Network Design Engineer DV CLEARED

Reed; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Network Design Engineer to join their team in Basingstoke. The role focuses on network design and implementation in the Defence sector, requiring DV Clearance. Candidates should have strong technical networking skills, experience with Cisco/Juniper products, and proven ability to troubleshoot issues. This is a contractor role with a competitive rate of £500 per day inside IR35.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of LAN switching/topologies and routing protocols.
• Experience in troubleshooting technical issues.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Produce design collateral based on business and technical requirements.
• Provide hands-on configuration support for network systems.
• Ensure effective handover to service teams after project completion.

Skills

Technical networking knowledge

Cisco/Juniper proficiency

Industry-recognized certifications

Network device configuration experience

High-quality documentation skills

Project lifecycle understanding

Excellent communication skills

Education

Cisco CCNA/CCNP or Juniper JNCIS-ENT certifications

Tools

Cisco IOS

JUNOS

Job description

Network Design Engineer (DV CLEARED)

• Contract Rate: £500 per day inside IR35
• Location: Basingstoke, On-site, 5 days per week
• Job Type: Contractor (12 months contract)
• Clearance: DV Clearance active

We are seeking a Network Design Engineer to join our team, focusing on delivery opportunities within the secure Defence and National Security sector. This role requires a deep understanding of both business and technical requirements. You will be tasked with producing design collateral, passing governance reviews, providing hands‑on configuration and implementation support, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring effective handover to service.

Day‑to‑day of the role:

• Understand business and technical requirements to produce relevant design collateral.
• Pass any necessary governance reviews related to network design.
• Provide hands‑on configuration and implementation support for network systems.
• Troubleshoot technical issues across various network components.
• Ensure effective handover of completed projects to service teams.
• Work closely with project management to accurately estimate tasks, schedule work, and report progress to ensure timely delivery that meets customer expectations.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong technical networking knowledge including LAN switching/topologies, routing protocols (e.g., VPNs, IPSec, MPLS, BGP), and hardware encryption.
• Proficient with Cisco/Juniper products, JUNOS, and Cisco IOS.
• Industry‑recognized network certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP or Juniper JNCIS‑ENT are highly desirable.
• Demonstrable experience in network device configuration, troubleshooting, and defect resolution.
• Experience in designing and utilizing technologies from global network vendors such as Cisco and Juniper.
• Ability to produce high‑quality technical documentation for delivery and solution support.
• Solid understanding of project lifecycle from requirements gathering to operational acceptance into service.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, take ownership, and make decisive actions.
• Previous experience in the defence sector is advantageous.