Hybrid Lead Network Engineer (Tier 3) - Critical NHS Infra

ARO

Liverpool

Hybrid

GBP 65,000 - 75,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

ARO is seeking a Lead Network Engineer (Tier 3) in Liverpool to provide senior technical leadership across SDS-hosted NHS and public-sector networks. The role blends hands-on engineering with architectural oversight and incident management.

Based in Liverpool with hybrid work, you will mentor Tier 1/2, drive major incident resolutions, and contribute to security, resilience and service improvement across SDS data-centre and customer networks.

Qualifications

5+ years' relevant experience in senior network engineering, consultancy or technical delivery.
Expert knowledge of enterprise routing, switching, firewalls and secure connectivity.
Advanced experience with at least two core technology platforms, including Cisco IOS/NX‑OS, Fortinet FortiGate/FortiManager and Extreme EXOS/ExtremeCloud IQ.
Advanced knowledge of BGP, OSPF, route redistribution, HSRP/VRRP, VLANs, spanning tree, MLAG and 802.1X.
Strong understanding of firewall policy, NAT, VPN, segmentation, SD‑WAN and resilient network design.
Experience supporting complex, multi‑site and data‑centre networks underpinning business‑critical hosted or managed services.
Proven ability to lead major incidents, complex changes, migrations and technical problem investigations.
Experience producing and reviewing technical designs, implementation plans and supporting documentation.
Strong understanding of ITIL‑aligned incident, problem, change and service‑transition processes.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement.

Responsibilities

Act as the Tier 3 escalation point for complex incidents, problems and technical risks affecting SDS-managed networks and the customer services they support.
Take end-to-end ownership of escalated SDS issues, ensuring accurate records, regular communication and timely resolution.
Lead the technical response to major incidents affecting SDS-hosted and managed services, working with customers, vendors and internal teams to restore service safely and promptly.
Troubleshoot complex LAN, WAN, WLAN, firewall, VPN, SD-WAN and data-centre networking issues across the SDS service estate.
Work with the Principal Network Engineer to implement SDS technical standards, architectures and technology roadmaps.
Produce and review technical documentation, including high/low level designs, implementation and migration Plans.
Provide technical assurance for new SDS solutions, customer onboarding, migrations and high-risk changes.
Lead complex SDS network deployments, data-centre changes, customer cutovers, upgrades and transformation activities.
Review and approve technical plans produced by Tier 1 and Tier 2 engineers.
Lead root‑cause analysis and ensure permanent corrective actions are identified and delivered.
Support capacity, lifecycle, vulnerability, firmware and technical risk management.
Improve monitoring, resilience, security, automation and operational efficiency of SDS-managed network services.
Ensure new/changed SDS services are documented, monitored and transitioned into operations.
Maintain relationships with SDS customers, colleagues, partners and vendors across NHS/public-sector environments.
Mentor Tier 1/2 engineers and contribute to development plans.
Maintain current technical knowledge and complete vendor/industry accreditations.
Support planned out-of-hours activities as required.