At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT systems management and enhance secure communications for critical operations.
- Company: Join AWE, a leader in nuclear threat reduction with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, competitive salary, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role while developing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT systems management and a passion for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
Package: Up to £55,000 per annum (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).
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.
Ready to play your part? At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. The Nuclear Threat Reductions (NTR) Operations team are looking for an IT specialist with experience of managing IT systems in a live operational environment to join the team. This is a hands-on role involving working within the IT & Communications team, who manage and maintain all the secure communications and IT systems used by AWE staff to support the response capabilities that NTR are involved with.
As an IT & Communications Specialist you will:
- Be the technical lead within the team maintaining the IT & Communications systems used in support of NTR’s response capabilities, delivering based on schedule, cost and quality.
- Work within a small team to become the technical lead overseeing allocation of tasks and contributing to wider projects where IT and secure communications systems feature.
- Enhance the shared understanding of the technological requirements of the IT & Communications systems used across the response capability.
- Maintain existing, and develop new capabilities, within NTR’s IT & Communications team; ensuring they are fit for purpose now and in the future.
- Support the development of an overarching configuration control and maintenance policy for all hardware and software making sure they are maintained, stored, configured and used against agreed processes and procedures.
- Effectively diagnose technical issues with the skills to fault find and fix utilising compliant solutions, utilising skills honed working in an operational environment.
- Lead continuous improvement activities/reviews across network systems, hardware and software identifying capability gaps and implementing solutions as required.
- Assist in leading, coaching and developing the IT & Communications team in order to meet operational plans.
- Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.
Who are we looking for?
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to have experience in some of the following:
- Experience of managing and maintaining IT hardware at different classification levels brought from working in live operational environments.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the security requirements for compliance around such systems.
- Extensive experience in managing IT networks in classified environments.
- Experience managing cryptographic assets.
- Awareness of JSP 440 and JSP 490 or equivalent.
- Knowledge and operational experience of working with compartmented systems.
- Experience in developing company policy and procedure in relation to IT systems, to adhere to best practice.
- Knowledge and experience of procurement and through life management of IT hardware and software.
- Ability to communicate with and influence internal and external stakeholders.
- Able to work independently while collaborating effectively when needed.
- Willing to identify and undertake continuous improvement activities to develop the capabilities within NTR.
- Working knowledge of utilising Defence Lines of Development to ensure proposed requirements are properly captured to enable capability development and integration.
- Experience of making sure IT systems are compliant through secure by design process, working with assurance and developing standard operating procedures.
Please note that candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and must hold a valid UK driving licence.
Work hard, be rewarded: We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:
- 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
- Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
- Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
- Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
- Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
- Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
- Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
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.
Next steps: Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.
Important things you need to know: We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes. You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process. Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.
NTR IT & Communications Specialist in Reading employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
At AWE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values balance and flexibility, exemplified by our 9-day working fortnight and generous leave policies. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through professional development opportunities and a market-leading pension scheme, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally in a secure and collaborative environment. Located conveniently between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking, AWE provides a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NTR IT & Communications Specialist in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research AWE and its NTR Operations team. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the IT & Communications Specialist role. Practise articulating your skills and achievements clearly, so you can impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace NTR IT & Communications Specialist in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to explore our website and get familiar with AWE's values and mission. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the NTR IT & Communications Specialist role. Use keywords from the job description to catch our eye and demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for IT and communications, and explain why you want to join AWE. Be sure to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to the role.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment, as roles can close early if we receive a high volume of applications. Head over to our website and get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As an NTR IT & Communications Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your technical expertise. Brush up on your knowledge of IT systems, especially those used in operational environments. Be ready to discuss specific technologies you've worked with and how you've managed them in the past.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to be asked about how you've diagnosed and resolved technical issues. Prepare examples that highlight your fault-finding skills and your ability to implement compliant solutions. This will show that you can think on your feet and handle challenges effectively.
✨Understand Compliance and Security Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant compliance requirements, such as JSP 440 and JSP 490. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured IT systems are secure by design and how you've contributed to developing policies that adhere to best practices.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you've influenced decisions in previous roles and be ready to share examples of successful collaboration within a team or with external partners.
