Data Centre Network Engineer, Francis Crick

• The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
• Experience of networking technologies or equivalent industry experience
• Experience developing, delivering and supporting networks in a complex large scale environment
• Cisco CCNP/Juniper JNCIP or equivalent certification/industry experience
• A demonstrable track record of implementing, maintaining, and resolving problems relating to operating and network systems, and applications
• Data Centre Networking Technologies
• Data Centre Infrastructure Management
• Data Centre cooling and power including environmental monitoring
• Network security solutions including Firewall and VPN
• Layer 3 services and protocols including OSPF, BGP and VRFs
• Network segmentation
• Network Access Control, IEEE 802.1X and RADIUS technologies
• DNS, DHCP, IPAM (DDI) systems
• Network monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Network infrastructure maintenance, software upgrades and troubleshooting
• A demonstrable ability to balance multiple priorities and operate comfortably in an environment that is developing and changing rapidly both in terms of staffing and scope of work
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven track record of building effective working relationships at all levels

Desirable

• Reports to the Head of Networks
• The Data Centre Network Engineer is part of the Networks team, playing an important role in supporting the IT Network as the subject matter expert on data centre technologies and operations
• The role focusses on data centre networking and operation of the on-site data centre and associated equipment rooms
• The post holder will also be involved with core routing technologies, network security and internet services. Working within the team, the post holder can expect exposure to a wide range of networking equipment, technologies, and solutions
• The Data Centre Network Engineer will also support the business-as-usual activities including monitoring, on-going support, automation, and optimisation of the network services
• They will recognise when projects and small works are required in support of this and contribute to the successful delivery of these and other projects
• The post holder will need to forge close working relationships with the wider ITO team, the building services team, Science Operations and partner organisations to secure, operate and develop networking services within the Data Centre and elsewhere
• Managing the operation of data centre and server equipment rooms, ensuring that all areas are secure and maintained and the users are adhering to the code of conduct
• Ownership and development of underpinning data centre management and monitoring systems
• A focus on reducing the Crick’s carbon footprint by working with the Facilities and Infrastructure team to ensure areas are working to their optimum efficiency in respect of heating, ventilation and power
• Working closely with Infrastructure and High Performance Computing teams, advising on any installation requirements such as power provision, racking and stacking
• Technical lead for the DDI (DNS,DHCP & IPAM), DCIM and Infrastructure cable management platforms
• Management and operation of the data centre network alongside other network team colleagues
• Managing third-party vendors and system implementation partners where required
• Daily system monitoring, verifying the integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems, and key processes, reviewing system and application logs, support ticket queues and verifying completion of scheduled jobs such as backups
• Carrying out diagnosis and investigation of anomalies or in response to incidents, and working to resolve these in a timely manner both during and outside of normal working hours if necessary
• Continual service improvement across the full network service lifecycle, including identification and resolution of underlying technical or procedural issues to improve system reliability and performance, and the analysis and reporting of network data – capacity, performance, security access, and projected usage
• Automation of manual tasks following identification of those where this would bring material benefit in cost or time saving, or minimisation of human error
• Interacting with other Crick teams and service partners to operate and maintain networked services in the building, capture network connectivity requirements, produce appropriate designs, ensure smooth delivery of projects, and optimise systems
• Creating and maintaining operational and design documentation to ensure effective support and that the impact of future change requests can be assessed
• Maintaining an awareness and focus on the network industry, new solutions and technologies and how they affect the Crick, and the requirements of users to ultimately deliver outstanding service
• Maintaining appropriate technical depth and breadth, through industry-wide recognised qualifications where appropriate