Lead Network Engineer

Hamilton Barnes; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist technology integrator in the South of England is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to oversee network design and technical leadership. This hands-on role involves leading engineering projects without formal management duties. Ideal candidates will have strong Routing & Switching and Cisco experience. The role offers a salary of £65,000–£75,000, plus a £4,800 car allowance and benefits, all within a hybrid working model.

Benefits

£4,800 car allowance

Fully funded training & certifications

Overtime paid (time and a half)

Qualifications

• Strong core Routing & Switching experience required.
• Cisco-focused background is essential.
• Experience at senior or lead engineer level is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead and validate network designs end to end.
• Design, build, configure, and implement networks.
• Translate business requirements into technical solutions.

Skills

Routing & Switching

Cisco experience

Technical delivery ownership

Tools

Palo Alto

Fortinet

Ekahau

Job description

📍 Hybrid – South of England

💷 £65,000–£75,000 + £4,800 Car Allowance + Benefits

We’re partnering with a specialist technology integrator that delivers high-quality, complex network solutions for premium clients across the UK and Europe. They’re now looking to appoint a Lead Network Engineer to take ownership of network design, technical leadership, and project delivery.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role, ideal for a senior engineer who wants to lead on design and innovation without formal people management.

🔧 The Role

As Lead Network Engineer, you’ll act as the senior technical authority across network projects, working closely with design and operations teams to ensure solutions are robust, scalable, and future-proof.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and validating network designs end to end
• Designing, building, configuring, and implementing networks
• Translating business and service requirements into technical solutions
• Driving technical standards, best practices, and innovation
• Supporting R&D, hardware reviews, and technical decision‑making
• Remaining hands‑on within a small, highly skilled engineering team

🧠 What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Strong core Routing & Switching experience
• Cisco-focused background
• Proven experience operating at senior or lead engineer level
• Confidence owning designs and leading technical delivery

Desirable:

• Firewall experience (Palo Alto or Fortinet)
• Wireless (Ekahau), SIP/Voice
• WAN connectivity
• Exposure to 4G / 5G or satellite technologies

🎁 Package & Benefits

• £65,000–£75,000 base salary
• £4,800 car allowance
• Overtime paid (time and a half)
• Fully funded training & certifications (including CCNP)
• Training on emerging technologies (4G / 5G)

🏢 Working Pattern

• Hybrid working model
• Greater office presence during initial onboarding period
• Long‑term flexibility once established
• South of England–based team

⭐ Why Join?

• High‑quality technical work with real ownership
• Opportunity to shape technical direction and standards
• Small, expert team environment
• Strong investment in training and development