Network Operations Lead Engineer

Location: Doncaster, United Kingdom

Thales people architect identity management and data protection solutions at the heart of digital security. Business and governments rely on us to bring trust to the billions of digital interactions they have with people. Our technologies and services help banks exchange funds, people cross borders, energy become smarter and much more. More than 30,000 organizations already rely on us to verify the identities of people and things, grant access to digital services, analyze vast quantities of information and encrypt data to make the connected world more secure.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space.

Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

The Network Operations Lead Engineer is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of customer systems, ensuring the continuous monitoring, maintenance, and performance optimization of both infrastructure and associated services. The ideal candidate will lead a team of network analysts and engineers to swiftly identify and resolve network issues, minimize downtime, and maintain high service availability and quality of service.

• Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in network operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, ITIL, PMP).
• You will be required to hold or successfully apply for SC and NPPV3 security clearances.
• Strong understanding of networking technologies, infrastructure technology and hardware.
• Experience with network monitoring configuration, deployment and operation.
• Familiar with Cryptographic handling and controls. Ideal candidate would have experience as a Crypto Custodian.
• Experience with network monitoring tools such as SolarWinds, or similar.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage team members and coordinate with other departments.
• Ability to develop strategic plans and manage projects.
• Able to work flexibly to support a dynamic operational environment and requirements.

• Lead and manage the Network Operations Centre team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Oversee real-time monitoring of network infrastructure, servers, and telecommunications systems to detect and resolve faults or performance issues.
• Take ownership for the handling and control of Cryptographic material across the Operations Centre.
• Develop and enforce operational procedures, standards, and best practices to ensure efficient incident response and network reliability.
• Manage escalation processes and coordinate with other IT teams, vendors, and service providers to resolve complex network problems.
• Analyse network performance data and generate reports to identify trends, predict potential issues, and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements related to network operations.
• Plan and implement network maintenance activities, upgrades, and enhancements with minimal disruption.
• Budget management and resource allocation for NOC operations.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, proactive problem-solving, and customer service excellence within the team.
• Stay updated with the latest network technologies and industry developments to recommend improvements and innovations.

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes:

• 37 hour working week with flexible hours.
• Pension Scheme.
• 201 hours of Annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays).
• 24 hours paid time for external volunteering work.
• Life Cover.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app.
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers.
• Gym membership discounts.

We’re committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer, diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.