Senior Networks Infrastructure Engineer

Details
Reference number

431808

Salary

£55,575

Roles based in London will receive an additional London Weighting (Per Annum) of £4218

This position attracts a Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) of £3000 (Per Annum) available as an addition to the advertised salary.

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer

NCA - Grade 3, Police - Chief Inspector/Inspector

Contract type

Permanent

Loan

Secondment

Length of employment

This role is available on a permanent basis. Candidates may opt for a 24-month Loan or Secondment if appropriate.

Business area

NCA - DDaT

Type of role

Architecture and Data

Digital

Information Technology

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

2

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

London*, Warrington

• For roles based in London, your contractual place of work will be Stratford. While the Stratford site is expected to become operational from November 2025 – March 2026, you will be required to carry out your contractual duties from Vauxhall or another reasonable location on a temporary basis during the interim period. Please note that, as Stratford will be your contractual place of work, any subsequent move from a temporary location will not entitle you to payments for travel time or costs under the Relocation and Excess Travel Policy.

About the job
Job summary

We are currently looking to recruit a Senior Networks Infrastructure Engineer to work within the Targeted Interception (Domestic) Engineering team, which forms part of the Specialist Operational Services function.

The Specialist Operational Services (SOS) team works within the wider DDaT Enterprise Services function and runs and maintains the NCAs most sensitive operationally focused front-line IT services. The team is comprised of IT professionals, law enforcement and staff with an technology focused mind-set, willing to go that extra mile to achieve real world benefits for the UK. Together, we ensure that specialist services are fit for purpose, agile, delivered 24/7 and have a direct impact on the NCAs mission of protecting the public from serious and organised crime (SOC).

Through developing and provisioning of cutting edge technology services, the SOS function will enhance intelligence collection, surveillance and digital forensics capabilities to support the Agency's fight against serious and organised crime.

The SOS function brings together Digital Forensics and Targeted Interception services which include International deployments. Additional teams and specialist services are also being identified to move into this Engineering function so the Agency is able to respond proactively to the changing nature of the SOC threats.

The Targeted Interception Engineering function is responsible for deployment, configuration and support of hi-end technical capabilities including infrastructure, networking and software used within Integrated Communications Intelligence (ICI) department, wider policing partners including (National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and overseas partners. Targeted Interception Engineering leads on specifying, designing, developing, delivering and supporting new technical capabilities and for the requirements capture to make use of raw intelligence material for ICI and partners.

The Digital Forensics (DF) engineering function is responsible for deployment, configuration and support of hi-end digital forensics tools including infrastructure, networking and software used within the Investigations department and overseas partners.

Job description

The purpose of the Senior Networks Infrastructure Engineer role is to ensure critical Intelligence Collection capabilities are delivered and maintained effectively to ensure they meet the NCAs evolving operational demands. Working in a small team of highly enthusiastic IT professional staff, transferring skills within the team will ensure we are better placed to look after the TI Intelligence networks to provide full critical support, upgrades, development and maintenance.

The role is responsible for: Delivering 1st, 2nd and mainly 3rd line support of technical systems to a professional standard, adapting to and meeting user requirements; Having an in-depth knowledge of the network protocols; Installing of new network hardware, configuration which will also include the patching of all network elements; Working knowledge of the Fortigate, CISCO and Dell hardware primarily; Maintaining and upgrading systems in line with technical requirements for ICI.

Security is extremely important for all of the services SOS maintain, therefore systems must be maintained to ensure these systems are accreditable. This includes updating system high and low level designs and associated documentation.

Due to the nature of this role, travel between sites is regularly required. As such, a Full, clean, UK Driving Licence is essential.

Please note, TI (Domestic) team members will be subject to an on call rota.

This role aligns to Senior Infrastructure Engineer within the Government Digital and Data career framework.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Business as usual support - Help deliver 3rd line support of the supported SOS systems to a professional standard, meeting user requirements, reacting to system problems to ensure continued availability of SOS systems within defined service levels. Support 1st and 2nd line functions if required to ensure the ICI business can function as efficiently as possible.
• Specification of hardware - Matching business requirements to hardware specifications that meet and often exceed those requirements
• Installation of hardware - Racking and cabling of hardware to an industry best practice level, including asset management registering of support, licensing
• Identification of obsolescence - Notification of obsolescence issues early in the hardware lifecycle to ensure funding and approvals are in place as early as possible, avoiding unnecessary system outages due to obsolescence
• Creation and maintenance of system documentation - Create technical designs and ensure High and Low Level Designs (HLD/LLD) are maintained to an accurate level
• Continual Improvement - Researching advances in technology to better meet business requirements with innovative solutions to meet business or technical problems
• Patching and upgrades of Network equipment - Using standard IT tooling to deploy and test software patches
• Configuration of Network equipment - Have the knowledge of configuring the different types of network equipment
• Supporting the wider SOS team - Providing support to the wider team, assisting where needed and mentoring to share knowledge and upskill less experienced staff, provide briefing sessions and training material to aid in that process
• Assist in project work - Be the lead for new projects in developing new technologies to best meet the requirements
• Interception principles - Have an understanding of Interception of Telecommunications would be useful, even at a basic level
• Infrastructure Problem Solving - Have a basic understanding of Infrastructure to be able to problem solve network and/or server issues
• Knowledge and the working of Fortigate, CISCO and Dell firewalls - Have an in-depth understanding of the Firewall models - configuration, patching, support, fault finding and upgrading

Virtual Open Evening Event

To find out more about the role and the application process we will be holding a virtual opening evening via MS Teams on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

This event is by invitation only. To register, please click on the following link

DDat Enterprise Services Engineers - Virtual Event

Please note, you will be asked for your name and email address. The registration will close on Sunday, 19 October 2025 at 11:00 p.m.

You will not be able to register after this date and time.

Person specification

• Understanding of Servers, storage systems and configuration - In-depth knowledge of IT hardware; installation and configuration of operating systems including virtualized environments
• Problem Solving - Using logic and imagination to make sense of a situation and find an intelligent solution.
• Communication - Conveys information clearly and effectively through written and verbal communication.
• Team Work - Works effectively with others to focus on and achieve joint outcomes, rather than individual goals.
• Adaptability - Be able to learn quickly in a fast moving agile environment and adapt to new technologies.
• Fault finding - Troubleshooting and provide resolution for system incidents. Recording and sharing the knowledge where appropriate

On-call working

The post holder may be required to participate in an on call 24/7 Rota. If you do perform on-call duties, you will be entitled to an On-Call allowance, for each session you are on-call, aligned to renumeration policy.

Essential Criteria

You must meet the essential criteria and evidence this within your application to be considered for the role.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should possess strong level of expertise in working at 3rd line level, for the following essential entry requirements:

• An in-depth knowledge and experience of Network equipment including configuration and installation
• Experience in the configuration and Patching of Fortigate, CISCO and Dell Firewalls and Switches
• Experience in maintaining and fault finding a network located across multiple sites

Licences

A Full, clean, UK Driving Licence is required

Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £55,575, National Crime Agency contributes £16,100 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.

If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).

Other benefits include:

• • Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements).
• Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum.
• Learning and Development opportunities.
• Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits.
• Housing schemes - Key Worker status.
• Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway, Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
• Staff support groups/networks.
• Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC).

Things you need to know
Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

This vacancy is using the Success Profiles framework and will assess using the following criteria: Behaviours, Experience, Technical Skills

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

How we will assess you

Your application will be assessed against the following:

Experience - This will be assessed:

CV

Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.

Details of what is expected within you CV are as follows: Please demonstrate that you meet the person specification.

Experience Criteria - will be assessed by 250 word examples on:

• An in depth knowledge of Network equipment including configuration and installation

• Configuration and Patching of Firewalls and Switches

• Maintaining and fault finding a network located across multiple sites

Desirable Criteria

Desirable criteria are only used for assessment in the event of a tie break.

ITIL V3 or V4 Foundation or higher.

Degree in Computer Science or Information systems design.

Microsoft Certified Professional.

VMWare Certified Professional (VCP)Understanding of Interception of Telecommunications principles: Understanding of data formats, delivery mechanisms and terminology.

Infrastructure knowledge: Basic understanding of servers and storage systems and Kubernetes.

Please note: Due to the nature of this role, travel between sites is regularly required. As such, a Full, clean, UK Driving Licence is essential.

A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.

Longlist

In the event of a high number of applications, we may operate a longlist. Applicants will need to meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria.

• An in depth knowledge of Network equipment including configuration and installation .

Candidates who do not meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria will not progress to having their other criteria assessed. Applications must meet the minimum criteria to be progressed to the assessment stage.

You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.

We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.

Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.

For guidance on the application process, visit:

NCA Applying and Onboarding

Assessment 1

The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.

Success Profiles at Assessment

Behaviours

• Managing a Quality Service

• Delivering at Pace

Experience

• An in depth knowledge of Network equipment including configuration and installation

• Configuration and Patching of Firewalls and Switches

• Maintaining and fault finding a network located across multiple sites

Assessment Outcome

Outcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.

If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.

In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order:

• Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
• If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
• If still tied, application sift scores will be used

Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.

You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.

Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records.

We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.

Full advert details for this vacancy can found on the advert on the NCA Recruitment Portal. Please follow the link to apply at advertisers' site.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting .

See our vetting charter .

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants
Job contact :

• Name :
• Email :

Recruitment team

• Email :

Further information

If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: (quoting the vacancy reference).

If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.

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