Network Engineer

Aldar Academies; Dubai; On-site; AED 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Rugby School Dubai is seeking a skilled Network Engineer to design, secure and maintain the school's network infrastructure. You'll support campus-wide Wi‑Fi, core LAN/WAN, firewalls and VPNs, while collaborating with the IT team and Aldar Education HQ to deliver reliable services for staff and pupils.

The role requires 3+ years in network engineering, experience with enterprise wireless networks, security, and monitoring tools, and a proactive, collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking or a related field.
• CCNA/CCNP or CompTIA Network+ or vendor certifications are highly desirable.
• At least 3 years experience in a network engineering role, preferably in school or multi-site environments.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure and maintain network hardware including switches, routers, firewalls and wireless APs.
• Design and manage network architecture with VLANs, routing and segmentation for staff, pupils, guests and CCTV.
• Manage DHCP, DNS and IP address management; oversee cabling and server rooms.
• Plan and deploy campus-wide Wi‑Fi and secure device onboarding.
• Configure firewalls, VPNs and content filtering, ensuring safeguarding and KHDA compliance.
• Monitor network performance, diagnose issues and provide 3rd-line support.
• Lead network upgrade projects and contribute to IT budgeting and procurement.
• Maintain accurate topology diagrams and asset records; support disaster recovery planning.

Skills

LAN/WAN

Wi‑Fi

VLANs

Routing & Switching

Firewalls

VPNs

Network Monitoring

Content Filtering

Problem Solving

Communication

Arabic desirable

English fluent

Education

Degree in IT/CS/Networking

Tools

Cisco devices

Aruba devices

Fortinet

Meraki

Job description

Rugby School Dubai is seeking a skilled, proactive and highly organised Network Engineer to join our IT team in December 2027. Reporting to the IT Cluster Manager, you will be responsible for the design, maintenance and security of the school's network infrastructure, ensuring a fast, reliable and secure environment that supports outstanding teaching, learning and school operations.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the network of a growing school, from campus-wide Wi‑Fi and network security to supporting new technologies and facilities as the school expands. You will work closely with the IT team, Aldar Education HQ and external partners to deliver a seamless service to staff and pupils.

Rugby School Dubai opened its doors in August 2026. It is the next chapter of Rugby School's legacy, where British heritage meets the UAE's forward ambition. Guided by our ethos, The Whole Person, The Whole Point, we pair academic depth with pastoral strength so pupils grow in scholarship and in self. Across rigorous academics, sport, performing arts and music, leadership and service, and House life, every experience will help each child find their voice, expand their horizons and lead with purpose. This is more than a school; it is a community where character leads achievement and tradition inspires tomorrow. The school welcomes pupils from FS1 to Year 13 and is located in the Nad Al Sheba district of Dubai. We are proud to be part of the Aldar Education group.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CCNA, CCNP or CompTIA Network+, or vendor certifications (for example Cisco, Aruba, Fortinet or Meraki), are highly desirable.

Experience

• At least 3 years experience in a network engineering role.
• Experience in a school, campus or multi-site environment is highly desirable.
• Proven experience managing enterprise wireless networks, firewalls and network security.
• Experience with network monitoring tools and content filtering solutions.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong working knowledge of LAN/WAN, Wi‑Fi, VLANs, routing and switching, firewalls and VPNs.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to non‑technical colleagues.
• Well organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with high levels of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion.
• Fluent English; Arabic is desirable.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the school reserves the right to appoint early if an outstanding candidate is identified.

Rugby School Dubai is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, police clearance and qualification verification, in line with KHDA and Rugby School requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Network infrastructure

• Install, configure and maintain the school's network hardware, including switches, routers, firewalls and wireless access points.
• Design and manage the network architecture, including VLANs, routing and segmentation between staff, pupil, guest, CCTV and building management networks.
• Manage core network services, including DHCP, DNS and IP address management.
• Oversee structured cabling, server rooms and communications cabinets, including UPS, cooling and physical security.

Wireless networking

• Plan, deploy and optimise campus‑wide Wi‑Fi across classrooms, sports facilities and event spaces.
• Carry out wireless surveys, and resolve coverage, interference and capacity issues.
• Manage secure wireless access and device onboarding for staff, pupils and guests.

Network security

• Configure and manage firewalls, VPNs, access controls and intrusion prevention systems.
• Manage web content filtering in line with safeguarding requirements, KHDA guidance and Aldar Education policy, keeping pupils safe online.
• Monitor for, and respond to, security threats and vulnerabilities, escalating to Aldar Education HQ where needed.
• Apply firmware updates and security patches in a timely and controlled way.

Monitoring, support and troubleshooting

• Proactively monitor network performance, bandwidth and availability, resolving issues before they affect users.
• Diagnose and resolve complex network and connectivity issues, providing third‑line support to the IT helpdesk.
• Support network‑dependent systems, including CCTV, access control, printing, AV and building management systems.
• Ensure reliable connectivity for key school activities, including online assessments, examinations, events and live streaming.

Projects and development

• Plan and deliver network upgrades and expansion projects as the school grows and new facilities open.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies to improve performance, security and value for money.
• Contribute to IT budgeting and procurement, in line with Aldar Education procurement policies.

Documentation and continuity

• Maintain accurate network documentation, including topology diagrams, configurations, IP schemes and asset records.
• Back up network configurations, and support disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

Compliance

• Ensure all network practices comply with UAE data protection legislation, Aldar Education information security policies and safeguarding requirements.
• Report any safeguarding, health and safety or information security concerns through the appropriate channels, and complete all mandatory training.

Desired Candidate Profile

• A degree or diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CCNA, CCNP or CompTIA Network+, or vendor certifications (for example Cisco, Aruba, Fortinet or Meraki), are highly desirable.
• At least 3 years experience in a network engineering role.
• Experience in a school, campus or multi-site environment is highly desirable.
• Proven experience managing enterprise wireless networks, firewalls and network security.
• Experience with network monitoring tools and content filtering solutions.
• Strong working knowledge of LAN/WAN, Wi‑Fi, VLANs, routing and switching, firewalls and VPNs.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to non‑technical colleagues.
• Well organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with high levels of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion.
• Fluent English; Arabic is desirable.