Principal Data Centre Engineer
Principal Data Centre Engineer

Principal Data Centre Engineer

Reading Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Virgin Media O2

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and innovate within our Core Data Centre technologies, ensuring top-notch service delivery.
  • Company: Join Virgin Media O2, the UK's fastest broadband network and a beloved mobile brand.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic rewards package, inclusive culture, and support for your personal growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a high-profile team making a real impact in tech and infrastructure.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience with Cisco, F5, and Fortinet technologies; strong troubleshooting skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career advancement and personal development.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

Overview

We have a new role for a Principal Data Centre Engineer to join our Core Infrastructure Support (CIS) team within Network Operations. The team is responsible for providing 3rd Line support for the platforms within our control with a focus on Cisco, Fortinet and F5 technologies.

You will be responsible and accountable for supporting the Core Data Centre technologies (Routing, Switching, Firewall and Load Balancing) which provide business critical services. Working as part of a high-profile team, providing expert level support and delivering innovative solutions.

The role is a blend of BAU operational support and ensuring new projects and services are delivered to the highest standards by working closely with project delivery teams to ensure operational acceptance criteria are fulfilled.

You will seek opportunities to Simplify, Standardise and Consolidate with the aim of making in-life support efficiencies.

As a senior member of the team, you will also provide technical and task leadership for junior members of the CIS Data Centre team.

Who we are

The UK’s fastest broadband network. The nation’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK\’s biggest companies too.

Diverse, high performing teams – jam packed with serious talent. Together, we offer the UK more choice and better value, through our boundary-pushing, customer-championing values and ambitions.

Together, we are Virgin Media O2, and we can\’t wait to see what you can do.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we\’re working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

Must haves

  • Extensive experience in supporting Data Centre network infrastructure, Cisco (Nexus [Fixed and Modular], ASR, ASA, Firepower, ISR, Catalyst), F5 (LTM, GTM, AFM, AWAF) and Fortinet.
  • Operating, configuring and troubleshooting NXOS, IOS XE/XR, F5 TMOS operating systems, FortiOS
  • Strong understanding of the majority of the following protocols: BGP, ISIS, VRF, OTV, STP, IPSec, PKI, VDC, VPC, VRRP, HSRP technologies.
  • Fundamental knowledge of management protocols and secure implementation of SSH, AAA (TACACS+), Syslog, SNMP, NTP
  • In-depth understanding of underlying network fundamentals not limited to TCP/IP, Routing, L2/L3 Switching and the OSI model.
  • Certifications or suitable real-world experience to cover one or more of the below:
  • Cisco, CCNP Data Centre, Cisco CCNP Security
  • F5 Technical Certified Technical Specialist in one or more tracks, LTM, DNS, ASM or APM
  • Fortinet NSE Certifications in one or more areas

The other stuff we are looking for

  • Previous experience in a support role in a Tier 1 Internet or Telco Service Provider.
  • Strong process-oriented skills for logical thinking, troubleshooting, problem solving and problem resolution.
  • Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and the ability to adapt to technical and non-technical audiences (up to HoD/Director level).
  • Degree in a related field.

What’s in it for you

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

Next steps

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we\’d love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date.

When you apply, you\’ll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we\’ll be sure to discuss it with you.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you’re offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family.

Seniority level

  • Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Full-time

Job function

  • Information Technology
  • Industries

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Get notified about new Data Center Engineer jobs in Reading, England, United Kingdom.

Note: This description originally included multiple location mentions and dates; these have been simplified and sanitized for clarity.

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Principal Data Centre Engineer employer: Virgin Media O2

At Virgin Media O2, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and inclusion. As a Principal Data Centre Engineer, you will benefit from a comprehensive rewards package, ample opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies in a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages innovation.
Virgin Media O2

Contact Detail:

Virgin Media O2 Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Data Centre Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just chat with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on that Principal Data Centre Engineer role you’re after!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with Cisco, Fortinet, or F5 technologies, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Share examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles – it’ll help you stand out as a top candidate.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t be shy about reaching out directly to hiring managers or recruiters. A quick message expressing your interest can go a long way. Plus, applying through our website gives you a better chance to get noticed!

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership abilities, especially if you’re looking to guide junior team members.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Centre Engineer

Cisco Technologies (Nexus, ASR, ASA, Firepower, ISR, Catalyst)
F5 Technologies (LTM, GTM, AFM, AWAF)
Fortinet Technologies
NXOS, IOS XE/XR, F5 TMOS, FortiOS
BGP, ISIS, VRF, OTV, STP, IPSec, PKI, VDC, VPC, VRRP, HSRP
SSH, AAA (TACACS+), Syslog, SNMP, NTP
TCP/IP, Routing, L2/L3 Switching, OSI Model
Cisco CCNP Data Centre Certification
Cisco CCNP Security Certification
F5 Technical Certified Specialist
Fortinet NSE Certifications
Logical Thinking
Troubleshooting Skills
Problem Solving Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Data Centre Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Cisco, Fortinet, and F5 technologies, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention your problem-solving skills and any leadership experience you have.

Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t hesitate to showcase your ability to adapt your message for different audiences. We love a good communicator!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the Virgin Media O2 family!

How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O2

✨Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Cisco, Fortinet, and F5 technologies. Be prepared to discuss specific protocols like BGP and VRF, and have examples ready that showcase your troubleshooting skills with NXOS and IOS operating systems.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Data Centre Engineer, you'll be expected to lead junior team members. Think of instances where you've provided guidance or mentorship in previous roles, and be ready to share these experiences during the interview.

✨Communicate Clearly

Strong communication is key, especially when explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and consider how you can adapt your language based on who you're speaking to.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

Prepare to discuss past challenges you've faced in a support role and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your logical thinking and process-oriented skills.

Principal Data Centre Engineer
Virgin Media O2
Location: Reading
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