NetApp Engineer in Oxford

Location: UK

Start: End of March 2016

Duration: 2 years (with option to extend for 1 additional year)

Clearance: UK National, active DV required

Cover: Holiday / leave backfill required

Overview

Our UK Defence client is seeking a DV-cleared Systems Administrator to support the Air CHAN system. The role is part of a transition to a more comprehensive, sustainable and deliberate support model delivered by an industry partner. You will work alongside technical system administrators, security and network authorities, and other stakeholders to manage and support Air CHAN infrastructure, with a particular focus on NetApp (StorageGRID) and Fortinet platforms. The position is primarily on-site, with standard office hours, and will include providing cover for holiday/leave to maintain full service availability.

Key Responsibilities

• On-Premises System Administration
  • Work on-site at in the same environment as Technical SysAdmins, holding a system administrator account and terminal for Air CHAN.
  • Access to relevant MODNET devices to support system administration and IT service management.
  • Collaborate closely with SysAdmins and security/network authorities on day-to-day operations and incident resolution.
  • Provide remote assistance (phone/email/chat) to technicians at other locations as required (overseas locations excluded from direct on-site support).
• Service Management & Monitoring
  • Support the implementation and ongoing use of a ServiceNow-based IT Service Management (ITSM) solution for Air CHAN (aligned to Air preferred tooling).
  • Monitor system faults, events and performance using existing system features and ITSM tools.
  • Conduct security monitoring across the full system, coordinating with security monitoring agencies for log collection, analysis and escalation.
  • Perform initial fault triage and rectification during standard working hours.
• Patch, Update & Configuration Management
  • Plan and deploy updates and patches to all system components and user-accessible devices (UADs), in line with agreed service levels and priorities.
  • Manage warranties and licences for all major OEM and ancillary equipment across the four Air CHAN sites, taking over existing records and ensuring ongoing compliance.
  • Ensure configuration consistency and integrity across sites, with a particular focus on inter-site connectivity and system performance.
• Systems & Infrastructure Administration
  • Typical activities will include (but are not limited to):
  • Analysing system logs and identifying potential issues across the environment.
  • Applying operating system updates, security patches and configuration changes.
  • Installing, configuring and integrating new hardware and software.
  • Managing user accounts (creation, modification, removal), including password resets and access changes.
  • Answering technical queries and assisting users in collaboration with Air CHAN programme staff and the Change Authority.
  • Troubleshooting reported problems and escalating where necessary.
  • Tuning and optimising overall system and network performance.
  • Ensuring network infrastructure availability and resilience.
  • Configuring, adding and deleting storage systems (particularly NetApp / StorageGRID).
  • Planning and managing data centre assets and equipment lifecycle.
• Cover & Availability
  • Provide on-site support during normal working hours.
  • Participate in rota/arrangements to ensure full cover during staff leave/holiday.

Required Security & Eligibility

• Active Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.
• Able to work on-site for the duration of the engagement.

Required Qualifications & Certifications

• Fortinet
  • Minimum: Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) in:
  • Network Security
  • Cloud Security
  • Security Operations
  • Desirable: Access to / support from Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) resources.
• NetApp
  • Minimum: NetApp Certified Technology Solutions / Data Administrator - ONTAP.
  • Desirable: Access to / support from additional NetApp Certified Professionals.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Strong, hands-on experience administering:
• NetApp StorageGRID and associated storage platforms.
• Fortinet security solutions (e.g. firewalls, security gateways, SD-WAN, etc.).
• Solid background in systems administration across Windows-based infrastructure (including Active Directory and related services).
• Experience operating within structured ITSM environments (ideally ServiceNow), including incident, change and problem management.
• Proven track record of:
• Managing complex, multi-site systems.
• Dealing with inter-site connectivity issues impacting system performance.
• Working in secure, defence or government environments with strict security controls.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to prioritise and resolve high-impact issues quickly.
• Confident working alongside military and civil service stakeholders, with clear and concise communication skills.

Next Steps: If interested, please send me your contact information and most recent CV so we can speak in more detail.