At a Glance
- Tasks: Design, build, and support IT network infrastructure in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Department for Education, making a difference in public services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, job security, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on user-centred, agile approaches.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that enhance user experience and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience with network infrastructure and automation techniques is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 and innovative opportunities in our cloud estate for efficiencies, economies of scale and new value to users across established cloud computing platforms to make them better for users, increase value for money and reduce complexity.
Specialist Network Infrastructure Engineers in the Department for Education design, build, operate 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).
As a Senior Network Infrastructure Engineer, you will collaborate with other Infrastructure Engineers to manage, operate and maintain the Department for Education’s physical and cloud networking infrastructure. In a user-centred, agile environment you will assist with driving improvements to modernise the deployment and management of network resources. This includes supporting the primary Lead Network Infrastructure Engineer to phase out outdated practices and implement new initiatives to enhance operation and maintenance.
In this highly technical role you will:
- Input into the overall management of the network domain, contributing to plans regarding technology roadmaps, projects, workforce and budgets.
- Build, operate and maintain network resources.
- Respond to incidents and requests to identify and resolve issues preventing delivery.
- Identify patterns and trends within incidents and collaborate with others where required to resolve problems.
- Identify technical improvements to automate the deployment of network resources and management tasks where possible.
- Advocate user-centred, agile approaches which focus on rapid, effective delivery of high-quality services.
- Collaborate with and support third-party suppliers in providing network infrastructure services.
- Share knowledge of tools and techniques with the wider team and community, growing awareness, inclusivity and balance.
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.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Experience of building, configuring, operating and maintaining network infrastructure resources including switches, Wi-Fi equipment, DHCP, virtual networks (Azure preferably) and other connectivity resources.
- 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 administering boundary and security controls, options and configuration settings to protect cloud computing services, and to mitigate against security threats and vulnerabilities including firewalls, Web Application Firewalls and other access control resources.
- Experience of breaking down IT infrastructure problems into component parts to identify and diagnose root causes; troubleshooting; and identifying problems across different technology areas.
- Experience of problem management techniques: initiating and monitoring actions to investigate patterns and trends to resolve problems; determining the appropriate remedy; assisting with its implementation; and determining preventative measures.
Desirable Criteria
- Verified credentials, certification or qualifications in the IT network space an advantage particularly Palo Alto, Cisco/Meraki or Barracuda.
- An understanding of the benefits of service levels and service frameworks and how to operate within them to deliver, operate and maintain IT infrastructure services.
- Experience of defining integration builds to combine IT infrastructure components to create a consolidated solution, and coordinating & testing build activities across systems.
- Experience of collaborating with, and conveying technical concepts to, both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience of working with and applying design standards, methods and tools; and developing systems designs for review to ensure the selection of appropriate technology, efficient use of resources and integration of multiple systems and technology.
- Experience of reviewing 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.
Specialist Network Senior Infrastructure Engineer - Department for Education - SEO in Manchester employer: Manchester Digital
The Department for Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in various locations including Coventry, Manchester, and London. With a strong focus on innovation and user-centred design, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with skilled colleagues, and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance educational services across the UK. The inclusive culture promotes knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for IT professionals looking to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Network Senior Infrastructure Engineer - Department for Education - SEO in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences related to IT infrastructure. This is a great way to make connections and learn about job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Azure and network automation. This can really set you apart during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your troubleshooting skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex network issues in the past, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Network Senior Infrastructure Engineer - Department for Education - SEO in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your experience with network infrastructure, cloud services, and automation techniques. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in IT infrastructure and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills! Mention specific tools and technologies you've worked with, especially those related to network resources and security controls. We’re keen to see your expertise in action.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like Azure, firewalls, and network infrastructure. Brush up on your knowledge of switches, DHCP, and automation techniques like Python or PowerShell. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're ready for the role.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex IT infrastructure issues in the past. Think about times when you identified root causes and implemented solutions. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to manage incidents effectively, which is crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working with other engineers and third-party suppliers, be ready to discuss your experience in teamwork. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated on projects, communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and contributed to a user-centred approach.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how the department measures success. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
