At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and improve infrastructure for the UK's digital records using cloud and on-prem technologies.
- Company: Join The National Archives, a key player in preserving the UK's digital heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous benefits package, including training, gym access, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and knowledge sharing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while learning from experienced engineers.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in infrastructure solutions and familiarity with Microsoft technologies required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The National Archives is seeking two engineers to join the Infrastructure team to build and run the infrastructure behind the UK’s digital record. This hands-on role supports platforms behind digital archiving and public services with focus on reliability, security and service recovery. You will join a well-established team that includes Senior Engineers and supports knowledge sharing as the team grows.
Role
- Build, support and improve infrastructure across cloud and on-prem environments
- Work across Azure, AWS, Microsoft 365 and core network and platform services
- Act as a 2nd/3rd line escalation point for incidents and problems
- Improve service reliability, performance and recovery
- Contribute to change, delivery and continuous improvement
What matters here
- Infrastructure that supports long-term access and trust, not just short-term uptime
- A strong focus on service resilience and recovery
- A team environment where knowledge sharing and learning is expected
- Space to develop capability over time as the team grows
Who this might suit
- An engineer ready to step into a broader, more complex environment
- Someone who wants to learn from experienced engineers and build depth over time
- Someone moving from reactive support into more ownership and improvement work
- Someone motivated by working on services that matter beyond the organisation
Contract and working arrangements
- Full-time post with consideration for part-time/flexible working and job share, taking account of operational needs
- Hybrid working: combination of onsite and home working; regular travel to Kew site required (minimum 60% of work time)
- During 1-year probation: onsite presence encouraged and advantageous (minimum 4 days in the office during probation)
- Shared Saturday rota (approximately one Saturday duty per month) paid as overtime
Security and nationality
- SC clearance/willingness to obtain SC clearance required
- Must have been resident in the UK for at least the past three years
- We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role
Application process
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide a summary of your relevant work history and respond to a scenario-based question. Your work history can include formal roles in IT or infrastructure, self-taught experience, training courses or certificates, and transferable experience. Both elements will be assessed against the essential criteria below. Interviews will be held on-site on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st July. AI may be used to support applications, but all content must be truthful and from your own experience. Plagiarism policies apply.
Job Description and Responsibilities
The main purpose is to build, configure and administer the core physical and virtual infrastructure that underpins production services, supporting cloud services, business systems, telecommunications and network infrastructure. This role works with business and digital teams to deliver services, meet service-level agreements, and drive continual service improvement. It provides second- or third-line support for incidents, problems and changes, and supports the department’s Senior IT Infrastructure Engineers.
- Apply technical skills across cloud services (Azure and AWS), Microsoft 365, desktop services, operating systems, LAN/WAN, VoIP, storage, backup, licensing and Wi-Fi
- Undertake incident analysis and resolution with detailed ticketing, guided by incident management procedures
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure service delivery to agreed standards
- Implement changes following approved processes and change control
- Monitor systems to identify and remedy performance issues
- Maintain information security across systems and design security controls
- Create and maintain documentation to required standards
- Undertake other duties as required by IT Infrastructure Services Lead
Planning, Collaboration and Continuity
- Identify and progress technical improvement opportunities; support non-functional requirements and continual service improvement
- Develop and maintain business continuity plans
- Coordinate workload and timelines to meet business needs
- Plan availability for scheduled releases
Requirements
Essential criteria
- Hands-on experience building, configuring, administering, supporting and developing infrastructure solutions in a complex enterprise environment
- Proven track record delivering infrastructure services and projects on time and within budget using structured methodologies
- Familiarity with Microsoft technologies (On-premises and cloud): Windows OS, Active Directory, Group Policy, Configuration Manager, Entra ID and Intune
- Good knowledge of information security processes and government security policy; experience implementing security controls (IPS, firewall, proxy, monitoring) to mitigate threats
- Critical thinking, problem-solving and ability to troubleshoot logically and independently
- Awareness of scripting tools to support deployment and management of infrastructure components
- Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to document clearly for technical and non-technical audiences
Desirable criteria
- Professional qualifications (e.g., Microsoft Certification, CCNA, ITIL)
- Experience of cloud migration projects (e.g., migrations to Microsoft 365, Azure or AWS)
Benefits
Generous benefits package including pension, onsite gym, on-site cafe discounts and opportunities for training and development. Annual leave entitlement of 22 days (rising to 25 after the first year, up to 30 days after six years) plus 10.5 public holidays. Note: childcare vouchers may not be available for moves to The National Archives from another employer.
Other information
Reasonable adjustments available; accessibility and support information can be requested. If you need changes to be made for your application, contact. Candidates must pass security checks. Nationality requirements apply as described in the Civil Service guidelines. This vacancy is open to eligible groups and supports diversity and equal opportunities. For more information, visit the Civil Service Careers website.
Infrastructure Engineer in London employer: The National Archives
The National Archives is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the Infrastructure team. With generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, onsite gym, and opportunities for professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills in a meaningful role that supports the preservation of the UK's digital heritage. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility while maintaining a strong connection to the Kew site, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about impactful public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Infrastructure Engineer in London
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what The National Archives values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges The National Archives might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at The National Archives!
✨Direct Apply to The National Archives
Let's not forget to apply directly through the The National Archives website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Infrastructure Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at The National Archives.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at The National Archives. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Archives
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
