Details
Reference number
422363
Salary
£73,900 - £85,690
National: £73,900 - £81,290 London: £77,900 - £85,690 You may be eligible for an additional non-pensionable allowance, pending a Capability and Skills Assessment, with a value of up to £21,700. New entrants to the Civil Service will start their role on the pay range minimum.
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
Job grade
Grade 6
Contract type
Permanent
Business area
HO - Digital Data and Technology - Engineering
Type of role
Digital
Engineering
Information Technology
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time, Part-time, Compressed hours
Number of jobs available
2
Contents
* Location
* About the job
* Benefits
* Things you need to know
* Apply and further information
Location
Croydon CR0 2WF, Liverpool L3 9AF, Manchester M5 3LZ, Sheffield S3 8NU, Peterborough PE2 8YY
About the job
Job summary
As a Principal Network Engineer/Architect at the Home Office, you will play a pivotal role in leading the design, implementing, and ongoing operation of the Datacentre Network and edge capabilities that underpin our critical systems and services.
In this leadership position, you will oversee the development of robust, secure, and scalable network solutions, and blueprints with a focus on integrating hybrid architectures that span on-premises systems, private cloud environments, and public cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure. You will lead 3rd party suppliers in the ongoing operation of our Datacentre networks and oversee the multitude of projects that deliver new capabilities to the Home Office.
This role requires a strategic and collaborative mindset. You will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, suppliers, and third-party providers to ensure our network infrastructure is designed and implemented with security, reliability, and performance at its core. By embedding Secure by Design principles, you will safeguard our operations, data, and resources while ensuring seamless integration across digital programs.
Job description
A Principal Network Engineer/Architect (Data Centre) is an accomplished technical leader. You develop the strategic and tactical engineering roadmaps for Data Centre technologies and services in their area of responsibility, ensuring that they are future proofed and the organisation derives maximum value from investment in technologies. You define engineering best practice within the Home Office and inspire others to follow.
You will own the technical operational relationships with suppliers and internal teams making sure Data Centre network services are delivered and aligned to industry best practice, regulatory and contractual requirements.
You will lead and direct network teams and suppliers in building, managing, transitioning, supporting and maintaining solutions according to departmental policy and strategy. You will work with technical architects to ensure there is continuous improvement to the service catalogue, future designs and service operability. You will lead on overall management activities such as workforce planning, budgeting, technology roadmaps, projects and tasks.
What you will do
Your main day to day responsibilities will be:
* leading internal teams, suppliers and departments in the design, implementation, administration and support of network solutions and services
* providing support to make sure that solutions and services are designed with security controls embedded, specifically engineered as mitigation against security threats
* ensuring that the right actions are taken to investigate, resolve and anticipate network problems, coordinating teams to investigate issues, implement solutions and establish preventative measures
* identifying the correct procedures and appropriate channels for resolution and monitor resolution activities and progress updates to users
* establishing standards and procedures across a service lifecycle including the development lifecycle and ensure that engineers adhere to this. You will manage resources to ensure that the networks integration function works effectively
* providing authoritative advice and guidance on test planning and identify network improvements to determine standards and best practice
Like many organisations we need to maintain our services 24/7, therefore, on occasions there may be a requirement to work out of hours, for which you will be paid an additional allowance.
Please note: occasional travel to other Home Office locations may be required.
Person specification
UK residency and security requirements - You need to have lived in the UK for the past 5 years.
Essential criteria
As a Principal Network Engineer/Architect, you will have experience of:
* Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) or equivalence in one or more of the following areas:
o Routing & Switching
o Data Centre
o Service Provider
* Core technical concepts, switching, routing, firewalling, load balancing, segmentation and network security
* Key engineering principles and standards, and the ability to inspire others to follow these
* Managing and delivering complex technologies within time, cost and quality targets
* Ensuring all solutions are robust, resilient and appropriately implemented, secured, tested and documented
* Presenting verbal and written information clearly and accurately in language which is appropriate for different channels and which meets the needs of the user
* Advising on future technology changes and innovations and defining best practice for network improvements and information security
* Significant demonstration of experience of leading Network design/implementation and/or operations in large scale Private or Public Sector organisations
SFIA capability framework
Skills for the Information Age (SFIA) is the technical framework that sets the standard capability and development of all engineering levels in the Home Office. This is a link to the capability framework: All skills A–Z — English (sfia-)
We use set SFIA technical skills to form our interview questions and we will assess you against these technical skills during the selection process.
SFIA levels of responsibility – Use the SFIA Levels of responsibility to understand what would be expected for each Technical Skill listed below.
SFIA Technical Skills
The essential technical skills listed above are reflective of the Home Office Government Digital and Data Profession Career Framework. Please see below for the relevant skills required for your role.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Leadership
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* Specialist advice (TECH) - Level 4
* Network design (NTDS) - Level 5
* Testing (TEST) - Level 4
* Incident Management (USUP) - Level 4
* Systems installation and removal (HSIN) – Level 4
* Organisational facilitation (OFCL) - Level 5
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £73,900, Home Office contributes £21,408 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Why work for us...
* A highly competitive pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
* 25 days annual leave on appointment rising 1 day per year up to 30 days, plus 8 days public holidays and 1 day for the King's Birthday.
* Flexible working options to enable you to achieve the work life balance that is right for you including; Full time, part-time, flexi time, compressed hours and job sharing.
* A hybrid working model of a minimum 60% of your contracted hours in the workplace and 40% remote.
* Training and development opportunities tailored to your role, including access to technical and professional accreditations.
* Access to funded qualifications (subject to approval)
* A capability allowance reviewed annually.
* A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
* Enhanced parental leave schemes.
* Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards.
This link is to a short guide to employee benefits: Benefits - Home Office Careers
Why join our Engineering Community in the Home Office?
This is a huge opportunity to be a part of our growth journey and build your capability and expertise. Below is what you can expect from us as part of your role:
* Dedicated time for personal development and strong coaching/mentoring culture at all levels – Engineers love to give back to others
* The ability to quickly progress and further yourself in your career with tailored career development plans to improve your capability
* Opportunity to learn new programming languages and technologies
* One of the largest technical estates within the UK and an opportunity to explore many different projects in a modern, agile digital environment
* An inclusive environment where everybody's thoughts and opinions are valued.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV only.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Please note your CV should include all relevant experience that relates to the essential skills criteria listed in this advert and role description. Use STAR format in your examples.
Remove information that identifies you (for example your name, age or place of education) so that you will be judged on merit alone and not your personal background, circumstances, race or gender.
(Do NOT include e-mail addresses or links to online profiles, resumés, or prior work, either personal or business. Active links or e-mail addresses will result in your application being rejected)
Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words. All applications are screened for plagiarism, copying, and generating of examples/ answers from internet sources including Artificial Intelligence. If detected, the application may be withdrawn from the process.
Further action, including disciplinary action, may be considered in such cases involving civil servants. Providing false or misleading information would be contrary to the core values of honesty and integrity expected of all civil servants.
Sift Stage
The sift will be based on the CV only. This is your opportunity to include all relevant experience that relates to the essential criteria listed in the advert and role description.
Additionally, in the previous skills/experience sections of the application, you should demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria listed on the Job Specification that is not covered in your CV.
Interview Stage
Candidates reaching the required standard will be invited to an interview. The interview will assess your Technical Skills (SFIA Framework) and experience using technical, behavioural (Leadership behaviour), and experience-based questions.
Candidates shortlisted will be invited to an interview. You will be sent the interview task before your interview. At the beginning of the interview, you will be asked to conduct a 10 minute presentation based on your task and then asked questions that explore your technical skills and experience.
Sift and interview dates
Sift will be conducted from 2nd September 2025.
Interviews will be held week commencing 22nd September Subject to the Panel's operational requirements/priorities)
Interviews will be conducted remotely via MS Teams.
We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.
Further Information
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct.
If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre- stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from the widest diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from women, people with disabilities and LGBT+ as they are currently under-represented in the Home Office at this grade level. Appointments will be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. Where this is the case, employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office. Applicants can raise any queries to the email address at the bottom of the advert.
Please read the Essential skills for this position carefully. We will only consider those who meet the listed requirement.
If you have previously made an unsuccessful application for a role with the same essential skills and are not able to demonstrate how you have developed these skills since your last application please reconsider applying as your application is unlikely to be successful.
If you are successful in this position and choose to accept the provisional offer for this role, you will be removed from all other Home Office reserve lists at the same grade
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointment may be made.
UK residency and security requirements
Please note that this role requires Security Check (SC) clearance, which would normally need 5 years' UK residency in the past 5 years.
However, in exceptional circumstances security clearance applications for candidates who have been present in the UK for at least 3 of last 5 years may be considered. Failure to meet this residency requirement will result in your security clearance application being rejected.
You will need to meet the nationality requirements for this role and obtain the necessary security clearance to take it up. For meaningful security checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. Learn more on our website. Security Checks - Home Office Careers
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
Visa Sponsorship
We are unable to sponsor any individuals via Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 (General) work visas as we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License.
Capability Allowance
The advertised role is part of the Home Office Government Digital and Data Profession. This role has access to a Digital Capability-Based Allowance. Applicants who are successful at interview will be invited to complete a Capability and Skills Assessment post-interview. Any allowance awarded will be based on the assessment of your capability against the six skills advertised for this role. Please see the attached candidate pack for more information.
The allowance values are set by the Home Office, subject to remaining in a qualifying role, and are non-pensionable. This allowance is non-contractual, subject to an annual review and could be withdrawn at any time.
For both new entrants and existing civil servants, the total compensation offer is a combination of base salary and, if applicable, a capability-based allowance. New entrants to the Civil Service will start on the pay range minimum. For existing civil servants, our policies on level transfer and promotion will apply.
Job offers to this post are made on the basis of merit. We often have similar roles available at different grades. If a candidate is suitable for a similar role or a lower grade than they have applied for, we may offer the candidate that role without the need to go through a further selection process providing the role has the same competencies and essential skills.
Working at the Home Office
Every day, Home Office civil servants do brilliant work to develop and deliver policies and services that affect the lives of people across the country and beyond. To do this effectively and fairly, the Home Office is committed to representing modern Britain in all its diversity, and creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best.
We are flexible, skilled, professional and diverse. We work to recruit and retain disabled staff and area Disability Confident Leader. We are proud to be one of the most ethnically diverse departments in the civil service. We are a Social Mobility Foundation top 75 employer.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
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.
For further information please see the attached notes for candidates which must be read before making an application.
Existing Civil Servants should note that some of the Home Office terms and conditions of employment have changed. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure they are aware of the Terms and Conditions they will adopt should they be successful in application and should refer to the notes for candidates for further details.
Transfer Terms: Voluntary
Any move to the Home Office 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; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
If you are invited to an interview you will be required to bring a range of documentation for the purposes of establishing identity and to aid any pre-employment checks.
Please see the attached list of acceptable ID documents.
Reasonable Adjustments
If a person with disabilities is at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
* Contact Government Recruitment Service via as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
* Complete the "Assistance Required" section in the "Additional Requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a language service professional
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .
See our vetting charter .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
* 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)
* 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
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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 .
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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
* Name : Heather Hawkins
* Email :
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information
If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the recruitment principles, and wish to make a complaint, then you should contact in the first instance
If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website