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- Tasks: Lead the development of infrastructure automation and analytics solutions for BBC platforms.
- Company: Join the innovative BBC team transforming operational efficiency with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while working with modern DevOps practices.
- Qualifications: Deep understanding of infrastructure automation and strong programming skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 46700 - 56700 ÂŁ per year.
JOB BAND: D
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time.
DEPARTMENT: HIPE
LOCATION: London - Hybrid
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: ÂŁ56,700 - ÂŁ66,700 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights. We’re happy to discuss flexible working. If you’d like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there’s no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
To lead the development and delivery of infrastructure automation and analytics solutions that enhance operational efficiency across BBC platforms. The role focuses on building resilient, scalable systems using modern DevOps practices, enabling data‑driven decision‑making and continuous improvement.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
Join a forward‑thinking Automation & Analytics team that’s transforming how BBC operates behind the scenes. You’ll work on high‑impact initiatives—from patch orchestration to real‑time reporting—using cutting‑edge tools and cloud‑native technologies. We foster a culture of experimentation, ownership, and technical excellence.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Define and own the automation and analytics roadmap for infrastructure services.
- Lead design and delivery of automation frameworks supporting IaaS, server support, DBA, and other BBC teams.
- Ensure alignment with BBC enterprise architecture and technology strategy.
- Plan, design, integrate, and test automation solutions for VM lifecycle, containerisation, and infrastructure orchestration.
- Oversee acceptance testing of new installations, ensuring documentation and test logs are maintained.
- Partner with vendors and suppliers to deliver robust, scalable solutions.
- Provide technical advice across projects and products, shaping automation and analytics solutions.
- Collaborate with product managers, developers, engineers, and operations teams to identify use cases and deliver efficiencies.
- Communicate strategy, plans, and progress to stakeholders, tailoring messages to diverse audiences.
- Introduce emerging technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, Terraform, Grafana, VMware Aria Ops) to improve automation and analytics capabilities.
- Lead retrospectives and continuous improvement initiatives to refine delivery processes.
- Drive Infrastructure‑as‑Code adoption across teams, reducing manual operations.
- Mentor, coach, and manage senior developers and engineers within the Automation & Analytics team.
- Champion collaboration, psychological safety, and inclusive team practices.
- Contribute to recruitment, development, and performance management of team members.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Deep understanding of infrastructure automation, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud‑native deployment.
- Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, Bash, Terraform, Kubernetes).
- Experience with monitoring, logging and analytics tooling.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED
- Experience representing BBC in external working groups or with suppliers.
- Knowledge of broadcast/datacentre infrastructure installations (power, environment, space layout).
- Familiarity with cloud computing disciplines (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, NaaS).
- Experience managing third‑party service delivery.
- Exposure to AWS, Azure, or GCP.
If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
THIS IS YOUR BBC
At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BBC
LIFE AT BBC
Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35‑hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.
Excellent career and professional development. Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer.
A values‑based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.
Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis or on an orchestra conditions contract. Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.
YOU BELONG
We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING STRATEGY
DISABILITY CONFIDENT
We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss.
Principal Systems Engineer employer: BBC Group and Public Services
Contact Detail:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your skills. Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Systems Engineer and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've made an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on companies that excite you! Use our website to find roles that match your skills and interests, and tailor your approach to each one. Show them why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with infrastructure automation and cloud-native technologies. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves collaborating with various teams, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect how you can engage with stakeholders effectively.
Highlight Your Technical Expertise: Don’t forget to mention your programming and scripting skills, especially in Python, Bash, and Terraform. We’re looking for someone who can lead the charge in automation, so make sure your technical prowess shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of infrastructure automation and cloud-native deployment. Brush up on your knowledge of tools like Kubernetes, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines. Be ready to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key for this role, especially when engaging with stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. This will show that you can tailor your message to different groups, which is crucial for collaboration.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to lead projects. Think about past experiences where you've defined automation roadmaps or led design and delivery of solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The BBC values a culture of continuous improvement. Be prepared to discuss how you've driven retrospectives and implemented feedback in previous roles. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved processes or efficiencies, as this aligns with the team's goals.
