Junior Network Engineer

EXP Talent; Dorking; Hybrid; GBP 28,800 - 35,200; Full time

Job summary

EXP Talent is seeking a Junior Wireless Network Engineer to join a four-person team delivering a major wireless rollout across the UK. The role is remote with nationwide site travel and occasional visits to a laboratory in Dorking for training.

The project involves replacing ~900 wireless access points across 600 live sites, followed by a wireless validation survey at each location. A one-week onsite training in Dorking is provided before the rollout.

Qualifications

• Hands-on wireless networking experience including access-point installation, patching or troubleshooting.
• Basic understanding of radio-frequency principles (coverage vs capacity, channel overlap, interference).
• Basic understanding of network switching (VLANs, trunk and access ports, PoE).
• Ability to work independently at live sites while following a rollout plan.

Responsibilities

• Travel to sites across the UK and complete scheduled wireless upgrades.
• Remove existing wireless access points and install new Cisco Catalyst or Meraki equipment.
• Patch access points into the existing network infrastructure with no recabling.
• Confirm that each access point is online and functioning via the Meraki dashboard.
• Photograph completed installations and upload accurate supporting records.
• Complete an Ekahau validation survey after each installation.
• Identify and document coverage gaps or areas needing additional access points.
• Use LiDAR to capture site layouts where floor plans are unavailable.
• Record access-point quantities, locations and installation complexity for each site.
• Identify and report network-port, switching and cabling issues.
• Agree short service outages with onsite staff and complete the work with minimal disruption.
• Conduct user acceptance testing on critical equipment including card‑payment machines and key wireless devices.
• Investigate basic issues with legacy equipment and escalate faults as needed.
• Maintain clear notes, photographs, survey results and installation logs.

Skills

Wireless networking

Access point installation

Patch and troubleshoot

Radio-frequency principles

VLANs and network switching

Power over Ethernet

Independent working at live sites

Communication skills

Driving licence

Willingness to travel nationwide

Tools

Ekahau

Meraki dashboard

Cisco Catalyst

Job description

Location: Remote base with nationwide travel to client sites and occasional visits to a laboratory in Dorking

Contract: Initial six-month contract, with a strong likelihood of becoming permanent

Salary: £32,000 per annum

The opportunity

Our client is looking for a Junior Wireless Network Engineer to join a four-person engineering team delivering a major wireless infrastructure rollout across the UK.

The project involves replacing approximately 900 wireless access points across 600 live sites, followed by a wireless validation survey at each location.

This is an excellent opportunity for a junior engineer with some hands‑on wireless experience who wants to develop their technical knowledge while working on a large‑scale national project. Our client will provide comprehensive project training, including one week of onsite training in Dorking before the rollout begins.

The position is initially offered as a six‑month contract. This is the first phase of a two‑phase programme, and our client has several additional projects planned. As a result, there is a very strong likelihood that the position will develop into a permanent role.

Key responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Travel to sites across the UK and complete scheduled wireless upgrades.
• Remove existing wireless access points and install new Cisco Catalyst or Meraki equipment.
• Patch access points into the existing network infrastructure, with no recabling required.
• Confirm that each access point is online and functioning correctly through the Meraki dashboard.
• Photograph completed installations and upload accurate supporting records.
• Complete an Ekahau validation survey following each installation.
• Identify and document coverage gaps or areas that may require additional access points.
• Use LiDAR technology to capture site layouts where floor plans are unavailable.
• Record access‑point quantities, locations and installation complexity for each site.
• Identify and report network-port, switching and cabling issues.
• Agree short service outages with onsite staff and complete the work with minimal disruption.
• Conduct user acceptance testing on critical equipment, including card‑payment machines and key wireless devices.
• Investigate basic issues with legacy equipment and elevate faults where a safe resolution cannot be achieved.
• Maintain clear and accurate notes, photographs, survey results and installation logs.

Essential experience and skills

Applicants should have:

• Some hands‑on wireless networking experience, including access‑point installation, patching or troubleshooting.
• A basic understanding of radio‑frequency principles, including coverage versus capacity, channel overlap and co‑channel interference.
• A basic understanding of network switching, including VLANs, trunk and access ports, and Power over Ethernet.
• The confidence to work independently at live customer sites while following a centrally managed rollout plan.
• Strong communication skills and a professional, helpful manner when dealing with onsite staff.
• Good attention to detail when producing notes, photographs and installation records.
• A full UK driving licence and their own reliable transport.
• The flexibility and willingness to travel nationally.

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous but is not essential:

• Ekahau or another wireless survey and validation platform.
• Meraki wireless equipment and the Meraki dashboard.
• Wireless validation surveys.

Training and development

This is a junior‑level opportunity, so applicants are not expected to arrive with experience in every area.

Our client is primarily looking for someone with a solid foundation in wireless networking, good technical judgement and the right attitude to working independently at customer sites. They will provide the training required for the project, beginning with a one‑week onsite programme in Dorking.

For the right person, this role offers the chance to gain extensive practical experience across a major UK wireless rollout and potentially progress into a permanent position with involvement in future infrastructure projects.