Senior Networks Engineer

Grade 8

The Senior Networks Engineer plays a significant role in the development and management of network services for faculties, departments and colleges within the University of Oxford. The post holder is responsible for undertaking a range of activities, including planning and undertaking installations and upgrades; diagnosing and resolving incidents; being the technical lead on projects; through to customer and stakeholder engagement.

Roles at this level can be found in the Management Network Service and the Network Support and Development teams.

Essential selection criteria

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent with relevant employment experience
  • Operational experience of deploying and managing network services, particularly within a federated, heterogeneous technical environment
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of IT service management principles and best practice
  • Extensive experience of technical problem solving, incorporating a variety of network technologies, including some combination of firewalls, managed switches and wireless networking
  • A good working knowledge of one or more of: Cisco IOS, HP Aruba and Fortigate FortiOS
  • Detailed knowledge of networking protocols especially TCP, UDP, IP, STP, CDP/LLDP and (at least single-area) OSPF
  • Experience of, and commitment to, delivering a secure, reliable and highly available network
  • Demonstrable technical authoring skills, including the motivation to keep operational documentation current
  • A meticulous and systematic approach to all aspects of the job
  • Excellent time management and work prioritisation for self and others
  • Evidence of good interpersonal skills, ability to work with staff at all levels in the University, self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • The ability to develop and enhance expertise in relevant fields

Desirable selection criteria

  • The above experience in an academic organisation
  • CCNA/HP ATA or similar / higher qualification
  • Knowledge of and (ideally) experience of IPv6
  • Experience of delivering real-time voice and video over wired and wireless networks
  • Experience of working in enterprise class communication rooms or data centres
  • Ability to follow established organisational policies and procedures
  • Able to assess both the long- and short-term impact of decisions
  • Enthusiasm for, and interest in providing, services and support to users
  • Experience of planning and implementing large-scale IT projects
  • Experience of mentoring and/or managing staff, preferably within an academic organisation
  • The skills and experience to become an effective member of the team as quickly as possible

Related links