Job Application

Job Title: Network Engineer

Salary: Band D S2 £39,375 gross per annum OR Band E S2 £48,802 gross per annum (Depending upon experience)

Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK

Contract Type: Up to 2 x Permanent Positions

Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and offer flexible working, but do require at least 4 days a week on-site)

Due to the requirement of obtaining an enhanced security clearance for this role, we are only able to accept applications from persons who have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.

Come and do the kind of engineering that made you want to be an engineer. Stretch your technical skills while building human understanding. Promote sustainability and create new materials. And, alongside world-leading scientists, technicians and technologists, shape projects that improve lives, and daily life, in the UK and far beyond.

Put simply, come and discover the impact you can make when you're equipped, encouraged and inspired to perform to your very best.

About the Role:

Here at the National Quantum Computing Centre, we have an exciting opportunity for a Network Engineer to join our Operations team. You will be working alongside scientists, engineers, developers, and experts in quantum technologies, working to enhance the UK's quantum computing capabilities. You will be an essential member in supporting the delivery of our ambitious technology roadmap for supporting quantum computing for the UK.

The NQCC oversees diverse projects for classical and quantum technologies, aiding quantum computer development in our labs. This involves intricate software, high-performance computing, security, and collaborations. We seek a candidate to optimise network infrastructure, ensuring performance, security, and adherence to best practices. This role requires network expertise, security awareness, and a commitment to staying current. The candidate will manage the integrated NQCC network, serving various IT systems whilst collaborating with multiple teams.

You will manage NQCC's networking infrastructure, ensuring stable 365/24/7 service while aligning with security policies. Leading networking projects, you will coordinate resources and maintain cyber, network, and data security across all stages. Your role involves advising stakeholders on networking advancements, managing projects within NQCC's framework, and implementing new technology for operational enhancement. You will work with cross-functional teams, maintain thorough technical documentation, and generate accurate network service reports. Collaboration with the benefits and evaluation team will be crucial for project success, as you promote positive change and continuous improvement throughout the process.

This is an outline description of the key responsibilities and accountabilities involved in the job. This is not an exhaustive list, and the successful applicant might be expected to undertake any other duties across NQCC, appropriate to the Band and level of responsibility of this post, for which the post-holder has the necessary experience and/or training.

Person Specification

Prior knowledge of quantum computing is not required to apply for this role, but it would be an advantage. We offer significant development and training opportunities. Applicants for this role should meet the following criteria:

Essentials

Experience in managing complex network infrastructures. Proficiency in LAN, WAN, VLANs, routing, and switching protocols. Familiarity with network monitoring and optimization.

Good grasp of network security principles/practices, Firewalls, and encryption.

Proactive problem-solving and attention to detail.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Understanding of cyber-security, testing tools, authentication, encryption, and cloud services. (Required for Band E)

Strong grasp of network security principles/practices, Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and encryption. (Required for Band E)

Analytical mindset for efficient issue resolution, especially under pressure. (Required for Band E)

Experience supporting networks for HPC clusters and distributed computing. (Required for Band E)

Desirable

Leadership of a skilled networking team.

Relevant certifications (eg, CCNA, CompTIA Network+) and/or Degree in relevant discipline.

Familiarity with Cloud Service (eg, AWS, Azure, GCP)

Experience with SDN and virtualisation.

Proficient in Python, Bash, or PowerShell.

Understanding of project management tools, techniques, risks, and benefits.

Knowledge of UKRI, academic networks (eg JANET2)

You would need to be available to occasionally travel/work within the UK and overseas for workshops, conferences, and meeting, when required.

Our Benefits

UKRI recognises and values employees as individuals and aim to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability. The reward package includes a flexible working scheme (subject to business requirements), generous average-salary Defined Benefit pension scheme and 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.

Who are we?

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is a new research centre funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), which is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scalability.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the role and a requirement to support diverse projects, the successful candidate is required to successfully complete national pre-employment control checks to the BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) to fulfil the role. Once in post you will need to successfully complete a Security Check (SC) clearance.

Join us and discover what's possible!

About the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)

As part of the UK's National Quantum Technologies Programme, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is leading a programme to establish a National Quantum Computing Centre, which includes a commitment of £93m over 5 years, dedicated to drive development in the field of Quantum Computing and to place the UK at the forefront of the field. The Centre is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

A purpose-built National Quantum Computing Centre will be built and operated by UKRI at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) campus in Oxfordshire. The Centre will be open and operational by December 2022. Until then, the NQCC's activities are taking place in other facilities on the Harwell Campus or at partnering institutions. The NQCC will sit alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and will be part of the broader National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP).

The primary purpose of the NQCC is to fill a key gap in the research and innovation landscape addressing the challenge of scaling quantum computing. However, this technology is immature and extensive development work is needed to scale the fundamental science to provide usable computing systems.

The NQCC's initial 5 years will focus on developing a Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) machine to demonstrate the technology as well as software, algorithm and applications development. The longer-term aim is to scale the technology towards an error and noise-free fault-tolerant machine capability with benchmarking and verification demonstrated in collaboration with the UK and international partners. The NQCC will give assured and direct access to early prototype machines to developers and promote the formation of a strong UK-based quantum computing supply chain.

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.

We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found on our website.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit How we support EDI in the workforce'.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the experience' section of the application.