Lab Infrastructure Engineer

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Please note that this advert will close at 00:01 on Friday 24 October and therefore we advise getting your application in no later than midnight on Thursday 23 October.

 

About Ofcom
 

As the UK's communications regulator, we're delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we'll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We're also taking on the challenge of making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.

About the team you'll be part of
 

The Online Safety Technology team conducts research to build knowledge and understanding in subject areas fundamental to online safety. The team provides technical expertise to policy, supervision and enforcement colleagues in the wider Online Safety Group, and others in Ofcom, during policy development processes and industry engagement activities.
 

The Online Safety Technology Lab is based in Manchester and the cloud and plays a critical role in advancing Ofcom's knowledge of technology through experimentation, testing and evaluation. We focus on technologies such as AI, machine learning, advanced network infrastructures, digital identity and privacy-enhancing technologies. Our lab supports both internal research projects and external collaborations, providing a space for hands-on technical exploration that feeds into policy, industry standards, and technological innovation.

The purpose and scope of the role

We are seeking a highly proficient Infrastructure Engineer to support the Online Safety Technology Lab (OSTech Lab) at our Manchester office. The OSTech Lab provides cloud and physical compute resources for research into safety technologies, mostly computer vision and machine learning. This is a new facility and we are looking for someone who is excited to help move the Lab into its next phase of life.
 

This role would suit a skilled infrastructure engineer with experience of managing high spec compute environments. As the OSTech Lab Infrastructure Engineer, you will be responsible for configuring, securing, and maintaining Lab systems, managing access control, and ensuring researchers have the necessary physical and cloud computing resources to support ongoing projects.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong background in research computing, IT infrastructure, or systems administration, who is passionate about building and maintaining a hybrid lab environment with a focus on security, reliability, and efficiency.

Your key responsibilities
 

System management and performance optimisation
 

• Ensure the Linux compute resources of the Lab are running optimally

• Monitor, maintain and troubleshoot Lab systems, including physical and cloud compute

• Define requirements for system upgrades and improvements

Security and compliance
 

• Ensure data security, backups and compliance with relevant policies

• Ensure the Lab operates in compliance with policies governing security, privacy, and responsible technology use

• Manage access control and permissions for Lab users

Resource Scheduling and utilisation
 

• Implement automated scheduling to maximize the efficiency of available compute resources

• Track and maintain physical and digital inventory of Lab assets

Technical support and troubleshooting
 

• Provide technical support for Lab users, troubleshooting access, permissions, and system issues

• Respond to incidents, assess risks, and implement mitigations

• Organize and maintain data records and Lab documentation

Planning and infrastructure development
 

• Recommend and oversee hardware and system upgrades

• Ensure efficient utilization of Azure resources, including automated cost-saving measures (e.g., auto-shutdown)

• Plan and implement improvements to support the Lab's evolving needs

Additional considerations
 

The role may involve exposure to sensitive or distressing content, and appropriate support mechanisms will be in place.
 

The role includes project management responsibilities, coordinating research requirements and infrastructure improvements.
 

Budgetary responsibility may be involved in managing system upgrades and resource allocations

Technical Knowledge, Skill and Experience
 

• Experience of provisioning high spec compute for computer vision and machine learning experimentation

• Experience of Linux, HyperVisor, Azure and containerisation tools such as Docker and Kubernetes

• Experience of provisioning high spec compute for computer vision and machine learning experimentation

• Experience of effective of data storage, access and back up strategies

• Familiarity with cloud security principals

• Experience monitoring and maintaining computing systems

• Experience with cyber security standards

• Experience with encryption standards

• Experience with workflow automation

• Incident response experience

• Ability to convey technical information to both a technical and non-technical audience

Behavioural attributes
 

• Building solutions: Identify and solve complex issues, using evidence-based methods to gather insights and develop well-founded solutions.

• Scanning Horizons: Grasp the bigger picture, foresee upcoming trends and challenges, and ensure actions and decisions are in sync with long-term objectives.

• Executing Plans: Organise tasks and set clear goals, managing resources wisely, while keeping an eye on progress.

• Owning accountabilities: Take responsibility for your actions, decisions, and their outcomes. Show up reliably and commit to getting the job done.

• Articulating ideas: Express your ideas, thoughts, and information in a clear and concise manner, ensuring messages are understood by everyone.

Desirable criteria
 

• Familiarity of working within an ISO 27001 environment

• Familiarity with CVE and MITRE ATT&CK framework

• Familiarity with Service Level Agreements

• Familiarity with GDPR

Inclusivity Statement

Ofcom has a clear mission: to make communications work for everyone.  To be able to deliver on this, we want our organisation to reflect the diversity of background, experience, upbringing and thought that exists across the UK.  We aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – no matter your social background, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or disability. We also warmly welcome applicants who are returning to the workforce after a break – for whatever reason. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application.

Where positions are listed as full-time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares, and other flexible working options. From day one, we champion flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs. You can read more about our Rewards, Benefits and Well-being on our careers page.

Our recruitment processes prioritise accessibility and inclusivity. If you need adjustments, information in an alternative format, or prefer to apply in a different way, please contact us at or call

As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria for advertised roles. Learn more about this scheme here.