At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and operate complex network infrastructure across data centres and local sites.
- Company: Join a high-performing team in a secure environment focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration in tech.
- Qualifications: Must have active SC clearance and strong networking knowledge; hands-on experience required.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive engineers looking to make an impact in network operations.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: Cheltenham, UK (Hybrid, 2–3 days onsite)
Type: Permanent / Fixed Term
Salary: £65,000 per annum + Benefits
Start Date: ASAP
Clearance: Active SC Clearance required (British Citizens only)
Overview
We are seeking an experienced NOC Engineer to join a high-performing team responsible for the support and operation of complex network infrastructure across multiple data centres and local sites. This role is ideally suited to a proactive engineer with a strong background in networking, data centre environments, and operational excellence within a secure environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide operational and administrative support for network environments across UK-based data centres and local sites.
- Respond to incidents and service requests within an ITIL framework.
- Support and manage escalations, major incidents (P1), and ticket analysis.
- Collaborate with internal teams across Cyber Security, Applications, and Infrastructure.
- Execute and document changes following strict change control procedures.
- Maintain and improve asset and configuration management records (CMDB).
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Identify and implement automation opportunities across processes.
Required Skills & Experience
- Active SC Clearance (must be current – expired/lapsed not eligible).
- Strong knowledge of network data and security technologies.
- Hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, proxies.
- Experience with monitoring tools such as Cisco DNA-C, Prime, Nagios, PRTG, Infoblox, and Cisco ISE.
- Familiarity with ITSM tools such as ServiceNow.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Willingness to participate in on-call support rotation (including P1 response).
Desirable Skills
- Strong understanding of data centre architecture and service management.
- Experience with packet analysis and VPN/WAF/firewall solutions.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly and effectively.
- Focus on service uptime and customer-first support.
- Automation-first mindset with demonstrable outcomes.
Eligibility
Due to the nature of the role, candidates must hold active SC clearance and be British citizens.
Network Operations Center Engineer employer: SmartChoice International Limited
Contact Detail:
SmartChoice International Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Operations Center Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your active SC clearance in any conversations or networking opportunities. This is a crucial requirement for the role, and showcasing it early can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific monitoring tools mentioned in the job description, such as Cisco DNA-C and Nagios. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during interviews will demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with ITIL frameworks and how you've applied them in past roles. This will show that you understand the operational processes that are vital for the NOC Engineer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who work in similar environments. Engaging with others can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Operations Center Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with network data and security technologies, as well as your hands-on experience with routers, switches, and firewalls. Use specific examples that demonstrate your operational excellence in a secure environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your active SC clearance and your familiarity with ITIL frameworks. Discuss your proactive approach to incident response and how you have collaborated with internal teams in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly list your technical skills related to monitoring tools like Cisco DNA-C and ServiceNow. Mention any experience with automation opportunities you've identified and implemented in past positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your communication skills shine through in both your CV and cover letter, as excellent written communication is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at SmartChoice International Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and monitoring tools. Highlight specific projects or incidents where you successfully resolved technical issues, as this will demonstrate your capability in a NOC environment.
✨Understand the ITIL Framework
Since the role involves responding to incidents within an ITIL framework, brush up on ITIL principles. Be ready to explain how you've applied these principles in past roles, particularly in managing escalations and major incidents.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with internal teams, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can maintain clear communication during incidents.
✨Demonstrate an Automation Mindset
The job requires identifying and implementing automation opportunities. Think of instances where you've automated processes or improved efficiency in your previous roles, and be ready to discuss the outcomes of those initiatives.