Infrastructure Engineer - Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency - SEO

We are currently looking for an Infrastructure Engineer – Networking to join our Technology Service & Operations function within the Digital & Technology group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU or South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

This role will also be required to participate in the Agency’s out of hours on-call rota on a periodic basis. An on-call payment will be added to the salary depending on the frequency of participation in the rota. A Digital Allowance of up to £12,823 per annum may be available for exceptional candidates based on our assessment of your skills and experience. This allowance is non-pensionable and may change on an annual basis.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The Digital and Technology Group (D&T) lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable our scientists, inspectors, and the rest of the organisation to deliver world class services which can improve outcomes for patients and the general public. The Group was essential in the race to approve COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and in supporting the UK to set up its own medicines and devices approvals systems following our exit from the EU. The work we do matters!

We plan to be at the heart of one of the most digitally advanced medical regulators in the world and we need people who can help us deliver that ambition. D&T is a great place to build your career and we are committed to enabling our people to do the best work of their lives.

The Technology & Service Operations function is responsible for managing the existing IT infrastructure including both software and hardware, databases, and other technology platforms; leading the support and maintenance of applications; development and testing of new applications and platforms; and cyber and information security for the Agency.

The Network Edge Engineer will play a key role in managing and delivering network projects and BAU tasks, with a particular focus on the edge of the network, such as campus environments. This role is essential in ensuring the stability, performance, and security of the network edge as the MHRA undergoes a significant overhaul of its IT infrastructure, including the deployment of new equipment.

The successful candidate will provide advanced expertise in network edge technologies, working closely with both senior and junior engineers to ensure smooth operations and continuous improvement. You will act as an escalation point for more complex network edge issues, providing guidance and troubleshooting support to junior engineers when required. The role also involves working collaboratively with other teams to align network edge initiatives with the overall IT strategy.

An on-call element is required, as the role involves providing support for critical network issues outside regular working hours, ensuring minimal disruption to services.

This is a hands-on technical role where you will be expected to interact daily with core IT Infrastructure technologies. You are expected to be able to configure, manage and diagnose the IT Infrastructure components detailed in this advert.

We are undertaking a program of works that is focused on reducing our suppliers and vendors to ensure we can build skillsets around vendor technology stacks. This role will require the technical skills in Cisco Switching and WiFi networking.

• Installing, managing and deploying Cisco Nexus and Catalyst switching
• Installing, managing and deploying Cisco Catalyst WLC’s and 9000 series Access points
• Using Cisco Catalyst Center to manage software and firmware versions
• Strong skills in Cisco command line device management and via catalyst center.
• Strong understanding of VLAN’s, IP VLSM (optional)
• Using network management tool SolarWinds
• Understanding advanced switching diagnostics and redundancy such as MTU, spanning tree, Mac address tables

Lead and manage the successful execution of network edge projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with the MHRA’s IT strategy. Serve as the main escalation point for junior network engineers, providing advanced troubleshooting and technical expertise in resolving complex edge network issues, ensuring high-quality resolutions that prevent future incidents. Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging skills development across the team.

Take ownership of the overall stability, performance, and security of the network edge, which includes managing campus LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi and telephony. Implement and maintain robust security protocols to safeguard network edge devices, ensuring compliance with security policies and regulatory requirements. Proactively monitor and assess network performance, identifying potential risks or weaknesses and applying pre-emptive solutions to minimize downtime and service disruption. Play a pivotal role in the agency’s ongoing IT infrastructure overhaul by recommending, testing, and integrating cutting-edge network technologies.

Our successful candidates will have:

• Experience in leading network-related projects, including equipment rollouts, upgrades, and troubleshooting complex network issues.
• A track record of identifying deeper underlying problems and opportunities and anticipating problems before they occur.
• Experience of developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers, making sure services and products are delivered and aligned to industry best practice and regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Strong technical expertise in network edge technologies, including LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi, and network security.
• Proficiency in configuring and managing Cisco or similar network infrastructure, with experience in implementing security protocols and best practices.

A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation

• Seeing the Bigger Picture (I)
• Communicating and Influencing (I)
• Working Together (I)

• Experience in leading network-related projects, including equipment rollouts, upgrades, and troubleshooting complex network issues (A, I)
• A track record of identifying deeper underlying problems and opportunities and anticipating problems before they occur (A)
• Experience of developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers, making sure services and products are delivered and aligned to industry best practice and regulatory and contractual requirements (A)
• Proven experience in managing and supporting enterprise network environments, particularly focusing on network edge devices and infrastructure (A, I)
• A track record of working within high-availability environments with minimal downtime, as well as managing escalations for critical network incidents (A, I)