Cryptographic Network Engineer

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Cryptographic Network Engineer

Closing Date: 3rd July 2025

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.  Regular domestic & international travel will be required as part of this role.

Package: £39,500 - £50,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Clearance Level: You will need to obtain and maintain DV security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 10 years in order to apply for DV clearance. 

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are no opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?

AWE is seeking a skilled and motivated Cryptographic Network Engineer to join our Live Services group. Reporting to the IT Manager, the successful Cryptographic Network Engineer’s main focus will be installation and maintenance of Crypto devices, plus support of Network hardware on multiple networks at other times.

The key tasks will include:

• Configuration, installation and maintenance of Crypto Devices which will involve travel to remote sites.
• Design, configure and implementation of network solutions.
• Use of network management tools to investigate, diagnose and resolve network problems within service level agreement tolerances.
• Ensure all network equipment is fit for purpose, configurations are up to date and running the latest stable firmware.
• Understanding project technical requirements and producing low level designs, including network diagrams and configuration build documentation.
• Fulfilment of service requests and resolving incidents.
• Mentoring of less experienced members of the team.
• Support of project work and remote sites will be required.
• Liaise with 3rd party Vendors to resolve issues.

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

• Previous proven engineering experience within a networking environment.

• Good knowledge of networking protocols, especially OSPF
• Maintain technical skills to support latest network hardware/software.
• Knowledge of encrypted WAN links.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to have experience in some of the following:

•  Experience with Juniper equipment (particularly EX, SRX and QFX platforms)
• Experience with NAC (Network Access Control) solutions/802.1X.
• Data Centre experience.

Other requirements:

• Willingness to work flexibly and to occasionally work evenings and weekends where exceptional circumstances require it with overtime allowance.
• On call roster duties will be required with additional allowance.
• Travel to remote sites and overseas will be required therefore driving licence is essential

You’ll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Work hard, be rewarded:

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

• 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

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Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. 
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.