At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage complex network infrastructure across data centres and local sites.
- Company: Join a high-performing team focused on operational excellence in secure environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £65,000 plus benefits and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration in tech.
- Qualifications: Must have active SC clearance and strong networking knowledge; hands-on experience required.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive engineers looking to make an impact in a secure environment.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: Cheltenham, UK (Hybrid, 2–3 days onsite)
Type: Permanent / Fixed Term
Salary: £65,000 per annum + Benefits
Start Date: ASAP
Clearance: Active SC Clearance required (British Citizens only)
Overview
We are seeking an experienced NOC Engineer to join a high-performing team responsible for the support and operation of complex network infrastructure across multiple data centres and local sites. This role is ideally suited to a proactive engineer with a strong background in networking, data centre environments, and operational excellence within a secure environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide operational and administrative support for network environments across UK-based data centres and local sites.
- Respond to incidents and service requests within an ITIL framework.
- Support and manage escalations, major incidents (P1), and ticket analysis.
- Collaborate with internal teams across Cyber Security, Applications, and Infrastructure.
- Execute and document changes following strict change control procedures.
- Maintain and improve asset and configuration management records (CMDB).
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Identify and implement automation opportunities across processes.
Required Skills & Experience
- Active SC Clearance (must be current – expired/lapsed not eligible).
- Strong knowledge of network data and security technologies.
- Hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, proxies.
- Experience with monitoring tools such as Cisco DNA-C, Prime, Nagios, PRTG, Infoblox, and Cisco ISE.
- Familiarity with ITSM tools such as ServiceNow.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Willingness to participate in on-call support rotation (including P1 response).
Desirable Skills
- Strong understanding of data centre architecture and service management.
- Experience with packet analysis and VPN/WAF/firewall solutions.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly and effectively.
- Focus on service uptime and customer-first support.
- Automation-first mindset with demonstrable outcomes.
Eligibility
Due to the nature of the role, candidates must hold active SC clearance and be British citizens.
Network Operations Center Engineer employer: SmartChoice International Limited
Contact Detail:
SmartChoice International Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Operations Center Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your active SC clearance in any conversations or networking opportunities. This is a crucial requirement for the role, and showcasing it early can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific monitoring tools mentioned in the job description, such as Cisco DNA-C and Nagios. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during interviews will demonstrate your technical proficiency.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals already working in NOC roles or similar positions. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with ITIL frameworks and how you've applied them in past roles. Being able to articulate your understanding of incident management and service requests will show that you're aligned with the operational excellence expected in this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Operations Center Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in network operations, data centre environments, and any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to ensure your application stands out.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your understanding of the responsibilities. Mention your active SC clearance and how your skills align with the requirements, particularly in incident response and collaboration with internal teams.
Showcase Technical Skills: In your application, emphasise your hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and monitoring tools. Provide specific examples of how you've used these technologies in previous roles to demonstrate your expertise.
Highlight Communication Abilities: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, include examples of how you've effectively communicated in past positions, especially in high-pressure situations or during major incidents.
How to prepare for a job interview at SmartChoice International Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and monitoring tools. Highlight specific projects or incidents where you successfully resolved technical issues, as this will demonstrate your capability in a NOC environment.
✨Understand the ITIL Framework
Since the role involves responding to incidents within an ITIL framework, brush up on ITIL principles. Be ready to explain how you've applied these principles in past roles, particularly in managing escalations and major incidents.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with internal teams, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can work well within a team and handle customer-first support.
✨Demonstrate Your Automation Mindset
The job requires identifying and implementing automation opportunities. Think of instances where you've improved processes through automation and be ready to discuss the outcomes. This will highlight your proactive approach and focus on operational excellence.