Lead Engineer (Porton & South West - Chilton)

Job summary

We are looking for a Lead Engineer to be responsible for a team of second line engineers based at our Chilton site with travel required to other UKHSA sites across the country. The team is part of the wider End User Workspace, Hosting and Service Management team which itself is part of the Technology Group at the UKHSA.

The second line team at Chilton support colleagues both on-site and remotely. They look after a range of technologies from end user devices - laptops and mobile phones - to supporting laboratory equipment and software.

Main duties of the job

The main duties will include:

Assisting the Area Manager providing a high quality of customer service and support that will ensure that all colleagues are able to access ICT services as required, using properly configured and reliable devices.
Ensuring that all colleagues receive a consistent level of support, working within agreed service levels as necessary, which minimizes the time for identifying and fixing problems.
Configuring and commissioning PC hardware and software as required, ensuring that all software is properly licensed.
Supporting PC network hardware and software components as required, to maximize the availability to users.
Providing some administration and technical support for servers, having oversight of local backup procedures.
Adhering to the Joiners/Movers/Leavers processes to ensure the right people have access to the right systems.
Ensuring that all ICT equipment is managed according to the asset management processes and working with the equipment supply team to streamline and improve these processes.
Working with a geographically dispersed team to ensure cover for absent colleagues and colleagues in other geographical areas.
As required, participate in a rota with other engineers for out-of-hours emergency support provision.
Leading a small team of engineers, being responsible for their personal development and wellbeing in the workplace.
Deputising for the Area Manger where required.

This is not an exhaustive list.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job description

Job responsibilities

This team support a wide user base both on-site and remotely across a variety of needs. You will be responsible for managing and supporting the end user devices from asset tracking to hardware and software troubleshooting and connectivity issues. You will also support technology for the labs on site ensuringthat ICT equipment is functioning and secure.

As a team leader you will need to ensure that your team are trained and motivated and that they are supported to develop their careers and potential. You will also be responsible for ensuring the correct skills and cover are available to meet the business needs at your site.

Due to the breadth of technical services required by UKHSA colleagues you may often be asked to assist the wider Technology team with projects, new services and major incidents and you will also need to work with your team to ensure that ITSM functions are carried our responsibly. You will be involved in contributing to service improvements and updates.

Our ideal candidate thrives in a challenging environment, is motivated by delivering results, and is comfortable with working under pressure. The role requires a team player who has the motivation to maintain a solid service whilst constantly striving to improve both the technical and non-technical aspects of delivery.

Essential criteria

Educated to degree level in computer science; or equivalent qualification, or a relevant IT apprenticeship
Significant experience in a second-line technical support role, supporting end user device hardware and software both face to face and remotely.
Experience of infrastructure support such as network or server management
Experience/knowledge Microsoft operating systems, M365 and associated infrastructure
Experience in troubleshooting and supporting specialist systems
Previous experience within an ITIL environment and using ITIL tools, such as Service Now
Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining personal networks
Ability to analyse and interpret information, remain alert to emerging issues, and recommend appropriate course of action.
Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload without supervision working to tight and often changing timescales

Desirable criteria

Managing a team
Previous experience in similar role in public sector or similar large organisation

Selection process

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed onthe listed11essentialcriteria,and this will be in the form of:

an application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
a 1500wordsupporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills,experienceandknowledgeprovide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please beadvisedyou will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

Meets all essential criteria
Meets some essential criteria
Meets no essential criteria

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

Experience of leading and developing a team
Significant experience in a second-line technical support role, supporting end user device hardware and software both face to face and remotely.
Experience/knowledge Microsoft operating systems, M365 and associated infrastructure

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview in Didcot. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.

Interviews will be held week commencing 20th July 2026. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is lab based at Didcot. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role.

Eligibility criteria

Option 1 - External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security clearance level requirement

Part 1

Successful candidates must pass a basic Disclosure and Barring Security (DBS) check before they can be appointed.

Part 2

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Security Check clearance.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years to obtain Security Check (SC). UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Salary information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Person Specification

Application form and supporting statement

Essential

Application form and supporting statement

Essential criteria

Essential

Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Scientific Campus

Didcot

OX11 0RQ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency

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