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- Tasks: Join a small team to design, maintain, and troubleshoot networks for supercomputers.
- Company: AWE is a leading organisation in high-performance computing and advanced technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Limited remote work; relocation package may be available.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or relevant experience; network design and troubleshooting skills required.
Network Administrator
Closing Date: 18th August 2025
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.
Package: £46,130 – £60,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
A relocation package may be available (terms and conditions apply).
Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.
Let us introduce the role
AWE is currently recruiting for a Network Administrator to join the High-Performance Computing Group, which sits within our Physics sub-function.
This role is ideally suited to an experienced network professional who is comfortable working in a multivendor environment.
Working within the High-Performance Computing Group, the successful candidate will be part of a small team that provides specialised network support to a range of teams within the group. It will involve working across the AWE site and possibly at other locations in the UK.
You will be expected to play a part in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the network that provides connectivity to some of the UK\’s largest supercomputers and supporting infrastructure.
The ability to work with others and to communicate clearly are essential
Who are we looking for?
We do need you to have the following:
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A degree in a Computer Science related subject or significant relevant experience.
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Network design, installation and decommissioning experience.
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we\’d like you to have experience in some of the following:
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Data Centre technologies such as underlay / overlay networks and non-blocking network designs.
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Proven experience working with some of: Arista, Extreme Networks, Fortigate, Paloalto Networks.
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Troubleshooting and monitoring multiple vendors in an enterprise environment.
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Linux experience and scripting in a Linux environment.
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Fibre optics and troubleshooting fibre infrastructure within a Local Area Network (LAN).
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A willingness to travel both in the UK and occasionally overseas.
You\’ll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.
Some reasons we think you\’ll love it here:
AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:
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9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
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Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
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Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave – 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave – 4 Weeks Full Pay.
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Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
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Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
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Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
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Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
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Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
The \’Working at AWE\’ page on our website is where you can find full details in the \’AWE Benefits Guide\’.
Network Administrator employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)
Contact Detail:
Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Arista, Extreme Networks, and Fortigate. Having hands-on experience or relevant certifications in these areas can significantly boost your chances of standing out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Network Administrators often need to troubleshoot under pressure. Prepare for this by practising common troubleshooting scenarios and demonstrating your problem-solving skills. You might even consider setting up a home lab to simulate network issues and practice your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Since communication is key in this role, think about how you can showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others or explained complex technical concepts to non-technical colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Given the nature of the work, it’s important to demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to travel. Be prepared to discuss your flexibility in working patterns and any previous experiences that required you to adapt quickly to changing environments or locations.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in network design, installation, and troubleshooting. Emphasise any work with specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Arista or Fortigate.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your degree or relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the Network Administrator position.
Highlight Soft Skills: In your application, don't forget to mention your ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively. These soft skills are essential for the role, so provide examples of how you've demonstrated them in past experiences.
Follow Application Instructions: Carefully read the application instructions provided by AWE. Ensure you include all requested information, such as your preferred working pattern, and double-check for any specific document requirements before submitting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with network design, installation, and troubleshooting. Highlight specific projects where you've worked with technologies like Arista, Extreme Networks, or Fortigate, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role requires clear communication within a team, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will show that you can collaborate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenging network issues in the past. Discuss your approach to troubleshooting and how you managed to resolve problems under pressure, as this is crucial for the dynamic environment at AWE.
✨Express Willingness to Learn and Adapt
AWE values flexibility and initiative. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to new technologies or changing priorities in previous roles. Showing enthusiasm for continuous learning will resonate well with the interviewers.