Lab Infrastructure Engineer – Ofcom
The role is located in the Ofcom Manchester office and will involve managing a hybrid lab environment that supports research into online safety technologies such as AI, machine learning, and digital identity.
About Ofcom
As the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom delivers vital work that keeps the UK connected and shapes the future of how we stay connected. Our work covers phones, broadband, TV, radio, postal services and wireless devices, and we are also tackling the challenge of making the online world safer.
About the team you’ll be part of
The Online Safety Technology team conducts research to build knowledge in areas fundamental to online safety. The team provides technical expertise to policy, supervision and enforcement colleagues in the wider Online Safety Group and others in Ofcom during policy development and industry engagement.
The Online Safety Technology Lab, based in Manchester, plays a critical role in advancing Ofcom’s knowledge of technology through experimentation, testing and evaluation. The lab focuses on AI, machine learning, advanced network infrastructures, digital identity and privacy‑enhancing technologies, supporting both internal research projects and external collaborations.
The purpose and scope of the role
We are seeking a highly proficient Infrastructure Engineer to support the Online Safety Technology Lab (OSTech Lab) at our Manchester office. The OSTech Lab provides cloud and physical compute resources for research into safety technologies, mostly computer vision and machine learning. This new facility needs someone eager to help move the Lab into its next phase.
Your key responsibilities
System management and performance optimisation
* Ensure the Linux compute resources of the Lab are running optimally.
* Monitor, maintain and troubleshoot Lab systems, including physical and cloud compute.
* Define requirements for system upgrades and improvements.
Security and compliance
* Ensure data security, backups and compliance with relevant policies.
* Ensure the Lab operates in compliance with policies governing security, privacy, and responsible technology use.
* Manage access control and permissions for Lab users.
Resource scheduling and utilisation
* Implement automated scheduling to maximise the efficiency of available compute resources.
* Track and maintain physical and digital inventory of Lab assets.
Technical support and troubleshooting
* Provide technical support for Lab users, troubleshooting access, permissions, and system issues.
* Respond to incidents, assess risks and implement mitigations.
* Organise and maintain data records and Lab documentation.
Planning and infrastructure development
* Recommend and oversee hardware and system upgrades.
* Ensure efficient utilisation of Azure resources, including automated cost‑saving measures (e.g., auto‑shutdown).
* Plan and implement improvements to support the Lab’s evolving needs.
Additional considerations
The role may involve exposure to sensitive or distressing content; appropriate support mechanisms will be in place.
The role includes project management responsibilities, coordinating research requirements and infrastructure improvements.
Budgetary responsibility may be involved in managing system upgrades and resource allocations.
Technical Knowledge, Skill and Experience
* Experience provisioning high‑spec compute for computer vision and machine learning experimentation.
* Experience with Linux, Hyper‑Visor, Azure and containerisation tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
* Experience developing effective data storage, access and backup strategies.
* Familiarity with cloud security principals.
* Experience monitoring and maintaining computing systems.
* Experience with cyber security standards and encryption standards.
* Experience with workflow automation.
* Ability to convey technical information to both a technical and non‑technical audience.
* Building solutions: Identify and solve complex issues, using evidence‑based methods to gather insights and develop well‑founded solutions.
* Scanning horizons: Grasp the bigger picture, foresee upcoming trends and challenges, and ensure actions and decisions are in sync with long‑term objectives.
* Executing plans: Organise tasks and set clear goals, manage resources wisely, while keeping an eye on progress.
* Owning accountabilities: Take responsibility for actions, decisions and outcomes, showing up reliably and committing to getting the job done.
* Articulating ideas: Express ideas, thoughts and information clearly and concisely, ensuring messages are understood by everyone.
Inclusivity Statement
At Ofcom we prioritise inclusive and diverse recruitment to truly reflect the society we represent.
Where positions are listed as full‑time, we remain open to reduced hours, part‑time arrangements, job shares and other flexible working options from day one of employment. We warmly welcome applications from candidates returning to work after a break – for whatever reason.
As a disability confident employer, we offer interviews to any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for advertised roles. Learn more about the scheme here.
If you need information in an alternative format or have specific preferences, please contact our recruitment team at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or call 0330 912 1378.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
* Telecommunications and Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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