Infrastructure Operations Engineer

Job summary

Information about the Command

Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT), supports NCA operational commands with how we exploit data and to ensure the NCA uses the best technology platforms with the right tools and applications to further enable the NCA to protecting the public from serious and organised crime. We are responsible for defining and delivering our data and technology strategy, policy and architecture, and building and sustaining resilient services which are critical to our mission success.
The pace of change within the digital and tech world means we need to be agile and innovative in how we respond to threats while exploiting the opportunities this presents.

Information about the Business Area

Enterprise Services provides and manages the enterprise IT capabilities that support the NCA and its partners in delivering operational outcomes across the Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) system. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round, the team ensures services are reliable, resilient, and available when they are needed most.

Working in partnership with suppliers, Enterprise Services maintains a strong focus on delivering cost-effective, high-quality services that meet current organisational needs while supporting ongoing transformation. The team leads the introduction of new services into live operation, ensuring they are implemented smoothly and deliver tangible value across the estate.

Enterprise Services plays a critical role in managing and driving the supply chain, enabling the NCA to remain agile and responsive, while building and sustaining a future-ready technology environment.

Job description

The Specialist Operational Services (SOS) team works within the wider DDaT Enterprise Services function and runs and maintains the NCA's most sensitive operationally focused front-line IT services. The team is comprised of IT professionals, law enforcement officers and staff with a technology-focused mindset who are committed to delivering real-world benefits for the UK. Together, we ensure that specialist services are fit for purpose, resilient, available 24/7 and have a direct impact on the NCA's mission of protecting the public from serious and organised crime (SOC).

Through the support, maintenance and continuous improvement of specialist technology services, the SOS function helps enhance intelligence collection, surveillance and digital forensics capabilities that support the Agency's fight against serious and organised crime.

The SOS function brings together Digital Forensics and Targeted Interception services, including capabilities that support international operations. Additional teams and specialist services are also being identified to move into this Engineering function, enabling the Agency to respond proactively to the changing nature of serious and organised crime threats.

The Digital Forensics (DF) Engineering function is responsible for the deployment, configuration, support and maintenance of specialist digital forensics tools, infrastructure, networking and software used within the Investigations department and by overseas partners.

The Targeted Interception (TI) Engineering function is responsible for the deployment, configuration, support and maintenance of specialist technical capabilities, including infrastructure, networking and software used within the Integrated Communications Intelligence (ICI) department, wider policing partners including the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), and overseas partners. The team supports the delivery and operation of technical capabilities that enable intelligence collection and operational outcomes.

We are currently looking to recruit Infrastructure Operations Engineers at one of our locations in Warrington, London, Birmingham, Leicester or Bristol (team dependent - see below), with the ability to travel between sites. A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.

Please note that Targeted Interception (TI Domestic) Engineering posts are located only at our London and Warrington bases.

Targeted Interception (TI International) Engineering posts can be located at any of the advertised locations; however, these roles will also require regular international travel.

Our Digital Forensics (DF) Engineering roles can be located at any of the advertised locations.

Please note that staff within our TI (Domestic) and DF Engineering functions form part of an on-call rota. Our TI (International) team does not currently operate an on-call rota; however, this may be subject to change.

This role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of specialist technologies in a highly operational environment, developing technical skills and expertise while contributing to the delivery, support and maintenance of capabilities that directly support the NCA's operational mission.

Role Description The purpose of this role is to support the delivery and maintenance of critical Intelligence Collection and Digital Forensics capabilities, ensuring they continue to meet the NCA's evolving operational demands.The role is responsible for delivering 1st and 2nd line support, and supporting 3rd line activities, of technical systems to a professional (ITIL-aligned) standard, adapting to and meeting user requirements.The role is responsible for delivering 1st and 2nd line support, and supporting 3rd line activities, of technical systems to a professional (ITIL-aligned) standard, adapting to and meeting user requirements. This includes installing new hardware, the installation and configuration of a mixture of operating systems including Microsoft Server 2016-24 and various flavours of Linux, on physical and virtual hardware (primarily Hyper-V and VMware), as well as supporting the use of containerised technologies. The post holder will assist with maintaining and upgrading systems in line with business and technical requirements. An understanding of network protocols would be beneficial.Security is extremely important for all services maintained by SOS. Systems must therefore be managed and maintained in accordance with security and accreditation requirements. This includes contributing to the maintenance of system high-level and low-level designs, technical documentation and associated support materials.

Working as part of a small team of highly motivated IT professionals, the post holder will contribute to the support, development and maintenance of specialist NCA capabilities and networks. Sharing knowledge and developing technical skills across the team will help ensure the continued delivery of critical operational services.

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

Person specification

Duties and Responsibilities

• BAU Support – Deliver 1st and 2nd line support, and assist with 3rd line support, for supported SOS systems to a professional standard, meeting user requirements and responding to system issues to ensure continued availability of services within defined service levels.
• Hardware Provisioning – Support the identification and procurement of hardware solutions that meet business and technical requirements.
• Hardware Installation – Install, configure and maintain physical servers, storage systems and associated hardware. Undertake racking, cabling and asset management activities in accordance with industry best practice and organisational processes.
• Lifecycle Management –