At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and maintain STFC’s IT Network, focusing on security and innovative solutions.
- Company: Join the Science and Technology Facilities Council, a leader in scientific advancements.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working, and a defined benefit pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for social activities and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in network management, firewalls, and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58346 - 64179 £ per year.
Base Pay Range: £58,346 - £64,179 gross per annum (dependent on skills and experience)
Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance and are happy to discuss flexible working opportunities with candidates)
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Security Clearance: This role requires SC Clearance. Eligibility criteria are set out at the end of the role profile.
About Us
At the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), we are dedicated to supporting ground‑breaking projects across various scientific disciplines, delivering economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people. As part of UK Research and Innovation, we pride ourselves on equipping, encouraging and inspiring our employees to perform at their very best.
Benefits
- 30 days of holiday + 10.5 public/privilege days
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid home‑based options
- Defined benefit pension scheme
- On‑site childcare facility, tax‑free childcare and childcare vouchers
- Employee discount sites
- Access to a variety of social and sporting activities and societies
- Subsidised on‑site restaurant
About the Role
We are seeking a talented Senior Network Engineer to join our Digital Infrastructure team. You will support and maintain STFC’s IT Network with a focus on firewall, routing, Wi‑Fi and security systems. As a Senior Network Engineer, you will leverage extensive expertise in LAN and WAN, IP address management, firewalls, security access control systems to deliver innovative solutions and ensure network stability and security. The position may require travel to other STFC sites, partner and supplier offices.
Key Responsibilities
- Support STFC WAN, site LAN, routing, Wi‑Fi, firewall, network security, IPAM, network access control and cloud telephony.
- Collaborate with other teams to ensure IT systems and services meet evolving needs.
- Participate in projects and oversee new service transitions.
Person Specification
- Enterprise firewall management.
- Experience in routers and routing management.
- Knowledge and experience running multi‑site network environments.
- Experience managing and configuring Layer 2 and Layer 3 network switches, DNS and DHCP services.
- Experience in Extreme Cloud IQ Wi‑Fi management system or equivalent and excellent knowledge of a Network Access Control system (preferably Clearpass).
- IP Address Management experience using Infoblox solutions or equivalent.
- Experience in fibre and cable management.
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
Security Clearance
The post attracts a National Security Vetting clearance. To meet national security vetting requirements, you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years for CTC, 5 years for SC and 10 years for DV prior to the date of application. All DV posts are required to be UK Nationals.
Join us and discover what’s possible.
Senior Network Engineer employer: STFC
At the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, located at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment where every employee is empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including generous leave and a pension scheme, and the opportunity to work alongside world-class experts in science and technology, we offer a unique platform for growth and exploration in your career. Join us in our mission to push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute to groundbreaking advancements that benefit society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Network Engineer
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including STFC, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through STFC
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at STFC. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Network Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at STFC insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to STFC that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at STFC
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at STFC to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at STFC.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
