Internet Protocol (IP) Network Specialist

Zain; Manama; On-site; BHD 24,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Zain Bahrain seeks an experienced Network Architect to design scalable IP network and ISP infrastructure, prepare HLD/LLD, and guide technology refresh initiatives. You will lead capacity planning, traffic analysis, and governance, coordinating across teams to deliver secure, reliable services.

Responsibilities include vendor engagement, cost forecasting, and implementing automation to improve operations, with 3–5 years in IP/ISP environments preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Industry certifications such as CCNA/CCNP preferred.
• 3–5 years experience in IP/ISP network planning, design or engineering.
• Exposure to IP, CDN providers, and capacity planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical requirements, SoW, BoQ, and RFP/RFI documentation; participate in the technical evaluation and selection of vendor solutions.
• Prepare CAPEX/OPEX estimates, budget forecasts, and business cases to support investment planning.
• Establish and maintain IP network architecture standards, engineering guidelines, and design governance.
• Govern IP network operations by reviewing network performance, capacity utilization, incidents, and KPIs; recommend improvements.
• Define operational acceptance criteria and ensure new network solutions are ready before handover to Operations.
• Collaborate with Tech, Cybersecurity, Business, Marketing, PMO, Procurement, and other stakeholders to design and deliver new network services.
• Manage technical engagements with vendors, consultants, and service providers through planning to acceptance lifecycle.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices; provide recommendations for evolution and modernization.
• Promote automation and process optimization by scripting and automation tools.
• Ensure all network designs comply with security policies and regulatory requirements; apply security-by-design principles.
• Develop and review network architecture documentation, standards, procedures, roadmaps, and engineering docs.
• Provide technical leadership and governance during project implementation, testing, commissioning, and handover to operations.

Skills

Networking concepts

Routing & Switching

Security

IPv4/IPv6

Firewall/VPN/Proxy policies

Troubleshooting

Automation scripting

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Capacity planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science / computer engineering / related field

CCNA or IP networks certification

CCNP Routing & Switching preferable

3–5 years of IP/ISP network planning, design, or engineering experience

Job description

Overview

Design and develop scalable IP network and ISP infrastructure solutions to support business growth and technology strategy. Prepare and review High-Level Designs (HLD), Low-Level Designs (LLD), technical specifications and implementation guidelines for new services, network expansions, and technology refresh initiatives. Lead network planning activities including capacity forecasting, traffic analysis, technology evaluation, and infrastructure lifecycle planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical requirements, Statements of Work (SoW), Bills of Quantities (BoQ), and Requests for Proposal (RFP/RFI) documentation; participate in the technical evaluation and selection of vendor solutions.
• Prepare CAPEX/OPEX estimates, budget forecasts, and business cases to support annual investment planning and strategic initiatives.
• Establish and maintain IP network architecture standards, engineering guidelines, and design governance to ensure consistency, scalability, resilience, and security.
• Govern IP network operations by reviewing network performance, capacity utilization, availability, incidents, problem trends, and operational KPIs; recommend continual improvement initiatives.
• Define operational acceptance criteria and ensure new network solutions are fully operationally ready before handover to the Operations team.
• Collaborate with Technology, Cybersecurity, Business, Marketing, PMO, Procurement, and other stakeholders to design and deliver new network services and solutions.
• Manage technical engagements with vendors, consultants, and service providers throughout planning, procurement, implementation, and acceptance lifecycle.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices; provide recommendations for network evolution and modernization.
• Promote automation and process optimization by identifying opportunities to streamline engineering, planning, and governance activities through scripting and automation tools.
• Ensure all network designs and solutions comply with organizational security policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices, incorporating security-by-design principles.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically review network architecture documentation, standards, procedures, technical roadmaps, and engineering documentation.
• Provide technical leadership and governance during project implementation, testing, commissioning, and operational handover.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, communication engineering, or related field.
• CCNA or IP networks related professional certification preferred.
• CCNP Routing & Switching is preferable.
• 3–5 years of experience in IP and ISP network planning, design, or engineering within a telecommunications operator or Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• Exposure to IP technical expertise in all areas of IP and ISP and capacity and CDN service providers.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong understanding of networking concepts, routing, switching, and security; proficiency in L2/L3 networks; knowledge of IPv4 and IPv6.
• Experience with firewall, VPN, and proxy policies.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and troubleshooting skills.
• Team player with ability to work across Technology, Business, and Marketing teams; ability to liaise with vendors and service providers.
• Ability to analyze statistics, logs, and alarms from network monitoring systems and take preventive and corrective actions.
• Experience in automation via scripting; ability to automate repetitive tasks and improve processes.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours as needed and to maintain security-minded approach.