Network Engineer

Based in Cambridge, UK

Job Reference: NE 06.07.2010

Salary: to be agreed subject to skills and experience

DANTE plans, builds and operates advanced Internet networks for research and education such as the pan-European network GÉANT, which has 30 million users. The company is owned by NRENs (National Research and Education Networks) and part-funded by the European Commission. It works in partnership with the NRENS and in co-operation with the EC to provide the data-communications infrastructure essential to the development of the global research community.

We now have an opportunity for a Network Engineer to join our Operations Team. This is a full-time position based in our Cambridge office reporting to the Chief Operations Officer. Below are details of how to apply for this role and the job description.

Applications

Direct applicants should forward their CV and a covering letter/email quoting the above job reference to recruitment@dante.net. Postal applications should be sent to DANTE, City House, 126-130 Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 1PQ marked for the attention of the Human Resources Manager.

Employment Businesses/Agencies please note that DANTE will not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies except where they have prior written authorisation from DANTE’s HR Manager or HR Consultant to make referrals in respect of this particular vacancy. DANTE shall not be liable for any fees claimed in respect of any referrals by employment businesses/agencies in the absence of the required written authorisation. Authorised suppliers should direct CVs and enquiries to our HR Consultant, Janet Henson-Webb at janet@jhwuk.co.uk

Job Description

Reporting to: Chief Operations Officer
Based in Cambridge, UK
Team: Operations
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

Position Summary

As one of a team of seven Network Engineers (when at full capacity), the role holder – along with other members of the Operations Team - will be responsible for the development, installation and operations of the network services, currently GÉANT and DANTE World Services. The work involves planning the implementation and designing the operation of network services at the DWDM, SDH and IP levels and the transport of Gigabit Ethernet over SDH.

This position will suit someone seeking a technically challenging role which also enables them to use their planning, co-ordination and project management skills.

Main responsibilities

Project manage network changes such as the implementation of international circuits, interconnections, Access Ports and Points of Presence (PoPs).
Enhance network monitoring systems. (The role holder won’t be required to code but must be able to gather requirements, draft the specifications and liaise & plan the new releases with the developer.)
Provide support during procurement processes. (There are various solutions available with regard to network changes, some of which look suitable on paper but, operationally, are inappropriate because they cannot be supported, for example. It is the Network Engineer’s experience or ability to determine which options to select and purchase which are key here.)
Participate in the introduction and the development of advanced services for the network. (This involves research and conducting tests to determine what will add value to the network community.)
Provide support to the Network Operations Centre when necessary.
Liaise with NREN representatives. (Some of the NRENs house PoPs and do work in relation to the Network. The Company liaises with them in the same way it liaises with circuit and equipment providers.)
Liaise with circuit and equipment providers.
Maintain network statistic configurations and related processes and software.
Configure and administer network resources.
Prepare reports, procedure handbooks and other documentation. (There are Technical Writers within the organisation but the Network Engineers have a role to play in preparing new, and enhancing existing, documentation.)
Contribute to other services within the GÉANT project.
Make presentations from time to time at meetings with NRENs. (Approximately every four months, one or two representatives from Operations at DANTE present at a meeting with NRENs.)
Travel within Europe as required. (Overall there might be 2-3 trips to Europe per annum to attend an annual European meeting as well as the four-monthly meetings with NREN referred to above.)

Person Specification

Qualifications, Skills, Experience and Knowledge

The essential requirements are as follows:-

Educated to degree level or equivalent in a scientific/technical subject
Experience of transport and transmission or IP: DWDM and/or OTN and/or IP. (Candidates must be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of how these technologies are used – the theory, the underpinning technology and the concepts. Candidate must display an aptitude and willingness to learn the technologies not covered by his/her current experience)
Experience of Wide Area Networks and network troubleshooting tools.
Good verbal and written communication skills
Technical proficiency balanced with a desire or aptitude to plan, co-ordinate and project manage

Experience in any of the following areas will be of additional value: IPv6, multicast and/or Ethernet.

Personal Qualities

Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure
Highly organised and able to prioritise
Self motivated and able to take initiative
Flexible – willing and able to take on new activities, technically and commercially – and able to devote as much quality time and attention to planning and co-ordination as to technical tasks
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proactive – willing and able to work as part of a team, sharing the workload
Willing and able to learn quickly and independently – essential because of the wide range of technologies available

Additional Information on the Role

This role may suit a NOC Engineer or an Engineer with similar expertise who wants to move into a role involving more operational planning and technical project management. There is no configuration work in this role. The Network Engineer uses his or her technical knowledge to learn and understand more about the vendors’ equipment so that this information can be used for planning and managing projects.

The two main challenges of this role are the variety of the tasks and prioritising workload.

Approximately 30-40% of the time is spent addressing short-term needs which may involve giving instructions to the Network Operations Centre (NOC), investigating network failures or checking the capacity in the network.

Approximately 30% of the time centres around longer-term tasks such as analysis for improved performance of the network, conducting investigations, talking to providers, researching and operational planning.

Assisting others accounts for an estimated 20% of the role. This may be helping Finance with a tender process or providing support to other groups.

The remainder of the time includes activities such as raising purchase orders and keeping documentation and recording processes up to date.

For candidates at entry level, we ideally seek a Masters in an appropriate subject and, at the very least, a relevant internship, together with the personal qualities and attributes mentioned previously.

Additional Information on DANTE

DANTE’s staff are multi-culturally diverse. Common characteristics include trying new things, experiencing what it’s like to live in a different country, a deep interest in their work and a love of innovation and learning. DANTE certainly offers the opportunity for continuous learning and development, working on concepts and technologies which aren’t commonly known or used elsewhere.

In terms of the working environment, it’s a small company (55 staff) so it’s easy to integrate and get to know others and the managers are accessible. The organisation is housed in modern, airy and spacious offices in Cambridge with secure, free on-site parking.

Benefits and Relocation Costs

Benefits include:

Benefits include 30 days’ holiday plus public holidays
As from successful completion of the employee’s probationary period private medical insurance paid for by the Company for the employee and partner (with the option to join children to the scheme on payment by the employee of the rate offered by the provider)
Sick pay subject to provisions set out in the terms of employment
Dental Insurance Scheme, which can be joined at the start of each year, on payment of an annual premium
Salary sacrifice for pension (any National Insurance the Company saves becomes the employer contribution) subject to the Company’s policy in respect of salary sacrifice for pension contribution
Childcare vouchers, if required, under salary sacrifice subject to the Company’s policy in respect of salary sacrifice for childcare vouchers

Some assistance with relocation costs is available.