Network & Security Engineer in Windsor

Location: Windsor

Onsite: 5 days

Salary: £50k - £60k

Job purpose

Our Client is seeking a skilled Network and Security Engineer with a focus on Cyber Security and Networking to join our IT team. The IT Department provides and supports all core technology services ensuring systems are secure, resilient and capable of supporting teaching, learning and operational delivery. This is a hands-on technical role responsible for securing and developing the Clients network infrastructure, working across our Arista switching and wireless environment. You will ensure the Clients network remains secure, resilient and high performing, while strengthening cyber security controls, monitoring capabilities and safeguarding compliance.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Design, implement and support secure wired and wireless network infrastructure (Arista switching and Wi-Fi platforms), ensuring performance, resilience and appropriate segmentation.
• Manage network routing, switching and access control to maintain secure and reliable connectivity across the campus.
• Maintain and optimise firewall and web filtering platforms to ensure secure access, appropriate content filtering and safeguarding compliance (including KCSIE requirements).
• Monitor network traffic and security events using Splunk and related tooling, investigating alerts and supporting detection, containment and remediation of incidents.
• Support vulnerability management processes across network and security infrastructure.
• Contribute to the development of network resilience, segmentation and cyber security controls.
• Produce safeguarding and security-related reporting to support pastoral and safeguarding teams.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network topology, security configurations and standards.
• Work with external partners and service providers to maintain high levels of security and availability.
• Support disaster recovery and business continuity planning from a security and network perspective.
• Promote cyber security awareness.
• Provide 2nd/3rd line support for complex network and security issues.
• Support compliance with relevant security and data protection frameworks, including Cyber Essentials, NCSC guidance and ISO-aligned standards where applicable.

All employees are also expected to:

• Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions are classed as 'regulated activity'.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required, complying with all safeguarding procedures and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the clients are read and understood.
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.
• Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Skills and competencies required

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Strong experience supporting enterprise network infrastructure (switching, routing and wireless environments).
• Experience working with modern network platforms (experience with Arista would be advantageous).
• Practical understanding of cyber security principles, threat monitoring and operational security controls.
• Experience using SIEM or monitoring platforms (experience with Splunk would be highly advantageous);
• Knowledge of secure network segmentation, filtering and access control models.
• Experience investigating and responding to security alerts or anomalous network activity.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to analyse complex network or security issues.
• Experience designing or implementing resilient, high-availability network architectures.
• Experience operating at 2nd/3rd line support level within a network or security focused environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a structured and methodical approach.

Desirable

• Security-focused certifications (e.g. Security+, GIAC or similar).
• Network-related certifications (e.g. CCNA, CCNP or Arista ACE L2/3).
• Experience with Arista network platforms.
• Experience using Splunk for security monitoring or reporting.
• Familiarity with Cyber Essentials, NCSC guidance or similar security frameworks.
• Experience working within an educational environment.

You may enjoy this role if:

• You can work effectively within a team environment.
• You have a passion for information and communications technology.
• You are confident and willing to build on knowledge acquired to date.
• You are an excellent communicator with a friendly and helpful manner.

Working pattern

You will be working 35 hours per week (core hours 8am to 6pm) Monday to Friday. You will be working 52 weeks per year. You will be entitled to 28 days holiday, 3 of these days must be reserved for the Christmas shut down. If a bank holiday falls during a school term period, you will be required to work this day and you will receive an additional day's holiday in lieu.

Disclosure checks

Our Client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as "spent" under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to.