At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on network deployments and tackle complex problems in the field.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking water company committed to innovation and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Transform networks while travelling and making a real impact on communities.
- Qualifications: CCNA or CompTIA certification and experience with physical network installations.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you a hands-on Network Engineer who thrives on the open road rather than being chained to a desk? Do you love the satisfaction of physical deployments, complex problem-solving, and seeing the direct impact of your work? We are launching a major, high-priority infrastructure overhaul across our remote sites, and we need a skilled engineer to grab their tools, partner up, and lead the charge from the front lines.
Contract Details:
- Duration: 12 months fixed term, with potential for extension.
- Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
- Location & Setup: This is a field-based role, covering our entire South East geographical area. You will be part of dynamic, collaborative teams of two.
The Mission: Dual-Project Deployment
You won’t just be maintaining the network; you will be actively transforming it. Working in a team of two, you will hit our various geographical sites to run two critical projects simultaneously:
- The NIS Project (Network Security): Install and deploy critical "box" network security hardware to safeguard our infrastructure against modern threats.
- The WAN Upgrade: Rip out and upgrade legacy systems to modern Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure, preventing critical telephone connectivity drops and ensuring our remote treatment and process sites stay online 24/7.
What A Typical Week Looks Like
This is a highly active, 37-hour-a-week field role where no two days are the same. Your main focus will be out on-site doing the heavy lifting of network engineering:
- On-Site Project Execution: Traveling across our regional estate to install, maintain, and decommission physical equipment at data centers and remote processing sites.
- Hardware & Cabling: Mounting network cabinets, switches, and routers (yes, you’ll be using power tools!), and implementing new structured cabling solutions (Ethernet, Cat5e, Cat6a, and single/multimode fiber).
- Power & Protocol Management: Working hands-on with a mix of 230v AC, as well as 24v and 48v DC power systems used by low-voltage routers, switches, and sensors.
- High-Level Support: Backing up the IT Helpdesk by providing expert 2nd and 3rd line support to troubleshoot complex routing, switching, and security issues while on or off-site.
What You’ll Bring:
- The Technical Foundations: CCNA, CompTIA, or equivalent certification/formal training.
- Field Experience: Proven experience with physical network installations, patching, and enclosure mounting.
- Protocol Expertise: Solid knowledge of routing, switching, and network security protocols.
- Versatility: Comfort working with low-voltage DC power systems and a "security-first" mentality.
- Communication Skills: The ability to collaborate closely with your site partner and explain technical solutions clearly to non-technical end-users.
- IT Savvy: Experience with Google Workspace/M365, cloud infrastructure (GCP/Azure/AWS), ITIL frameworks, or a background working within the water/utilities sector.
Note: A full driving license and a willingness to travel across our regional sites are absolute essentials for this role.
We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for. We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits package:
- Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
- Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Health cash plan.
- Life assurance.
- Wellbeing related benefits.
What can you expect from your recruitment?
To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website. It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks. If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!
South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.
Compensation package: Up to £50,000 + company van plus standby costs.
IT Infrastructure Network Engineer in Kent employer: South East Water
At South East Water, we pride ourselves on being an employer that values hands-on experience and teamwork, especially for our IT Infrastructure Network Engineer role. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, flexible holiday options, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic field-based environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact across our diverse communities while enjoying a culture that champions inclusion and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Infrastructure Network Engineer in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend industry meetups, conferences, or local tech events. It's a great way to meet potential employers and other professionals who can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your skills and connect with hiring managers. Share your projects and insights to get noticed!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your experience and technical knowledge confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Remember 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 IT Infrastructure Network Engineer in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience and technical skills relevant to the role. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission of transforming network infrastructure.
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of past projects where you've deployed network solutions or tackled complex problems. This will help us understand your practical experience and problem-solving abilities.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate direct communication that gets to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Water
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around network security and WAN protocols. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with hardware installations and troubleshooting complex issues, as this role demands a solid understanding of the tech you'll be working with.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenging network problems in the past. Think about times when you had to think on your feet or adapt quickly to changing situations, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic field role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be collaborating closely with a partner and explaining solutions to non-technical users, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use simple language to explain complex concepts, and be ready to showcase your teamwork skills during the interview.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Travel Flexibility
As this is a field-based role, be prepared to talk about your willingness to travel across the South East. Highlight any previous experiences where you've managed travel logistics or worked in various locations, as this will show you're ready for the demands of the job.
