Assistant Network & Firewall Specialist

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?
For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent - Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.
It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?

• Information Services and Security have a vital role to play in a crucial national mission. We’re here to enable the organisation to deliver through the use of technology. As AWE transforms itself to meet the needs of the UK’s next-generation nuclear deterrent, we need to adapt to deliver data-driven decision making, flexible and future-proofed IT services, adaptable cyber security, support to a multi-billion Pound building programme, and many more.
  The scale might be daunting to some, but you’ll find it stimulating. We’ve got a long journey that we’ve only just started and we’re looking for motivated people who can take us in the right direction. Your role will contribute directly to that shared mission. We won’t deceive you, in some areas we’re starting from a low base, but within ten years this organisation will look very different, and you can help make that happen. This is a role where you’ll contribute to a legacy of national security for decades to come. So come and join us.
  AWE are seeking a dedicated Network Engineer to support and maintain AWE’s Firewall and Network Systems. Each day offers a new challenge and learning opportunity.
  Location - Reading area. This role is a site based role which cannot be done from home.
  Salary - from £27,980
  As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:
  
• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
• Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
• A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
• Life Assurance
• 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 for your family
• A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing - more information available on our careers site
• The Role:
  Reporting to the IT Manager, the successful Network Engineer will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of routers, switches and firewalls and the day to day running of multiple networks.
  The role will include:
  
• Use network management tools to investigate, diagnose and resolve network problems within service level agreement tolerances.
• Ensuring all network equipment is fit for purpose and running the latest stable firmware.
• Escalate significant issues to the Line Manager.
• Ensure network services are maintained and up to date through routine configuration/installation of hardware and software.
• Support of project work and travel to remote sites will be required.
• Ensure Network configurations are up to date and standardised.
• Create and ensure Network documentation is up to date.
• The Candidate:
  To be considered for this position, we are looking for candidates who have the following skills, qualifications and experience:
  
• Previous proven experience within a networking environment.
• Working to high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.
• Good communicator (Written and oral) with sound facilitation skills that can be related to colleagues of all levels including contractors.
• Ability to operate under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good technical investigation and problem-solving skills.
• Highly proficient computing skills.
• Maintain technical skills to support latest network hardware/software.
• Juniper Certification would be advantageous .
• Ideally experience of working in a secure environment.
• Knowledge of protocols, especially OSPF and 802.1X
• Data Centre experience advantageous.
• Other requirements:
  
• Willingness to work flexibly and to occasionally work evenings and weekends where exceptional circumstances require it.
• On call roster duties will be required.
• All Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.
  

Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.