Infrastructure Engineer (Firewall & Security) - MHPRA - SEO

Location

Hertford, London

About the job

Job summary 

We are currently looking for an Infrastructure Engineer – Firewall & Security to join our Technology Service & Operations function within the Digital & Technology group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU or South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

This role will also be required to participate in the Agency’s out of hours on-call rota on a periodic basis. An on-call payment will be added to the salary depending on the frequency of participation in the rota. 

A Digital Allowance of up to £12,823 per annum may be available for exceptional candidates based on our assessment of your skills and experience. This allowance is non-pensionable and may change on an annual basis. 

Who are we? 

 The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.  

The Digital and Technology Group (D&T) lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable our scientists, inspectors, and the rest of the organisation to deliver world class services which can improve outcomes for patients and the general public. The Group was essential in the race to approve COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and in supporting the UK to set up its own medicines and devices approvals systems following our exit from the EU. The work we do matters!  

Job description

We plan to be at the heart of one of the most digitally advanced medical regulators in the world and we need people who can help us deliver that ambition. D&T is a great place to build your career and we are committed to enabling our people to do the best work of their lives.

The Technology & Service Operations function is responsible for managing the existing IT infrastructure including both software and hardware, databases, and other technology platforms; leading the support and maintenance of applications; development and testing of new applications and platforms; and cyber and information security for the Agency.

What’s the role?

The Network Core Engineer will play a key role in managing and delivering network projects and BAU tasks, with a particular focus on critical areas such as the network core, data centres, and related infrastructure. This role is vital in ensuring the stability, performance, and security of the core network as the MHRA undergoes a significant overhaul of its IT infrastructure, including the deployment of new equipment in these critical areas.

The successful candidate will provide advanced expertise in core network technologies, working closely with both senior and junior engineers to ensure smooth operations and continuous improvement. You will act as an escalation point for more complex issues related to the network core and data centre environments, providing guidance and troubleshooting support to junior engineers when necessary. The role also involves collaborating with other teams to align core network initiatives with the overall IT strategy.

Key responsibilities: 

This is a hands-on technical role where you will be expected to interact daily with core IT Infrastructure technologies. You are expected to be able to configure, manage and diagnose the IT Infrastructure components detailed in this advert.

Technical skills and IT systems we use:

We are undertaking a program of works that is focused on reducing our suppliers and vendors to ensure we can build skillsets around vendor technology stacks. This roll will require the technical skills in Cisco security systems and services. 

• Be able to Deploy, manage and configure Cisco FTD firewalls via FMC in redundant configurations 
• Be able to Manage and configure Cisco ISE 
• Understand least privilege concepts and securing internet connected firewalls 
• Running firewalls as a core and (optional) supporting micro segmentation of services from virtual platforms using FTD/FMC technologies 
• Generally understand and be able to manage and deploy advanced FMC configuraqtions such as: OSFP, VLAN and VLSM in firewalls, NAT/PAT/S-NAT, Site to Site VPN’s, ACL’s and DACL’s 

 Leadership and Escalation: 

• Lead and manage the successful execution of core network projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with the MHRA’s IT strategy. 
• Serve as the main escalation point for junior network engineers, providing advanced troubleshooting and technical expertise in resolving complex core network and data centre issues, ensuring high-quality resolutions that prevent future incidents. 
• Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging skills development across the team. 

Core Network Stability, Security, and Performance:. 

• Implement and maintain robust security protocols to safeguard core network infrastructure, ensuring compliance with security policies and regulatory requirements. 
• Proactively monitor and assess core network performance, identifying potential risks or weaknesses and applying pre-emptive solutions to minimize downtime and service disruptions. 
• Play a pivotal role in the agency’s ongoing IT infrastructure overhaul by recommending, testing, and integrating cutting-edge core network technologies. 

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: 

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Network Architect, project teams, and other IT functions to ensure that core network strategies are fully aligned with the overall IT infrastructure roadmap and broader organizational goals. 
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with external vendors, ensuring their services and products meet the agency's performance, security, and contractual expectations. 
• Engage with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to communicate project progress, core network performance, and ensure that business requirements are consistently met.

Person specification

Who are we looking for? 

 Our successful candidates will have:

• A track record of identifying deeper underlying problems and opportunities and anticipating problems before they occur.
• Experience of developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers, making sure services and products are delivered and aligned to industry best practice and regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Proven experience in managing and supporting enterprise network environments, particularly focusing on network core devices and infrastructure.
• Strong technical expertise in core network technologies, including LAN/WAN, data centre infrastructure, routing, switching, and network security.
• Proficiency in configuring and managing Cisco or similar network infrastructure, with experience in implementing security protocols and best practices.
• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting network performance issues and integrating new equipment within an existing IT architecture.

 If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please click here for further details