Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773)
Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773)

Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773)

London Full-Time 56400 - 79500 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and management of network infrastructure in a dynamic, user-focused environment.
  • Company: Join the Department for Education, dedicated to enhancing education through innovative IT solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a competitive pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your technical skills in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in network infrastructure and automation techniques is essential; certifications are a plus.
  • Other info: This role offers hybrid working options and opportunities for professional development.

The predicted salary is between 56400 - 79500 £ per year.

Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773)

Join to apply for the Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773) role at Department for Education

Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773)

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773) role at Department for Education

Coventry, West Midlands (England), CV1 2WT : Darlington, North East England, DL1 5QE : Manchester, North West England, M1 2WD : Sheffield, Yorkshire and the Humber, S1 2FJ : City of Westminster, London (region), SW1P 3BT
Job Summary
The Department for Education is seeking to recruit IT Infrastructure Engineers to work across multiple endeavours in the Microsoft Azure public cloud and on premises. We continually seek new & innovative opportunities for efficiencies, economies of scale and new value to users across established cloud computing platforms, and networks, to make them better for users, increase value for money and reduce complexity.
Specialist Network Infrastructure Engineers in the Department for Education design, build, manage and support IT network infrastructure resources that underpin internal user services and services to the public.
If you are successful, you will work as part of a team providing specialist IT network capability within the Department’s Infrastructure Engineering Profession, focusing in depth on network topology, connectivity, and boundary controls (firewalls & Web Application Firewalls).
Job Description
As a Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer, you will influence the build of, and oversee the operation and maintenance of, the Department’s physical and cloud networking infrastructure. In this highly technical role, you will work within a team of multidisciplinary Infrastructure Engineers in a user-centred, agile environment, delivering improvements to modernise how the physical and cloud network is deployed and managed. You will:

  • work with Infrastructure Engineers managing the full lifecycle of existing network infrastructure and assist on delivery projects.
  • provide technical oversight of networking programmes and projects to ensure that the network remains current, scalable, flexible, and fit for purpose.
  • work with Technical Architecture teams, and the Network Management team, to translate architectural designs into operable solutions.
  • identify processes and initiatives to optimise ways of working, and to define and deliver programmes that will mature the Department’s network, implementing against agreed standards to ensure consistency.
  • automate support and maintenance and champion the use of automation in the continuous development of the network.
  • work with specialist security teams, to ensure that the appropriate and agreed security controls are in place, monitored and reported upon.
  • collaborate with projects, IT suppliers and commercial teams to ensure contracts are maintained, costs are managed, and opportunities are leveraged to reduce ongoing technical operational costs to achieve best value for money.
  • develop and maintain delivery policies, processes and standards.

Role
As a Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer, you will influence the build of, and oversee the operation and maintenance of, the Department’s physical and cloud networking infrastructure. In this highly technical role, you will work within a team of multidisciplinary Infrastructure Engineers in a user-centred, agile environment, delivering improvements to modernise how the physical and cloud network is deployed and managed. You will:

  • work with Infrastructure Engineers managing the full lifecycle of existing network infrastructure and assist on delivery projects.
  • provide technical oversight of networking programmes and projects to ensure that the network remains current, scalable, flexible, and fit for purpose.
  • work with Technical Architecture teams, and the Network Management team, to translate architectural designs into operable solutions.
  • identify processes and initiatives to optimise ways of working, and to define and deliver programmes that will mature the Department’s network, implementing against agreed standards to ensure consistency.
  • automate support and maintenance and champion the use of automation in the continuous development of the network.
  • work with specialist security teams, to ensure that the appropriate and agreed security controls are in place, monitored and reported upon.
  • collaborate with projects, IT suppliers and commercial teams to ensure contracts are maintained, costs are managed, and opportunities are leveraged to reduce ongoing technical operational costs to achieve best value for money.
  • develop and maintain delivery policies, processes and standards.

Person specification
Applications will be assessed at the application and interview stages against the following essential criteria:

  • Experience of providing technical leadership to guide a team towards shared goals to develop, operate and maintain network infrastructure resources including switches, Wi-Fi equipment, DHCP, virtual networks and other connectivity resources.
  • Experience leading and designing system integration builds to combine networking components to create a consolidated solution; co-ordinating test and build activities across infrastructure services.
  • Experience of using automation techniques to configure network services, automate processes and extract information. This may include using software, tooling, scripting and other automation techniques such as Python, PowerShell, Bicep or vendor-specific automation tools.
  • Experience of designing, implementing and assuring boundary and security controls, options and configuration settings to protect Departmental IT services, and to mitigate against security threats and vulnerabilities. This includes firewalls, Web Application Firewalls and other access control resources.
  • Experience of providing technical leadership for troubleshooting and problem management activities, identifying incident trends and coordinating actions to investigate and resolve root causes; and organising Infrastructure Engineers to take forward preventive measures.

Desirable Criteria

  • Verified credentials, certification or qualifications in the IT network space an advantage particularly Palo Alto, Cisco/Meraki or Barracuda, and experience of 802.1x network protocol.
  • Experience of conveying technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Influencing service levels and service frameworks and how to operate within them to deliver, operate and maintain IT infrastructure services.
  • Experience of developing and contributing to design standards.
  • Experience of developing requirements and specifications, defining test conditions and analysing and reporting test activities and results.

Desirable criteria will only be assessed at interview, in the event of a tie break situation, to make an informed decision.
Security vetting
If you are successful, you must be prepared to undergo the Security Check (SC) clearance process before you begin your role at DfE. For further information, please see the section entitled Security below.
Alongside your salary of £56,353, Department for Education contributes £16,325 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.
As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.
You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.
We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.
Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.
As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.
Selection process details
Application
At application you will be asked to provide your CV and a statement of suitability through which we will assess your experience.

  • Your CV should include details of previous roles held and responsibilities / previous skills and experience.
  • Your statement of suitability (maximum 1,250 words) should demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section above.

Your CV and statement will be assessed together against the listed essential criteria.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview typically involving a commitment of up to 90 minutes. The interview will consist of a series of questions to assess your experience against the essential criteria for the role.
Interviews will be on MS teams, which may be remote or from a DfE office – we will confirm which when you are invited to an interview
Any evidence gathered during the interview against the desirable criteria listed above may be used in the event of a tie break to help to make an informed decision.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.
Timing
We expect to sift in week commencing 21 July 2025
Interviews will likely take place in the weeks commencing 4 and 11 August 2025.
Once a provisional offer has been made, you will be invited to participate in a capability assessment to determine the value of the CBP allowance we can offer you. The assessment compares your skills against the advertised role described in DfE’s local Infrastructure Engineering Capability Framework, which is based on the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework.
Subject to your availability, we will aim to conduct the capability assessment and confirm the allowance offer to you within a week of the provisional offer being made.
This is a discretionary non-consolidated, non-pensionable allowance which, if awarded, is attached to the post. The value of the allowance is based on the outcome of a capability assessment and is reviewed annually. Allowance values range up to £19,400, with the highest values reserved for candidates whose capability is above the expected level for all of the skills.
If applicants are not appointable at this grade, they may be considered for positions at the grade below.
Other Information
In your application, please don’t include personal information that identifies you.
This means we can recruit based on your knowledge and skills, and not background, gender or ethnicity – it\’s called name blind recruitment (opens in a new window).
Please ensure that you remove from your application, all references to your:

  • name/title
  • educational institutions
  • age
  • gender
  • email address
  • postal address
  • phone number
  • nationality/immigration status

We understand that you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own.
We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a high volume or strong field of candidates.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.
The government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, enabling people to learn and progress in a role whilst earning. We want to monitor the number of people who have completed apprenticeships who are now applying to progress further in their career and are asking this question to all candidates, on all vacancies. You will be asked a question as part of the application process about any previous apprenticeships you have completed. Your response to this question will not affect your application and it is not a requirement of the role to have completed a previous apprenticeship.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs
Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.
Reasonable adjustment
If a Person With Disabilities Is Put At a Substantial Disadvantage Compared To a Non-disabled Person, We Have a Duty To Make Reasonable Changes To Our Processes. If You Need a Change To Be Made So That You Can Make Your Application, You Should
Contact Department of Education via soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Please refer to the attached ‘Reasonable Adjustments Guide 05_2025 – accessible version’ at the bottom of the advert, for further information.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact

  • Name : Resourcing Business Partners
  • Email :

Recruitment team

  • Email :

Further information
The Department for Education’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly with the department concerned via If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Information Technology

  • Industries

    Government Administration

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Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773) employer: Department for Education

The Department for Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance educational services across the UK. The flexible working arrangements and supportive culture make it an ideal place for IT professionals looking to make a real impact in the public sector.
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Contact Detail:

Department for Education Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773)

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in network infrastructure, especially around Microsoft Azure and automation tools like Python and PowerShell. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the industry through platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with others who work at the Department for Education or similar organisations can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical interviews by practising common networking scenarios and problem-solving exercises. Being able to articulate your thought process while troubleshooting will set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you guided a team or project. Highlighting your ability to lead technical initiatives will resonate well with the hiring managers looking for a Specialist Network Lead.

We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773)

Technical Leadership
Network Infrastructure Management
System Integration Design
Automation Techniques
Network Security Controls
Troubleshooting and Problem Management
Networking Protocols (e.g., 802.1x)
Cloud Networking (Microsoft Azure)
Firewall Configuration (Palo Alto, Cisco/Meraki, Barracuda)
User-Centred Design Principles
Agile Methodologies
Collaboration with Technical Architecture Teams
Cost Management and Value Optimisation
Policy and Process Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in network infrastructure, automation techniques, and security controls. Use specific examples that align with the essential criteria mentioned in the job description.

Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: In your statement (maximum 1,250 words), clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences meet the essential criteria. Use structured paragraphs to address each point, providing concrete examples of your achievements in similar roles.

Use Technical Language Appropriately: Since this is a highly technical role, ensure you use appropriate technical terminology related to networking, cloud infrastructure, and automation. This will show your familiarity with the field and your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and statement. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects professionalism and attention to detail.

How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Education

Showcase Your Technical Leadership

Be prepared to discuss your experience in providing technical leadership. Highlight specific examples where you've guided a team towards shared goals, particularly in developing and maintaining network infrastructure resources.

Demonstrate Automation Skills

Since automation is key in this role, come ready to talk about your experience with automation techniques. Share examples of how you've used tools like Python or PowerShell to configure network services and automate processes.

Understand Security Controls

Familiarise yourself with boundary and security controls relevant to the role. Be ready to explain how you've designed and implemented these controls in past projects, especially regarding firewalls and Web Application Firewalls.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of situations where you've identified incident trends and coordinated actions to resolve root causes, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.

Specialist Network Lead Infrastructure Engineer (up to £79,773)
Department for Education
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