Job Description

Job Title: Specialist, Test Center Support (Network Operations Center)

The Specialist, Test Center Support (Network Operations Center) monitors, supports, and maintains Pearson Professional Assessments owned Test Centers network, systems, security, and endpoint infrastructure to ensure high availability and optimal performance. This role blends real‑time network monitoring with hands‑on troubleshooting across network devices, Windows Server environments, identity platforms, endpoint management, patching systems, and CCTV technologies. The ideal candidate is analytical, calm under pressure, and comfortable working across multiple layers of IT operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor network performance using NOC tools to detect outages, latency, or service degradation.
• Respond to incidents by diagnosing root causes, escalating when required, and ensuring timely resolution.
• Perform Level 1–2 troubleshooting across routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and connectivity issues.
• Support Windows Server environments, including service checks, patching coordination, and basic administration.
• Manage and troubleshoot Active Directory, including user provisioning, group policies, and authentication issues.
• Support Windows 11 endpoints, resolving OS, login, performance, and connectivity issues.
• Assist with Microsoft Intune device management, including compliance checks, configuration profiles, and application deployment issues.
• Support identity and access issues in Microsoft Entra ID, including MFA, SSO, conditional access, and user lifecycle tasks.
• Participate in Microsoft and third‑party patching cycles, including monitoring deployments, troubleshooting failures, and ensuring compliance.
• Provide support for CCTV systems, including analogue and IP‑based cameras, NVR/DVR systems, and video management platforms.
• Troubleshoot CCTV connectivity issues, camera failures, recording problems, and network‑related video streaming issues.
• Handle alerts and tickets with accurate documentation and timely updates.
• Collaborate with network, systems, and security teams to resolve complex incidents and support planned maintenance.
• Execute routine operational tasks, such as configuration backups, patch checks, and system health reviews.
• Analyse recurring incidents and contribute to long-term fixes and process improvements.
• Maintain runbooks, documentation, and shift handover reports to ensure operational continuity.
• Participate in 24/7 operations, including shift work, on-call rotations, and emergency response.
• Ensure compliance with security policies, SLAs, and operational standards.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and routing/switching fundamentals.
• Experience with network monitoring tools (SolarWinds, PRTG, Zabbix, Nagios, Datadog).
• Hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, or similar network equipment.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server (2016/2019/2022) administration.
• Practical experience with Active Directory (users, groups, GPOs, authentication).
• Ability to support Windows 11 in an enterprise environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Intune for device compliance, configuration profiles, and app deployment.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), including identity troubleshooting, MFA, and conditional access.
• Experience with Microsoft and third‑party patching tools, such as WSUS, SCCM/MECM, Intune patching, or vendor‑specific update platforms.
• Knowledge of CCTV systems, including analogue and IP cameras, DVR/NVR systems, and video management software.
• Ability to diagnose CCTV network issues, camera failures, and recording/storage problems.
• Understanding of firewalls, VPNs, load balancers, and WAN technologies.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting logs, packet captures, and performance metrics.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and multitasking abilities.

• Certifications such as CCNA, Fortinet, CCNP, Network+, MCSA, AZ‑900, MD‑102 are a strong advantage.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in ISP, telecom, MSP, data centre, or cloud environments
• Knowledge of Linux/Unix systems and basic scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python).
• Familiarity with ITIL processes, especially incident, problem, and change management.
• Exposure to cloud networking (Azure, AWS, GCP).

About the Ideal Candidate

You’re someone who thrives in hybrid environments where networks, identity systems, endpoints, patching workflows, and security technologies like CCTV all intersect. You enjoy solving problems across multiple layers of the stack and keeping critical services running smoothly.