Infrastructure Engineer - Firewall and Security - £36,395 p.a. + benefits

We have an exciting opportunity for an Infrastructure Engineer – Firewall and Security in our Digital and Technology Group (DTG).
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. Please be aware that these roles can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. We are currently operating a hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 40% of contracted hours working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. This may rise to 60% during the year. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, some roles will need to be on site more regularly. You will also be required to participate in the IT Operations and Security on-call rota on a periodic basis.
Who are we?
If you have had a COVID-19 vaccine or have ever taken a medicine, or used a medical device, then you have already come into contact with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Our vision, One Agency - Delivering for Patients, underpins all that we do as we set out on an ambitious roadmap for change to become a truly world-leading, enabling regulator that protects public health through excellence in regulation and science. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.
The Digital and Technology Group (DTG) lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable our scientists, inspectors, and the rest of the organisation to deliver world class services which can improve outcomes for patients and the general public. The Group was essential in the race to approve COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and in supporting the UK to set up its own medicines and devices approvals systems following our exit from the EU. The work we do matters!
The Technology & Service Operations function is responsible for managing the existing IT infrastructure including both software and hardware, databases, and other technology platforms; leading the support and maintenance of applications; development and testing of new applications and platforms; and cyber and information security for the Agency., The Infrastructure Engineer – Firewall and Security will be responsible for assisting in the management and delivery of network projects and business-as-usual (BAU) tasks, focusing primarily on the core network and data centre infrastructure. This role is vital for maintaining the stability, performance, and security of the network as the MHRA undertakes a significant overhaul of its IT infrastructure, including the deployment of new equipment.
The successful candidate will apply their technical expertise in core network technologies to support day-to-day operations. You will collaborate with other engineers to troubleshoot and resolve core network issues, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. The role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that core network activities align with overall IT strategy and operational objectives.
You will assist in developing and maintaining comprehensive documentation, including network diagrams, configuration templates, and incident reports to support operational continuity.
You will help to implement and maintain security protocols to safeguard core network infrastructure, ensuring compliance with security policies and regulatory requirements and monitor network performance, identify potential risks, and assist in applying solutions to minimize downtime and service disruptions., We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates.
Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. Please complete the ‘Work Experience’ section of the application fully, providing details of your previous roles, clearly describing your achievements and key responsibilities.
Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths criteria, marked with ‘I’ in the person specification.
In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the Experience criteria.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the answers provided - ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the criteria for this role in the job description.
Use of AI in Applications
Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.
Closing Date: 24th November
Shortlisting: 27th- 29th November
Interview Date: 11th-13th December
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here., + UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

The successful candidate will have experience in supporting network operations, particularly in core technologies such as LAN/WAN, routing, switching, and data centre infrastructure.
You should have a track record of identifying deeper underlying problems and opportunities and anticipating problems before they occur and be familiar with network troubleshooting and maintenance, including experience in configuring and managing network devices.
You will be a strong and capable communicator, able to explain technical concepts to a wide range of audiences and you will be able to work on multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously, delivering a pace and prioritising as required., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Alongside your salary of £36,395, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £10,543 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays
+ Privilege Leave: 1 day
+ Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
+ Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay
+ Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
+ Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on
+ Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
+ Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan
+ Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
+ Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA)
+ Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs
+ On-going learning and development