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Infrastructure engineer

Find out what an infrastructure engineer in government does and the skills you need to do the role at each level.

Last updated 31 May 2024 — See all updates

What an infrastructure engineer does

An infrastructure engineer designs, builds, manages and supports the infrastructure services that underpin all internal user services and services to the public.

Infrastructure engineer role levels

There are 5 infrastructure engineer role levels, from associate infrastructure engineer to principal infrastructure engineer.

The typical responsibilities and skills for each role level are described in the sections below. You can use this to identify the skills you need to progress in your career, or simply to learn more about each role in the Government Digital and Data profession.

1. Associate infrastructure engineer

As a trainee, you will work in an established team and support infrastructure engineers in their daily work, under their direction.

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • EO (Executive Officer)
  • HEO (Higher Executive Officer)
Skill Description

IT infrastructure

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support infrastructure solutions and services, and other computer, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS) and open source packages and solutions
  • support virtual and cloud computing, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Information security

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • discuss information security and the security controls that can be used to mitigate security threats within solutions and services

Modern standards approach

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the importance of adopting a modern standards approach

Ownership and initiative

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of problem resolution processes
  • pass problems on to your team

Problem management

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • investigate problems in systems, processes and services, with an understanding of the level of a problem (for example, strategic, tactical or operational)
  • contribute to the implementation of remedies and preventative measures

Systems design

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • assist as part of a team in the design of components of larger systems

Systems integration

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • talk about the process of integrating systems and the challenges of designing, building and testing interfaces between systems

Technical understanding

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the relevant subject matter and a high level understanding of what it involves

Troubleshooting and problem resolution

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of different technology capabilities
  • demonstrate basic troubleshooting capability

2. Infrastructure engineer

Working in a team of infrastructure specialists and engineers, an infrastructure engineer supports and maintains infrastructure solutions and services as directed and according to departmental policy.

At this role level, you will:

  • ensure services are delivered and used as required
  • work with and support third parties to provide infrastructure services

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • HEO (Higher Executive Officer)
  • SEO (Senior Executive Officer)
Skill Description

Coding and scripting (infrastructure engineer)

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the scripting tools and software that are available and currently in use
  • understand how the internet works

IT infrastructure

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build, configure, administer and support infrastructure technologies and solutions. These technologies and solutions can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Information security

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • discuss information security and the security controls that can be used to mitigate security threats within solutions and services

Modern standards approach

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the most important principles of a modern standards approach and how they apply to the work you are undertaking
  • apply these principles under guidance

Ownership and initiative

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • own an issue until a new owner has been found or the problem has been mitigated or resolved

Problem management

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • investigate problems in systems, processes and services, with an understanding of the level of a problem (for example, strategic, tactical or operational)
  • contribute to the implementation of remedies and preventative measures

Service focus

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take inputs and establish coherent frameworks that work

Systems design

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • translate logical designs into physical designs
  • produce detailed designs
  • effectively document all work using required standards, methods and tools, including prototyping tools where appropriate
  • design systems characterised by managed levels of risk, manageable business and technical complexity, and meaningful impact
  • work with well understood technology and identify appropriate patterns

Systems integration

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build and test simple interfaces between systems
  • work on more complex integration as part of a wider team

Technical understanding

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the core technical concepts related to the role, and apply them with guidance

Testing

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • correctly execute test scripts under supervision
  • understand the role of testing and how it works

Troubleshooting and problem resolution

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities

3. Senior infrastructure engineer

Working in a team of infrastructure specialists and engineers, a senior infrastructure engineer builds, administers, supports and maintains solutions as directed and according to departmental policy.

At this role level, you will:

  • ensure services are integrated, delivered and operated as required
  • work with and support third parties in providing infrastructure services
  • work with technical architects to translate architectural designs into operations
  • provide input into overall management - workforce, budget, technology roadmaps, projects and tasks
  • lead and direct infrastructure specialist teams in building, managing, supporting and maintaining solutions according to departmental policy (if taking a managerial path)

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • SEO (Senior Executive Officer)
  • G7 (Grade 7)
Skill Description

Coding and scripting (infrastructure engineer)

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the scripting tools and software that are available and currently in use
  • understand how the internet works

IT infrastructure

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design, implement, administer and support infrastructure technologies, solutions and services. These can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Information security

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate an understanding of information security and the types of security controls that can be used to mitigate security threats within solutions and services

Modern standards approach

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • competently apply a modern standards approach and guide others to do so

Ownership and initiative

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • own an issue until a new owner has been found or the problem has been mitigated or resolved

Problem management

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • initiate and monitor actions to investigate patterns and trends to resolve problems
  • effectively consult specialists where required
  • determine the appropriate remedy and assist with its implementation
  • determine preventative measures

Service focus

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take inputs and establish coherent frameworks that work

Systems design

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems characterised by medium levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity
  • select appropriate design standards, methods and tools, and ensure they are applied effectively
  • review the systems designs of others to ensure the selection of appropriate technology, efficient use of resources and integration of multiple systems and technology

Systems integration

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • define the integration build
  • co-ordinate build activities across systems
  • understand how to undertake and support integration testing activities

Technical understanding

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show a thorough understanding of the technical concepts required for the role, and can explain how these fit into the wider technical landscape

Testing

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • review requirements and specifications, and define test conditions
  • identify issues and risks associated with work
  • analyse and report test activities and results

Troubleshooting and problem resolution

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • break a problem down into its component parts to identify and diagnose root causes
  • troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities

4. Lead infrastructure engineer

A lead infrastructure engineer manages third party provision of infrastructure services and the provision of expertise to develop architectural solutions for infrastructure services, throughout the service product life cycle.

At this role level, you will:

  • oversee programmes and projects
  • work with technical architects to translate the architectural designs into operations and support technical architects in operationalising the designs
  • lead and direct infrastructure specialist teams in building, managing, supporting and maintaining solutions according to departmental policy (if taking a managerial path)

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • G7 (Grade 7)
  • G6 (Grade 6)
Skill Description

Coding and scripting (infrastructure engineer)

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • interact with and read code
  • write HTML and carry out baseline repair activities

IT infrastructure

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead teams and departments in the design, implementation, administration and support of infrastructure solutions and services

Information security

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand information security
  • design solutions and services with security controls embedded, specifically engineered with mitigation of security threats as a core feature

Modern standards approach

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a strong understanding of the most appropriate modern standards and practices, and how they are applied
  • coach and guide others in these standards

Ownership and initiative

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take accountability for issues that occur and be proactive in searching for potential problems
  • achieve excellent user outcomes

Problem management

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • initiate and monitor actions to investigate patterns and trends to resolve problems
  • effectively consult specialists where required
  • determine the appropriate remedy and assist with its implementation
  • determine preventative measures

Service focus

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take inputs and establish coherent frameworks that work

Systems design

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems characterised by medium levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity
  • select appropriate design standards, methods and tools, and ensure they are applied effectively
  • review the systems designs of others to ensure the selection of appropriate technology, efficient use of resources and integration of multiple systems and technology

Systems integration

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • establish standards and procedures across a service product life cycle, including the development product life cycle, and can ensure that practitioners adhere to these
  • manage resources to ensure that the systems integration function works effectively

Technical understanding

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • anticipate and advise on future technology changes that present opportunities for the product or programme

Testing

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage the planning of system and acceptance tests, co-ordinating both functional and non-functional specifications
  • provide authoritative advice and guidance on test planning
  • identify process improvements and contribute to the definition of best practice

Troubleshooting and problem resolution

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use lateral thinking to break a problem down into its component parts to identify and diagnose root causes
  • troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities including computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS) and open source software

5. Principal infrastructure engineer

A principal infrastructure engineer is an accomplished technical leader.

At this role level, you will:

  • develop strategic and tactical engineering roadmaps for technologies and services in your area of responsibility, ensuring they're future-proofed and that the organisation derives maximum value from investment in technologies
  • potentially own the operational relationships with suppliers, ensuring services and products are delivered and aligned to industry best practice and regulatory and contractual requirements
  • work with technical architects to translate the architectural designs into operations and support technical architects in operationalising the designs
  • lead and direct infrastructure specialist teams in building, managing, supporting and maintaining solutions according to departmental policy (if taking a managerial path)

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • G6 (Grade 6)
Skill Description

Coding and scripting (infrastructure engineer)

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • interact with and read code
  • write HTML and carry out baseline repair activities

IT infrastructure

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design, implement, administer and support infrastructure technologies, solutions and services. These can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Information security

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand information security
  • design solutions and services with security controls embedded, specifically engineered with mitigation of security threats as a core feature

Modern standards approach

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a strong understanding of the most appropriate modern standards and practices, and how they are applied
  • coach and guide others in these standards

Ownership and initiative

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take accountability for issues that occur and be proactive in searching for potential problems
  • achieve excellent user outcomes

Problem management

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • ensure that the right actions are taken to investigate, resolve and anticipate problems
  • co-ordinate the team to investigate problems, implement solutions and take preventive measures

Service focus

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • see the bigger picture by taking groups of services and investigating how to get the best of underlying services

Systems design

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems characterised by high levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity
  • control system design practice within an enterprise or industry architecture
  • influence industry-based models for the development of new technology applications
  • develop effective implementation and procurement strategies, consistent with business needs
  • ensure adherence to relevant technical strategies, policies, standards and practices

Systems integration

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • establish standards and procedures across a service product life cycle, including the development product life cycle, and can ensure that practitioners adhere to these
  • manage resources to ensure that the systems integration function works effectively

Technical understanding

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show a thorough understanding of the technical concepts required for the role, and can explain how these fit into the wider technical landscape

Testing

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage testing activities within development or integration activities
  • manage risks and take preventative action when risks become unacceptable
  • manage customer relations

Troubleshooting and problem resolution

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use lateral thinking to break a problem down into its component parts to identify and diagnose root causes
  • troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities including computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS) and open source software
Role Shared skills
Application operations engineer

Ownership and initiative

Problem management

Technical understanding

Service focus

Testing

End user computing engineer

Ownership and initiative

Problem management

Technical understanding

Service focus

Testing

Infrastructure operations engineer

Ownership and initiative

Problem management

Technical understanding

Service focus

Testing

Change and release manager

Ownership and initiative

Problem management

Technical understanding

Service focus

Command and control centre manager

Ownership and initiative

Problem management

Technical understanding

Service focus

Updates

Published 7 January 2020

Last updated 31 May 2024

31 May 2024

  • The indicative job grades for the 'principal infrastructure engineer' role level have been updated from 'G6 and deputy director or equivalent' to 'G6'. This change is based on the latest data on the most common grades for these role levels across government.

31 July 2023

  • Infrastructure engineer was moved to the IT operations role group.

30 August 2022

  • The ‘problem solving’ skill has been renamed ‘problem management’ to ensure consistency across the DDaT Profession Capability Framework.

7 January 2020

  • First published.