Infrastructure Operations Engineer

Job summary

Discover what it’s like to work in a compliance role that makes an impact. Could you help us shape a stronger, fairer future? Your next career move starts here.

HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department’s civil and criminal investigations.

Covert Operations, Digital Exploitation (CODE) sits within FIS. Working across Law Enforcement and government, CODE provides investigative tools and covert techniques to front-line investigations and works with key partners to develop and provide access to new technology and systems to enable investigators to respond to serious and complex tax evasion and crime.

The team is responsible for delivering and maintaining a specialist sensitive specific IT infrastructure and national network of services to HMRC investigators with a footprint in geographically spread across 24 sites. The infrastructure supports the secure use of data to enable HMRC to deliver elite investigation services.

CODE Technology is responsible for delivering a broad portfolio of change initiatives, both to sustain and transform FIS’s legacy sensitive technologies and to deliver innovative new solutions, designed around our customers’ needs. CODE works in an integrated way to combine digital and technology change, project deliver, business process, product management and cultural change to maximise impact and ensure sustainability.

Job description

This role sits within the CODE Technology Infrastructure Team (CTI) which is part of FIS CODE Capability, Development, Infrastructure & Innovation (CDII) and plays an integral role in His Majesty's Government's fight against serious and organised crime, supporting investigations totalling hundreds of millions of pounds each year. CTI supports FIS CODE and all wider FIS investigations.

As FIS grows, so does the need for Infrastructure support. The Infrastructure Operations Engineer role is an amazing opportunity for any experienced, forward thinking and focused individual who has a passion for technology.

If you flourish with dealing with diverse challenges, enjoy delivering exceptional support to users, growing your knowledge and want to work with a like-minded and supportive team then this may be the role for you.

As an IT Infrastructure Operations Engineer, you will ensure robust, reliable high-performance systems and services meet business needs. You'll be responsible for building, administration, maintenance, and monitoring of diverse systems. This includes servers, storage, endpoint management, networks, telephony, and business applications.

You will work closely with Infrastructure managers and collaborate closely with fellow engineers to provide third-line support and project delivery across a wide spectrum of IT systems. You'll also engage frequently with other teams and departments outside of IT to achieve shared objectives. This role offers the opportunity to influence the future technical direction within a dynamic and innovative team environment which is vital to the successful delivery of FIS CODE Infrastructure and Technology.

Person specification

We are looking for an enthusiastic, resilient individual who can deliver in an impactful way within a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

For this role you must:

• Be a UK National
• Hold SC clearance or be willing to be SC cleared to take up duty and be prepared to attain DV clearance

Please refer to the Additional Security Information below for further information on the level required for this role before applying.

This is an IT Technical role and you will already have an Infrastructure background with technical understanding of infrastructure (i.e., virtual machines, datacentres and environments).

The successful candidate will be undertaking the following (but not limited to):

Technical aspects of the role include:

• Providing 3rd-line support for Incidents, managing Service Requests, Tasks and Problems, adhering to established processes and ITIL standard methodology within agreed SLA’s.
• Supporting datacentre management activities including capacity and availability management.
• Installing, managing, and maintaining end user devices in a Windows environment.
• Involvement in the assurance programme to ensure that assets are regularly reviewed, maintained and improved where necessary.
• Assisting in the provision of outstanding services and consistent levels of capability.
• Provide technical support and assistance to projects, ensuring delivery of non-functional requirements and continual service improvement.
• Be familiar with the installed hardware and software and the procedures in use in the IT Infrastructure area.
• An excellent communicator who can describe basic technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences and you will regularly be expected to provide verbal updates and produce written user documentation on BAU taskings and projects.
• This may include participating in technical workshops to assess business requirements to support possible changes to existing services, identifying requirements and quantifying benefits.
• Regular travel within the UK for meetings and infrastructure work will be required with occasional overnight stays. You will be required to work out of hours on an on-call rota, weekdays and weekends. Candidates must live within reasonable daily travel, which is usually an hour each way of Gillingham, Kent.

Essential criteria

• Understanding of Service Management and Operations, particularly Request Fulfilment, Incident, Problem and Change Management.
• Experience with, or exposure to supporting the planning, installation, maintenance, and improvement of enterprise class hardware services within a data centre, and datacentre management including environmental monitoring.
• Experience with, or exposure to installing, configuring, managing, and supporting the delivery of physical desktops in a Windows environment.
• Experience conducting lifecycle management of hardware assets, including inventory, compliance, disposal and protection of the asset portfolio, ensuring documented information relating to the assets is maintained.
• You can demonstrate an awareness of information security and the types of security controls that can be used to mitigate security threats within solutions and services, with experience or awareness of network switching concepts and security policy management platforms such as Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
• Demonstrable experience to break a problem down into its component parts to identify and diagnose root causes as well as troubleshoot across different technology capabilities, with experience of coaching junior colleagues.
• Experience of being a strong communicator who can perform in a client/customer facing role with the ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience (both verbally and in writing).

Desirable Criteria

• Qualifications in Information Technology or a related field and/or practical experience supporting an IT environment.
• ITIL Foundation Qualification or demonstrable understanding of ITIL Lifecycle Standards.
• Qualifications and certifications held may include (but are not limited to): MCSE, CCNA, SAA-C03, CompTIA, etc.
• Exposure to, or experience working with project management tools (eg. Jira, MS Project). Exposure to, or experience with version control systems.
• Knowledge or experience of Cisco, ACI or NXOS, Fortigate firewalls and switches.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Flexibility Payment

This post attracts a Level 2 Flexibility Payment (FP) that is paid monthly with salary. This FP allows HMRC flexibility to change your work pattern, at short notice, to meet business needs. You will be expected to undertake periods of On Call. You will also be expected to work additional hours, at weekends and outside your normal working hours/days (including bank holidays).

In applying for a position and accepting the FP you agree that you can and will meet those attendance requirements.

FP levels are reviewed annually – on a business need and personal basis – and may be subject to change.

Details of the Flexibility Payment can be found in the attached document.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Data Centre Management
• Security policy management platforms such as Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
• Windows 10/Windows 11 OS
• Network switching concepts

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,682, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £10,916 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRChear from our insiders or visitThinking of joining the Civil Service

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Before you Apply

To work for HMRC’s CODE Technology team and to meet the security requirements you must be a British Citizen or hold UK Dual Nationality.

You will need to hold or obtain SC clearance to take up duty but this role requires highest level of security clearance and you will also be required to attain Developed Vetting clearance (DV). This vetting can be Lengthy but it’s our way of understanding whether it’s appropriate for you to have access to classified information and it ensures that we minimise any risks to you or us. Please refer to the Additional Security Information section below.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

1. A CV. Your name-blind CV should clearly outline your career history, demonstrating how your experience aligns with the requirements of this job role as outlined in the person specification and essential criteria. The CV should include:

• Your job history and a brief description of your duties
• Skills and experience
• Key achievements

2. A 750-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should provide clear and compelling evidence in no more than 750 words on how your skills, experience, and approach meet the Essential Criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

We’re looking for examples that show not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve done it. To help structure your response effectively, consider using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This will allow you to highlight your contributions and impact in a concise and meaningful way.

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.

3. Please complete a separate statement (Max 250 words) for the Desirable Criteria where applicable. This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy-holder where candidates have the same scores at interview.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the Personal Statement.

At full sift your CV and Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, you will be assessed on Technical Skills and Strengths.

You will be asked 4 questions to test your technical skills in the following areas:

• Data Centre Management.
• Security policy management platforms such as Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
• Windows 10/Windows 11 OS.
• Network switching concepts.

This is an example of a strengths-based question:

“It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”

There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.

Interviews will take place face to face in Stratford. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk – Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example – ‘Please re-open my application – [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]’.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You’ll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk 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.

Additional Security Information

Please note: in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Once in post you will be required to apply for Developed Vetting ( DV ) clearance which has a requirement for 10 years UK residency. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post. This post is open to ‘UK Nationals Only’.

CODE have a support network that can offer assistance to colleagues throughout the DV process. CODE understands the experience of obtaining DV clearance affects individuals differently with the process being in depth and intrusive. The network consists of CODE DV cleared volunteers who will be able to guide you through the process and systems and look to alleviate any concerns.

Important information for existing HMRC Contractual Homeworkers

Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

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.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK.

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 (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

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 theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) 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 : Nikki Thomas
• Email : nikki.thomas1@hmrc.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles.

In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk. Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns, unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.

Attachments

Flexibility Payment Attachment - 2026 Opens in new window (docx, 59kB)