Network Security Engineer

About the Role

The North Northamptonshire Council technology team delivers technology services to over 3,000 colleagues and is on a path to deliver our digital transformation strategy.

We are working to deliver multiple projects focused on migrating our traditional on‑premise services into the Microsoft 365 environment as well as unifying our core network infrastructure across our entire estate (65+ different locations). Our goal is to deliver a single colleague user experience, regardless of whether they are working in one of our offices, at home, or delivering essential services in the community.

As we move into the next critical phase of these projects, we are now looking for a Network Security Engineer to play a pivotal part in this journey.

• Play a leading role in the day‑to‑day monitoring and support of the North Northamptonshire Council network and cyber security services. This involves both on‑site and remote support across the Council estate.
• Contribute to any planning and/or documentation required to improve and maintain resiliency and security for the Council network and cyber security services. Make proposals for changes and work with the wider teams to implement such changes as they are agreed.
• Act as an escalation point for any network, cyber security and infrastructure related support incidents.
• Co‑ordinate reporting of any cyber security or network‑based incidents to relevant teams and managers. This includes point‑in‑time escalation of critical incidents, as well as regular status reports which can be used for developing the service and evidencing due diligence to internal and external auditors.
• Support the regular delivery and follow‑up remediation activity, of penetration tests and assessments for security certifications (such as Cyber Essentials, PSN compliance, PCI compliance). Support these as and when required.
• In conjunction with service delivery maintain and monitor the end‑point patching processes for user and server devices, including anti‑virus, operating system and hardware specific updates.

We are looking for someone with a solid grounding in technical support and networking, but who also has a passion for all things cyber and security. This role will be a critical link between the policy controls and the technical aspects of actually delivering cyber security for a complex organisation.

• Technology related degree level certification or equivalent experience.
• Relevant apprenticeship or A‑Level qualifications.
• 5 GCSEs grades A–C including English and Maths or other equivalent qualifications.

• At least 2 years working in a relevant role.
• Proven experience of working with network and cyber security tools across leading providers such as Microsoft, HP, Cisco, Sophos and others.
• Experience working with third parties and coordinating incidents and changes.
• A base background in infrastructure, network and security related support.
• A working knowledge of ITIL processes and demonstratable experience of working within a service desk operating model.

• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

• Any 3rd.
• Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals.
• Microsoft Identity and Access.
• Comptia Security+.
• ISC 2 Associate.
• Any fundamental network or supplier certification:
• Comptia Network+.
• Cisco CCNA.
• HP Aruba ACP/ACSP.
• Previous experience operating as a dedicated network and/or cyber security‑based engineer.
• Any experience working with these technologies:
• Palo Alto.
• Cisco Meraki.
• Fortinet.
• Juniper.
• Sophos / Trend Micro end‑point tools.
• Alien Vault / Level Blue SIEM.
• Previous experience supporting SDWAN based wide area networks.
• Any experience working in a local authority or central government–based organisation.

• A competitive salary.
• A pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill‑health protection.
• Lots of opportunities to develop your skills,…