows and Linux-based systems.
• Support Layer 2 and Layer 3 network infrastructure, including switches, routers and communications equipment.
• Assist with the integration and testing of new digital capabilities before release into operational use.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software and networking issues.
• Conduct system upgrades, patching and configuration changes.
• Support technical trials, experimentation activities and capability demonstrations.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, installation instructions and configuration records.
• Work closely with engineers, military stakeholders and industry partners to deliver operational outcomes.
• Ensure systems remain compliant with Defence security and governance requirements.
• Provide technical support to deployed and operational users when required.
• Participate in equipment installation activities at Defence locations.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience as a Systems Administrator, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, ICT Technician, or similar technical role.
• Experience building and configuring Windows Server and/or Linux systems.
• Knowledge of LAN/WAN networking principles and IP networking fundamentals.
• Experience installing, configuring and troubleshooting switches, routers and network-connected devices.
• Ability to follow structured build documentation and technical processes.
• Experience supporting users and resolving technical incidents.
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices and secure system administration.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a small, collaborative team.
• Eligibility to obtain DV Security Clearance.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience working within MOD, Royal Navy, Defence Digital, or a secure government environment.
• Experience with Cisco networking technologies.
• Familiarity with radio, communications or tactical networking systems.
• Experience supporting maritime, operational, deployable or military CIS environments.
• Knowledge of VMware or virtualised infrastructure platforms.
• Experience with Active Directory, Group Policy and Identity Management.
• Understanding of Defence policies, standards and accreditation processes.
• Relevant industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certifications, or equivalent experience.

Personal Attributes

• Practical, hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Able to work independently while remaining an effective team player.
• Comfortable operating in dynamic environments where priorities can change quickly.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for operational users.

Additional Information

• This is a fully site-based position in Portsmouth.
• Candidates must be willing to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) clearance following appointment.
• Occasional travel to other Defence locations, including Plymouth may be required.
• The role offers a unique opportunity to work on innovative and operationally significant digital capabilities supporting front-line Defence users.