Principle Network Engineer

J Bandy Consulting; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to oversee the design and maintenance of their network infrastructure. This role involves managing the network engineering team, ensuring high performance and reliability, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance network services. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in networking protocols and experience in an ISP or carrier environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in an ISP/carrier environment or large NOC.
• Strong understanding of network protocols and architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and maintenance of network infrastructure.
• Ensure stable and reliable network services.
• Implement new technologies to enhance network services.

Skills

IPv4

IPv6

BGP

MPLS

Python

Linux

Education

CCNP

Job description

Role Overview

As the Principal Network Engineer, you will lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of our network infrastructure. This is a leadership role responsible for managing the network engineering team, setting priorities, and delivering carrier-grade network solutions.

You will enforce adherence to approved network designs, drive best practices, and ensure the network is robust, scalable, and high-performing.
Key Responsibilities

Network Availability

• Ensure stable and reliable network services.
• Monitor daily network performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network and hardware issues.
• Generate and respond to trouble tickets; handle carrier escalations.
• Deploy and maintain network monitoring and analysis tools.
• Collaborate with Network Operations and Architecture teams.

Network Management

• Provide network support across operations and change management.
• Apply configuration changes using change control processes.
• Create HLD (High-Level Design) and LLD (Low-Level Design) documentation.
• Install and upgrade network hardware and software.
• Maintain patches, OS tuning, and configuration management.
• Engage with vendors and industry partners on behalf of the business.

Continuous Improvement

• Implement new technologies to enhance network services.
• Optimize capacity and improve network reliability.
• Develop and maintain strong network security practices.

General Duties

• Support core, distribution, and access networks.
• Deliver sustainable solutions for complex networking challenges.
• Collaborate with network architects, engineers, and security teams.
• Roll out innovative programs to reduce network issues.

Key Skills and Experience

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of IPv4, IPv6, BGP, ISIS, MPLS, LDP, Segment Routing.
• Experience with BNG for IPoE and PPPoE, Zero Touch Provisioning, DHCP, RADIUS.
• Knowledge of uRPF/BCP38, CGNAT, and highly available (N+1) network architectures.
• Experience with PON access networks.
• Proficient in scripting languages such as Python, Perl, or Go.
• Solid Linux command-line and administration skills.

Required Experience

• Experience in an ISP/carrier environment, large NOC, or network engineering team.

Preferred Qualifications

• CCNP or equivalent vendor certification (or relevant practical experience).