IT Field Engineer - Field Based - Hertforshire and Sourrounding Areas
Location: Field-based across Hertforshire and Sourrounding Areas (Head Office: Mundells, Welwyn Garden City)
Salary Range: £36,225 - £38,122 per Annum (DOE)
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: IT Manager
HCL is seeking a highly skilled and proactive IT Field Engineer to oversee and maintain IT systems across educational institutions, ensuring the seamless operation of our proprietary Food Ordering System, Citrus. The successful candidate will be responsible for configuring, deploying, and supporting critical hardware and network infrastructure within school kitchens, providing expert technical assistance, and ensuring a high standard of IT service delivery.
This role requires strong expertise in Windows operating systems, Office 365, and network configuration, along with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently. The IT Field Engineer will play a pivotal role in supporting system rollouts, managing hardware inventory, and assisting the IT Helpdesk team during non-deployment periods.
MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Hardware Configuration and Network Setup
- Configure tablets, docking stations, serving-point devices, and mesh Wi-Fi systems for deployment across school kitchens.
- Enrol and validate devices in Microsoft Intune, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Conduct kitchen-specific network assessments (signal strength, AP placement, interference).
- Apply best practices for network connectivity, ensuring reliable data flow between devices, Citrus, and HCL systems.
Technical Support and Troubleshooting
- Provide on-site and remote support during deployments and Go-Live events.
- Diagnose and resolve connectivity and hardware issues affecting data capture, Wi-Fi stability, and tablet performance.
- Identify issues related to school infrastructure (e.g., cabling routes, shielding, access points) and escalate appropriately.
- Work with Helpdesk and Systems teams to isolate device-level issues from system/software-level issues.
Hardware Asset Management and Documentation
- Maintain and update accurate records of all deployed devices using HCL’s asset tracking tools.
- Complete site installation checklists, including photos and connectivity test results.
- Document all changes to hardware, outlets, mesh placements, and network points.
- Ensure traceability for warranty, replacements, and lifecycle events.
Project Planning and Scheduling
- Independently plan and prioritise site visits based on rollout schedules and operational priorities.
- Coordinate with schools/MATs to schedule visits around safeguarding policies and site availability.
- Manage time and travel efficiently to maximise coverage across the estate.
- Provide progress updates to the Project Coordinator and IT Manager to support programme-level reporting.
General IT Support
- Escalate system-level issues (Citrus, BC, Payroll/HRIS) to appropriate teams while resolving underlying hardware/network causes.
- Support lifecycle tasks such as device replacement, collection, re-imaging, or recycling.
Network and Infrastructure
- Work with external cabling contractors to coordinate kitchen network point installations and ensure compliance with HCL technical specifications.
- Conduct quality assurance checks on newly installed network points, including testing, certification review, and documentation.
- Report site infrastructure issues (e.g., poor routing, electrical interference, access restrictions) and recommend improvements.
- Ensure installed solutions support HCL’s operational readiness for Citrus and future digital products.
This list should not be regarded as exhaustive, and the post holder will be expected to deliver other duties relevant and appropriate to this role and department.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Strong technical expertise in Windows OS, Office 365, and basic network configuration.
- Hands-on experience with hardware deployment and IT system installations in a field-based role.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical issues methodically and effectively, both on-site and remotely.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to self-manage schedules and prioritise workload efficiently.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with school staff, external vendors, and internal teams.
- A proactive, problem-solving approach with a commitment to delivering high-quality IT support services.
- Previous experience working in an IT Field Engineer, IT Support, or similar role is highly desirable.
If you are interested in joining HCL, Please apply today!
