Network Engineer

at  Robert Gordon University

Job Summary
Robert Gordon University (RGU) – Aberdeen’s university of choice for thousands of staff and students - has a well-established reputation as an innovative and modern workplace, with multiple awards and recognition of our courses and Schools.
This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a large and ever-growing network while meeting the challenges of the University. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Network Engineer to join our team at Robert Gordon University.
As a Network Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, configuration, and maintenance of the university’s network infrastructure. This role will play a crucial part in ensuring the availability, security, and reliability of the university’s network services.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in network fundamentals, routing protocols, and network security technologies, with specific experience in Cisco technologies, Security, DHCP, DNS, Wi-Fi and IP telephony systems.
The job will involve receiving and resolving reported faults with the University’s IT Network Infrastructure and working with the Infrastructure Team Lead and Senior Network Engineer to contribute to the analysis of reported faults, to contribute to the development of infrastructure monitoring procedures and to contribute to the analysis of the infrastructure performance.
You will work with the physical network components used in the University Network, and their associated configuration and software; the University data and telecoms infrastructure and associated systems; and links to external networks such as Janet.
You will ensure work is delivered in accordance with the current IT security, quality standards and procedures and that all relevant documentation is maintained to reflect ongoing changes to the University’s infrastructure.
The advertised salary includes a market supplement of £10,285 per annum. This supplement is reviewed biennially and may be amended or withdrawn in line with agreed University pay policies.
In keeping with RGU’s commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the working week and also benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits.
To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role against the requirements set out in the person specification.
Job Description
RESPONSIBLE TO: Infrastructure Team Lead
RESPONSIBLE FOR: No Supervisory responsibility
PURPOSE OF POST: The purpose of this post is to provide technical resource to support the operation of the University’s Network Services which includes and is not limited to; IP telephony, Wi-Fi, LAN, WAN, Data Centre and security at the network perimeter.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent would be advantageous
ITIL Foundation

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

An extensive knowledge of network infrastructure (active and passive components, wired and wireless and LAN/WAN) and operating systems implementation.
Strong understanding of network concepts, best practices and architecture including routing, switching protocols and security.
Understanding and working knowledge of server, desktop, web – their design and support.
Familiarity with ITIL processes, including change management, incident and problem management. Knowledge of network management, including monitoring and optimisation, configuration, installation and upgrades.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
An open-minded and innovative approach and a desire to take initiative.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to troubleshoot network issues.
Innovative with a proven ability to troubleshoot in a complex environment with multiple interdependencies.

EXPERIENCE

Experience in a role supporting networks in an environment servicing 500+ users.
Proven experience of developing, designing and configuring secure layer 2 and 3 networks in complex environments.
Extensive experience of Cisco switching and routing equipment including IOS, Datacentre, Core, distribution and Edge.
Configuration and maintenance of Next Generation Firewalls including client VPN access.
Configuration and maintenance of enterprise Wi-Fi.
Demonstrated experience in working within a data centre environment and maintaining infrastructure that provides highspeed connectivity, low latency and resilience.
Extensive experience of network monitoring tools and analytics.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Cisco Network Qualifications or equivalent MBCS

EXPERIENCE

Supporting network services in a Higher Education environment.

To receive and resolve reported faults with the University’s IT Network Infrastructure.
To work with the Infrastructure Team Lead and Senior Network Engineer to contribute to the analysis of reported faults, to contribute to the development of infrastructure and monitoring procedures and to contribute to the analysis of the infrastructure performance and implement new technologies.

Generally, the above duties will involve working with:

• The physical network components used in the University Network, and their associated configuration and software.
• Maintain reliable external connectivity to the University.
• Deployment, configuration and support of firewalls, switches, and routers.
• Ensure high network availability, efficiency and security.
• To ensure work is delivered in accordance with the current IT security and quality standards and procedures.
• To ensure that all relevant documentation is maintained to reflect ongoing changes to the University’s infrastructure.
• Maintain excellent network support userbase.
• Support and maintain client and advanced network infrastructure within specific SLAs.
• Understanding of incident, problem and change management within the ITIL framework.
• An ongoing commitment to your own continued professional development and maintaining your skillset
• Designing, implementing, and maintaining the university’s network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Configuring and supporting network switches and routers, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security.
• Troubleshooting and resolving network issues related to copper and fiber optic cabling.
• Implementing and managing next-generation firewalls, URL content filtering, and threat prevention systems to ensure network security.
• Deploying and managing Wi-Fi infrastructure, Cisco ISE, and Cisco DNA Centre for wireless network management and 802.1X authentication.
• Configuring and managing DHCP and DNS systems to provide reliable network services.
• Managing telephony systems, including analogue, SIP, and Microsoft Teams integration.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including IT administrators, security personnel, and system engineers, to ensure efficient network operations.
• Conducting network performance monitoring, analysis, and capacity planning to optimize network resources.
• Keeping up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies to propose network improvements and enhancements.
• Documenting network configurations, changes, and procedures.

Person Specification