OT Systems Administrator – Critical Infra & Automation in Birmingham

About us

At National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), we're at the heart of energy in the UK. The electricity we provide powers homes, businesses, schools and communities, helping to keep the nation moving. As our network continues to evolve, investing in secure, reliable and resilient operational technology is critical to maintaining the safe operation of the UK's electricity infrastructure.

We are hiring for a Systems Administrator within our Operational Technology Team - This role will be based across our Birmingham Hams Hall and Warwick locations.

Job Purpose

As a Systems Administrator within our Operational Technology (OT) team, you'll play a key role in supporting and maintaining a critical remote backup platform deployed across more than 200 substations. Working closely with Asset Managers, Infrastructure Specialists and Cyber Security teams, you'll help ensure the reliability, availability and security of systems that support critical national infrastructure. You'll also contribute to the development of cybersecurity controls, operational improvements and future enhancements across the platform.

What you'll do

• Manage, monitor and maintain over 200 OT hosts and virtual machines, ensuring high levels of performance, availability and reliability.
• Perform regular system health checks, maintenance activities and fault resolution across the remote backup platform estate.
• Support the operation of a critical backup solution that securely captures and transfers substation data into a centralised data library.
• Assist with infrastructure deployment and configuration using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) methodologies and automation tools.
• Administer Active Directory and identity management services, including domain management and system integration activities.
• Troubleshoot infrastructure, networking and system-related issues across operational environments.
• Support the maintenance and development of web-based interfaces used to manage and access operational systems.
• Work alongside cybersecurity specialists to help implement security controls and protective measures for OT environments.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, operational procedures and regulatory evidence.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for system improvements, automation and operational efficiencies.
• Keep up to date with emerging cyber threats, vulnerabilities and best practices relevant to OT and critical infrastructure environments.

About you

We're looking for an experienced Systems Administrator who enjoys working in operational environments and has a passion for maintaining resilient, business-critical infrastructure.

You'll bring:

• Proven experience in systems administration, supporting enterprise or operational technology environments.
• Experience administering Active Directory and/or Microsoft Entra ID environments.
• Strong understanding of server, virtual machine and infrastructure administration.
• Experience using scripting and automation tools such as PowerShell, Ansible, Terraform or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of networking principles and the ability to diagnose and resolve network-related issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and address operational requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce technical documentation and communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to system maintenance, performance monitoring and continuous improvement.

Desirable experience includes:

• Hands-on experience within Operational Technology (OT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) or similarly regulated environments.
• Experience gained in sectors such as energy, utilities, manufacturing, automation, rail, healthcare or other critical operational environments.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and security controls within OT networks.
• Understanding of web technologies and web interface maintenance.
• Experience with SQL databases and associated tools such as SSIS or SSRS.
• Knowledge of electrical power systems and their operational requirements.
• Experience with database administration.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £48,000 - £60,000- dependent on capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

The closing date for this vacancy is 3rd July. However, we encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. National Grid's recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

DE & I statement: At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value, and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, offering flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. Our goal is to drive, develop, and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives, and business need. We are committed to building a workforce that can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.