Freelance On-site Network Engineer – Exeter & Devon

Tech Junction Ltd; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Simplify Networks is seeking a Freelance Network Engineer to lead on-site deployments, hardware swaps, and fault diagnosis across Exeter and Devon. You will install and configure routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points, perform cabling and rack/stack tasks, and work with our 24/7 service desk to maintain high-availability networks.

The role is self-employed, project-based, and requires 3+ years in field networking, UK work eligibility, and a proactive, customer-focused approach

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or professional certification in Computer Science, Telecommunications Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 3+ years of progressive professional experience in field network engineering, IT support, or telecommunications installation.
• Hands-on expertise configuring and troubleshooting routers, switches, firewalls, and enterprise Wi‑Fi systems.
• Proficiency with TCP/IP networking, VLANs, subnetting, and routing protocols.
• Experience with physical site deployments, hardware swaps, and structured cabling verifications.
• Strong diagnostic skills with ping/traceroute and remote management interfaces.
• Self-employed contractor status with flexibility and legal right to work in the United Kingdom, with local travel across Exeter and Devon.

Responsibilities

• Install and configure enterprise routers, switches, firewalls, and Wi‑Fi access points on-site.
• Perform hardware swaps, upgrades, cabling terminations, and rack/stack deployments across client facilities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues on-site, including routing and wireless performance.
• Coordinate with the 24/7 remote service desk and project coordinators before and during each job.
• Review pre-job briefs, network topologies, and client specs to ensure first-visit success.
• Adhere to health and safety guidelines, data security protocols, and installation standards.
• Maintain site documentation, asset inventories, and incident logs.
• Manage contractor availability and deliver high-quality field engineering across Exeter and Devon.

Skills

Routers

Switches

Firewalls

Wi‑Fi

TCP/IP

VLANs

Subnetting

Routing protocols

Diagnostics

Customer-facing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Professional certification

Tools

ServiceNow

Jira

Job description

Simplify Networks is seeking a Freelance Network Engineer to lead on-site deployments, hardware swaps, and fault diagnosis across Exeter and Devon. You will install and configure routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points, perform cabling and rack/stack tasks, and work with our 24/7 service desk to maintain high-availability networks.

The role is self-employed, project-based, and requires 3+ years in field networking, UK work eligibility, and a proactive, customer-focused approach