Job Vacancy Principal Network Engineer

Bring the fight against climate change into the digital space  
 
As the UK's regulator for the energy industry, we're playing a vital part in accelerating the transition to Net Zero and a carbon neutral energy system, and we need the best people on board to help us go further and faster in pursing the country's climate goals and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.  
 
Joining our IT Operations team as a Network Engineer, you'll be a source of specialist advice on Digital, Data, and Technology matters for a multi-disciplinary team. As Ofgem's internal Technology Network Engineer expert, you'll use your expertise to plan, implement, and oversee Ofgem's IT network. With a focus on delivering the necessary network infrastructure to ensure Ofgem can conduct its online and internal IT activities, you'll proactively resolve technical problems, providing expert guidance to your team and to colleagues across the organisation. You'll design and implement new solutions and improve the resilience of the current environment, directing system installation and defining, documenting, and enforcing system standards.  
 
A seasoned professional, you'll have advanced networking skills and an excellent understanding of networking principles, with demonstratable experience of substantial achievements in past positions. You'll also be an expert in systems design, including systems characterised by high levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity. You'll have the ability to develop effective implementation and procurement strategies, and extensive experience working closely with a wide range of colleagues, including in a leadership capacity. On a personal level, you'll be capable of seeing the bigger picture, with developed communicating and influencing skills and a passion for improving UK wide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable energy.  
 
This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact where it matters, and to take your career to the next level.  
 
Ofgem relies on having a workforce that reflects the society we serve, so we welcome candidates from all backgrounds, and especially those from underrepresented groups. While this is a full-time role, flexible working patterns and job shares are welcome. We will also support you with excellent training and development opportunities, plus a competitive benefits package.

Key Responsibilities 

• We are looking for an experienced engineer to provide vital Information Technology network services to Ofgem. Responsible for the network infrastructure support, covering strategic and tactical enhancements and the continued development of our Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture and it's supporting IT Network Infrastructure.

• This role is part of the Digital, Data and Technology Profession in the Civil Service.  

• As part of department, you are also responsible for a range of services including LAN, WAN, private circuits, Internet and voice services. In addition, the team provides a range of other services such as load balancing, security and web filtering. 

• Provide expertise establish the networking environment by designing system configuration, directing system installation and defining, documenting and enforcing system standards. Design and implement new solutions and improve resilience of the current environment. 

Key Outputs and Deliverables 

• Lead and work within the DDSS function to refresh, design, build, and operate our Cloud and on-premises network services. 

• Design, Support and implement solutions using networking services, such as SD-WAN, MLPS, Core, Edge and Access Networking, Wi-Fi and IPSEC VPN. 

• Monitor and troubleshoot cloud-based applications and services, automate cloud-based deployments using Azure DevOps. 

• Provide technical administration for the Continuity of Operations/Disaster Recovery architecture and planning. 

• Provide documentation and resources to colleagues across Information Services, ensuring that all services are fully supported, and end users have access to appropriate technical Support and information. 

• Provide technical expertise for the Support and Development of the Networks infrastructure. 

• Proactively resolve technical problems, ensuring that security solutions continue to meet business requirements taking accountability for actions taken and decisions made.

• Provide Expert level experience on enterprise networking technologies WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, Proxy, Load Balancers, Firewalling and Network Security.

• Provide expert guidance to help team members deliver, by building supportive, inclusive team environment based on trust-based relationships, transparency and inclusivity. 

Essential Criteria

• (Lead criteria) Layer 2 and layer 3 switched and routed networks, preferably using Cisco hardware, preferably educated to CCNA and CCNP knowledge level (routing and switching). 

• (Lead criteria) Experience in Network Security, including on-premises, cloud and hybrid deployments. Implementation and configuration of SD-WAN networks, network monitoring, and network optimisation. 

• Extensive knowledge of: 

- IP addressing & subnetting using both IPv4 and IPv6 standards. 

- Network protocols and disciplines: OSPF, BGP, SNMP, VPC, BFD, HSRP, STP, VPN, MPLS 

• Technologies and Software Defined Networking and Network Automation in an enterprise environment architecture. 

• Expertise/capability in a related professional specialism, evidenced through an appropriate professional qualification e.g. above Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or vendor equivalent. 

• Coud environments, specifically Azure, e.g. Transit Gateway, Azure Firewall.