At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT systems management and enhance secure communications for critical operations.
- Company: Join AWE, a leader in nuclear threat reduction with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, competitive salary, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Limited remote work; excellent opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role while developing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT systems management and a passion for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 € per year.
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
Package: Up to £55,000 per annum (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).
Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.
Ready to play your part? At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. The Nuclear Threat Reductions (NTR) Operations team are looking for an IT specialist with experience of managing IT systems in a live operational environment to join the team. This is a hands-on role involving working within the IT & Communications team, who manage and maintain all the secure communications and IT systems used by AWE staff to support the response capabilities that NTR are involved with.
As an IT & Communications Specialist you will:
- Be the technical lead within the team maintaining the IT & Communications systems used in support of NTR's response capabilities, delivering based on schedule, cost and quality.
- Work within a small team to become the technical lead overseeing allocation of tasks and contributing to wider projects where IT and secure communications systems feature.
- Enhance the shared understanding of the technological requirements of the IT & Communications systems used across the response capability.
- Maintain existing, and develop new capabilities, within NTR's IT & Communications team; ensuring they are fit for purpose now and in the future.
- Support the development of an overarching configuration control and maintenance policy for all hardware and software making sure they are maintained, stored, configured and used against agreed processes and procedures.
- Effectively diagnose technical issues with the skills to fault find and fix utilising compliant solutions, utilising skills honed working in an operational environment.
- Lead continuous improvement activities/reviews across network systems, hardware and software identifying capability gaps and implementing solutions as required.
- Assist in leading, coaching and developing the IT & Communications team in order to meet operational plans.
- Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.
Who are we looking for?
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:
- Experience of managing and maintaining IT hardware at different classification levels brought from working in live operational environments.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the security requirements for compliance around such systems.
- Extensive experience in managing IT networks in classified environments.
- Experience managing cryptographic assets.
- Awareness of JSP 440 and JSP 490 or equivalent.
- Knowledge and operational experience of working with compartmented systems.
- Experience in developing company policy and procedure in relation to IT systems, to adhere to best practice.
- Knowledge and experience of procurement and through life management of IT hardware and software.
- Ability to communicate with and influence internal and external stakeholders.
- Able to work independently while collaborating effectively when needed.
- Willing to identify and undertake continuous improvement activities to develop the capabilities within NTR.
- Working knowledge of utilising Defence Lines of Development to ensure proposed requirements are properly captured to enable capability development and integration.
- Experience of making sure IT systems are compliant through secure by design process, working with assurance and developing standard operating procedures.
Please note that candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and must hold a valid UK driving licence.
Work hard, be rewarded: We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:
- 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
- Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
- Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
- Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
- Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
- Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
- Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'. Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.
NTR IT & Communications Specialist - Aldermaston employer: What Jobs
At AWE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment that supports national security. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our award-winning benefits, including a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave policies, and professional development opportunities. Join us at our Aldermaston site, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative and supportive work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NTR IT & Communications Specialist - Aldermaston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at AWE through LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the IT & Communications Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge of compliance requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in live operational environments, as this will show you're the right fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership abilities! If you’ve led projects or teams before, make sure to highlight these experiences during your discussions. AWE values team players who can also take charge when needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the AWE family.
We think you need these skills to ace NTR IT & Communications Specialist - Aldermaston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in IT systems and communications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When detailing your experience, focus on the technical aspects that relate to the role. Mention any specific IT systems you've managed, especially in operational environments, as this will really catch our eye.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to IT systems and secure communications. Be prepared to discuss your experience managing IT hardware and networks in classified environments, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved technical issues in live operational settings. Highlight your ability to fault find and implement compliant solutions, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Compliance Landscape
Familiarise yourself with security requirements and compliance standards like JSP 440 and JSP 490. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the importance of maintaining secure IT systems.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working within a small team, be prepared to talk about your experience leading and developing team members. Share examples of how you've collaborated effectively with others to achieve operational goals.