Systems Engineer in Milton Keynes

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Introduction

You will play a key role in delivering secure, reliable and highly available services across AQA. In this role, you will join a collaborative and forward‑thinking Enterprise Technology team that is constantly evolving its services to meet the needs of colleagues and learners. You will contribute to an environment where technology is used confidently, safely and effectively, supporting the wider organisation to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Purpose of the role

You will ensure the smooth operation, security and continual improvement of AQA’s on-premise and cloud infrastructure. Your work will directly support colleagues across the organisation by strengthening the resilience, performance and security of critical services. In this role, you will help shape AQA’s technology landscape and contribute to services that support learners and enable staff to work effectively.

Key responsibilities

• Managing and maintaining secure, robust and cost‑effective on‑premise and cloud services, including physical and virtual infrastructure.
• Investigating and resolving complex 3rd line incidents within SLAs, ensuring strong communication throughout.
• Supporting lifecycle management, continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies into service.

What we are looking for

• Strong experience across IT infrastructure and networking technologies including; Physical and virtual server & storage platforms such as HPE, Nimble, VMware & Hyper-V.
• Microsoft cloud platforms, specifically Azure & Azure Local Management and monitoring tools such as Azure Arc, M365, InTune, Solarwinds, ThousandEyes, LogicMonitor and similar.
• Backup platforms including Rubrik, Azure backup / MABS.
• Fundamental networking knowledge, ideally with Cisco & Meraki infrastructure.
• Experience dealing with ISP's and MSP's to achieve technical outcomes.
• Good understanding of ISO/IEC27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, ITIL and secure infrastructure practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to resolve complex issues and contribute to service improvements.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders and suppliers to deliver high‑quality services.
• Experience with automation through scripting such as PowerShell, supporting efficiency and scalability.

What's in it for you

• The opportunity to work across enterprise‑scale technologies and contribute to key organisational services.
• Professional growth through exposure to new technologies and support for industry‑recognised certifications.
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
• A 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangements.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme (6%–11.5% depending on your contribution).
• Life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.

Diversity and Inclusion

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background—is valued, respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

To apply, please submit your CV through our online application system. Closing date for applications will be Sunday 18th May.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Summary

As the Systems Engineer within the Enterprise Technology department under Group Corporate Services Office, you’re a technical SME, with responsibility for managing and maintaining the effective operation and compliance to security standards for on premise infrastructure and accountability for assuring cloud managed services. Your role will be crucial in providing secure, reliable and highly available service that has a direct impact on productivity and colleague experience. You’ll contribute to a culture and service that is evergreen and continually reviewing opportunities to improve. Your time will be shared between BAU and project activities to maintain the lifecycle of on-premise infrastructure and continually evolve cloud services.

Reporting to the Infrastructure & Cloud Operations Manager, who in turn reports into the Head of Enterprise Services, within the Enterprise Technology Directorate. Supporting the continuous improvement of an enterprise scale infrastructure and cloud operations service, aligned and operating to industry standard frameworks and good practice including ITIL.

As a security focussed organisation, you will have a good understanding and be able to apply your knowledge of ISO/IEC27001, Cyber Essentials Plus and NCSC guidance to deliver secure, efficient and compliant services enabling ongoing alignment and certification.

The role involves you working closely with other technology teams, specifically other members of the Infrastructure and Cloud Operations team, EUC, Security & Risk and Architecture teams, as well project managers and external vendors.

Enterprise Technology consists of the following functions:

• Service Delivery
• Enterprise IT Services
• Enterprise Applications
• Enterprise Architecture
• Security, Risk & Data Protection

This role will be required to demonstrate a technical proficiency, strong customer focus, professionalism, flexibility and commitment to delivery of exceptional service outcomes.

Activities:

• Support and administer secure, robust and cost-effective services including virtual and physical computing, storage and backup platforms as well as networks and communications systems.
• Carry out and/or facilitate systems maintenance to ensure effective delivery of service.
• Configure and maintain effective monitoring processes to identify events/incidents and ensure timely resolution and/or make proposals for improvements.
• Investigate assigned 3rd line Incidents resolving within SLA, communicating progress throughout. Liaising with Enterprise Technology colleagues, suppliers and 3rd party information sources as required to achieve resolution. Document and contribute to analysis and review processes.
• Providing technical support for complex hardware, software, and connectivity issues.
• Monitor, document and report systems capacity and usage and contribute to capacity management processes to ensure business needs are met.
• Document policies, troubleshooting guides and lead on the creation of standard operating procedures to ensure operations are delivered consistently.
• Responsible for on-premise infrastructure hardware and software lifecycle to maintain currency.
• Identify and address any architectural deficiencies.
• Support the creation of KPI’s and measurement of infrastructure and cloud services.
• Work with suppliers to optimise infrastructure and cloud services and support supplier management to ensure they meet contractual obligations.
• Be aware of evolving security threats aligned to infrastructure and cloud operations, providing recommendations to minimise risk.
• Support user adoption of services, enabling colleagues to be digitally confident.
• Support business continuity management processes, proactively scheduling testing of resilience to aid efficient recovery in the event of disruption to normal operations.
• Detailed design for continuous improvement and Level 3 projects and delivery of technical activities.
• Contribute ideas for continuous improvement that enhance colleague experience, security, supportability including shift left that will influence the infrastructure and cloud operations roadmap.
• Collaborate with other technology specialists on broader technology initiatives.
• Responsible for accepting new technologies into service.

To be successful in this role, you will need to know:

• Technical proficiency in end point management tools and technologies: Physical and virtual server technologies, Microsoft cloud technologies, AD, AAD, Entra, Intune, Defender Suite, networking, storage, backup solutions.
• Strong scripting skills (PowerShell, etc.) for automation and customization.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft365.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the capacity to handle and resolve complex incidents.
• Good knowledge of and the ability to apply ITIL, ISO/IEC27001, Cyber Essentials Plus and COBIT standards and frameworks into the delivery of the infrastructure and cloud services.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Be collaborative and build strong relationships with stakeholders and departments across AQA.
• Exercise substantial personal responsibility and autonomy. Use substantial discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments as they relate to the deliverable/scope of work.
• Plan, schedule and monitor work to meet given objectives and processes to time and quality targets.
• Make decisions which influence the success of projects and team objectives, demonstrate an awareness of risk and takes an analytical approach to work.
• Communicate fluently, orally and in writing, and can present complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences when engaging with colleagues, users/customers, suppliers and partners.
• Security, privacy and ethics — fully understands the importance and application to own work and the operation of the organisation. Engages or works with specialists as necessary.
• A business awareness with specific knowledge of the customer and how success in own role relates to business goals.
• Adherence to AQA values such as having a step-up mindset, making pragmatic decisions, and delivering at pace.
• Take responsibility for own personal professional development.
• Rapidly absorbs and critically assesses new information and applies it effectively.

There will be a requirement to provide out of hours support on a rota basis.