IT Infrastructure Engineer in Southampton

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight. Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

The IT Infrastructure Engineer role is to plan, direct and coordinate the design, installation and connectivity of IT systems and infrastructure to ensure the stable operation of SWR's IT assets. This includes developing, configuring, maintaining, supporting and optimizing all new and existing infrastructure platforms, software and communication links. This role is also responsible for the effective technical management of all data centre environments, security systems and other electronic infrastructure. The role will require the post holder to manage and drive the IT Infrastructure team to achieve a high standard of work in order to ensure all IT systems are available at all times.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Maintain a high performing IT Infrastructure at SWR.
• Implement short and long-term strategic solutions to server infrastructure and hardware/cloud capacity meets existing and future requirements.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies/procedures for all IT Infrastructure related tasks.
• Provide “ownership” of third line technical issues through final resolution.
• Installation of on-premise, cloud based and hybrid solutions for SWR IT and Digital development.
• Conduct research and make recommendations on IT Infrastructure products, services, protocols and standards in support of improving the IT Infrastructure at SWR.
• Prepare scope of work reports and other documentation for IT projects and associated efforts.
• Participate and contribute to IT Infrastructure and business led projects as and when required.
• Support all existing cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, etc.) and contribute to development of new platforms.
• Assess and administer all equipment, hardware and software upgrades.
• Manage and ensure operational effectiveness of all servers and backup servers and their associated operating systems and software.
• Support the optimal operation of network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, UPSs and any peripheral kit.
• Manage and ensure effectiveness of security solutions, including firewalls, anti-virus solutions and intrusion detection systems.
• Test server performance and provide performance statistics and reports; develop strategies for maintaining server estate.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to members of the wider IT team to encourage personal development.
• Be an ambassador for IT, working across the business to provide effective communication on IT matters and build relationships with other teams to ensure effective dialogue between departments.
• Contribute to departmental policy, procedures and practices on matters such as security, health and safety, environmental controls, service facilities and media storage.
• Ensure full records for IT Infrastructure kit is maintained at all times.
• Submit Requests For Change submissions as part of the Change Approval Board.
• Work with internal stakeholders and third party suppliers to ensure actions are taken and completed to protect and improve services.
• Take responsibility for management information and reporting required for South Western Railway and key partners.

You’ll need to be:

• A passion for technology.
• Previous experience working with server OS (Windows Server, Linux) and virtual appliances.
• Maintaining existing cloud infrastructure instances (AWS, Azure, etc).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to support and mentor junior staff.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Able to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility including shift and out of hours working.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Able to manage sensitive and sometimes confidential information.
• Able to manage and prioritise tasks and time efficiently.
• Able to demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to daily tasks.
• Possess excellent problem solving skills.
• Specifying and building cloud instances (AWS, Azure, etc).
• Experience maintaining DNS records and generating certificates.
• Experience maintaining firewall technologies.
• Previous minimum 5 years' experience as an IT professional.
• Experience of managing 3rd parties and 3rd party delivered services.

About the location

South Western Railways HQ is based on the 4th Floor at South Bank Central, a stone's throw from the River Thames and a 10 minute walk from our busiest station, Waterloo. It is local to many well-known attractions, restaurants and retail facilities and is easily accessible by public transport.

Working pattern

Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days, Monday-Friday, office hours - On call cover part of a rota.

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees.
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent).
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies.
• Full training and support with development.

Applicants who require a visa must have at least 6 months remaining at the time of their appointment.

For more information and to submit an application please go to: https://apply.southwesternrailway.com/jobs/vacancy/628/description