At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team managing cutting-edge IT infrastructure in our Manchester datacentre.
- Company: Costain, a leader in smart infrastructure solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting career path with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical systems while developing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT infrastructure, virtualisation, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
The IT department at Costain provides our corporate and project-based colleagues with core digital technology which enables us all to perform productively, collaboratively and securely. The Infrastructure Services team provides a wide portfolio of this technology, including end-user compute equipment, on-premise server estate, messaging & collaboration tools (mainly O365), backups, patching services amongst many other things.
Working as part of the Infrastructure Services team, you will be part of a small team of engineers responsible for the operations of our on-premise infrastructure in the Manchester colocation Datacentre, with a DR site located in Farnborough colocation Datacentre. You will be responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the IT infrastructure, ensuring high availability and optimal performance of servers and storage. This role will support efforts in upgrading and maintaining IT infrastructure while ensuring security, scalability, and compliance with industry standards. The position also involves working closely with various teams, providing technical support, and ensuring the efficient operation of mission-critical systems.
You will be based primarily at the Manchester office, with the ability to work from home depending on current workload. Occasional travel to other Costain locations and out of hours working may be required.
Responsibilities
You will have good end-to-end technical understanding and some experience in implementing and supporting all aspects of datacentre operations and maintenance, including:
- Storage
- Server Operating Systems
- Security
- Virtualization & Cloud Integration
- Collaboration
- Documentation & Reporting
You will also be expected to:
- Be comfortable with documentation, process and knowledge transfer
- Rack and patch (so a degree of physical lifting will be required), configure, test, troubleshoot and support various server, storage and network equipment
- Have at least basic experience with networking including switches, routers, firewalls.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Essential
- Significant UK experience in IT
- Understanding and experience with virtualisation technologies
- Understanding and knowledge of storage technologies
- Good understanding and experience of Windows server operating systems
- In-depth knowledge in TCP/IP, DNS and DHCP
- Ability to work with other teams and system owners both in-house and outsourced
- Hybrid cloud environments e.g. Active Directory (On-premise and Entra)
- Have a 'secure by design' & 'Zero-Trust' approach and attitude to IT and cyber security
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues across a variety of platforms and systems
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proven organisational skills
Desirable
- Nutanix
- Cisco Nexus and Catalyst switches
- Cisco Meraki equipment including firewalls and switching
- Knowledge of Routing Protocols, Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS
- Understanding of SD-WAN technologies
- Ability to troubleshoot and implement firewall changes including IPSec VPN
- Experience with virtual SaaS devices - ideally Zscaler ZIAZPA
- VEEAM backup technology
- Experience with Cyber Essentials Plus
- Understanding and some experience of Linux operating system
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant certifications such as Microsoft MCSA, AWS/Azure
- Security clearance (SC) or the ability to obtain this level of clearance
Desirable
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related field
- ITIL
- Relevant Cyber Security qualifications
- Nutanix certification
Costain helps to improve people's lives with integrated, leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK's energy, water, transportation and defence markets. We help our clients improve their business performance by increasing capacity, improving customer service, safeguarding security, enhancing resilience, decarbonising and delivering increased efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK's leading smart infrastructure solutions company.
IT Infrastructure Datacentre Engineer - Manchester employer: Costain
Costain is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development within the vibrant environment of London Heathrow. As a leader in smart infrastructure solutions, we provide our team with unique opportunities to engage in transformative projects that contribute to a sustainable future, while fostering strong relationships across diverse stakeholders. Our commitment to safety, inclusivity, and professional advancement makes us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Infrastructure Datacentre Engineer - Manchester
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Costain values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Costain might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Costain!
✨Direct Apply to Costain
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Costain website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Infrastructure Datacentre Engineer - Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Costain.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Costain. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
