IT Networking and Infrastructure Engineer - 6 month FTC

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; North East; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days holiday annually

Pension scheme with up to 9%

Private medical insurance

Personal Accident insurance

Group Income Protection

Group Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Hitachi Rail UK Limited is seeking a Networking & Infrastructure Engineer to join the UK Infrastructure team on a 6‑month fixed term contract, based at Newton Aycliffe. The role focuses on delivering a major Cisco ISE implementation and maintaining secure, high‑performing enterprise networks across UK sites.

You will bring strong Cisco NAC/ISE expertise, Fortigate administration, and a proactive approach to project delivery while collaborating with internal teams and external partners.

Qualifications

• Proven experience supporting enterprise networks in large, multi-site organisations (essential).
• Strong knowledge of IP networking, routing, switching and network security (essential).
• Significant experience with Cisco networking technologies, including switches, wireless APs and WLCs (essential).
• Strong experience with Cisco NAC (802.1X) and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) (essential).
• Experience administering Fortigate firewalls (essential).
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and network hardening practices (essential).
• Experience supporting networking incidents, problems and change activities (essential).
• Willingness to travel occasionally to other company locations (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Support and maintain enterprise networking services across the organisation.
• Lead and contribute to network infrastructure and security projects, with a focus on Cisco ISE and NAC.
• Support Cisco switching, wireless networks, wireless LAN controllers and related technologies.
• Administer and support Fortigate firewalls, including policies, VPNs and DMZ environments.
• Ensure network infrastructure remains secure through patching, upgrades and hardening activities.
• Investigate and resolve networking incidents, problems and service requests per ITIL.
• Support change management relating to networking infrastructure.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external partners and suppliers to deliver reliable services.
• Provide technical expertise for multi‑site networks and deployment activities across UK locations.

Skills

Cisco networking

IP routing

IP switching

Network security

802.1X / ISE

Fortigate

Windows Server

VMware

Zscaler

CCNA certification

Tools

Fortigate

Windows Server

VMware

Zscaler

Job description

Location: Newton Aycliffe, Durham, United Kingdom
Job ID: R0130821
Date Posted: 2026-07-24
Company Name: Hitachi Rail UK Limited
Profession (Job Category): IT, Telecom & Internet
Job Schedule: Full time
Remote: No

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting‑edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi‑cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Job Description

Your new role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Networking & Infrastructure Engineer (6-Month Fixed Term Contract) to join our UK Infrastructure team, based at our Newton Aycliffe manufacturing facility. We're looking for an experienced networking professional who can quickly add value, bringing strong Cisco ISE and Network Access Control (NAC) expertise to support the successful delivery of a key business‑critical project. Working as part of a skilled Infrastructure team, you'll play a leading role in supporting, maintaining and enhancing our network environment, with a particular focus on a major Cisco ISE implementation project. You'll help ensure secure, reliable and high‑performing network services across multiple UK locations while contributing to wider network modernisation initiatives. This role is ideal for a networking specialist with strong experience in enterprise networking, security and access control technologies who enjoys working in a project‑focused environment and collaborating with stakeholders across the business.

Some key responsibilities

• Support and maintain enterprise networking services across the organisation.
• Lead and contribute to network infrastructure and security projects, with a particular focus on Cisco ISE and Network Access Control.
• Support Cisco switching, wireless networks, wireless LAN controllers and associated networking technologies.
• Administer and support Fortigate firewalls, including firewall policies, VPNs and DMZ environments.
• Ensure network infrastructure remains secure through patching, upgrades, hardening activities and cyber security compliance initiatives.
• Investigate and resolve networking incidents, problems and service requests in line with ITIL principles.
• Support change management activities relating to networking infrastructure.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, external partners and third‑party suppliers to deliver reliable business services.
• Provide technical expertise for multi‑site network environments and support deployment activities across UK locations.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of network performance, resilience and operational effectiveness.

About you

We're looking for a networking specialist who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem‑solving. You'll be able to demonstrate:

Essential

• Proven experience supporting enterprise networking environments within a large, multi‑site organisation.
• Strong knowledge of IP networking, routing, switching and network security.
• Significant experience with Cisco networking technologies, including switches, wireless access points and wireless LAN controllers.
• Strong experience of Cisco Network Access Control (802.1X) and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
• Experience supporting and administering Fortigate firewalls.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and network hardening practices.
• Experience supporting networking incidents, problems and change activities.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to other company locations as required.

Desirable

• CCNA certification.
• Experience with Zscaler ZIA and ZPA solutions.
• Knowledge of operational technology (OT) and IoT network environments.
• Exposure to Windows Server administration and VMware technologies.
• Understanding of modern endpoint security and infrastructure management tools.

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday annually
• Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
• Private medical insurance
• Personal Accident insurance
• Group Income Protection
• Group Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme

We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible benefits plan that can be tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle.

#LI-GF1

We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

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