Network Engineer I

Esure Group PLC; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the United Kingdom is seeking an NSO Engineer to innovate in the field of network automation. This role involves developing robust solutions using Cisco NSO, alongside a strong focus on Python and Java programming. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in network programmability and automation frameworks. This is an excellent opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment that values professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in a network automation or software development role.
• At least 2+ years developing solutions with Cisco NSO.
• Expert-level knowledge of YANG, NETCONF, and RESTCONF.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop network automation services using Cisco NSO.
• Manage network service models using YANG.
• Implement transaction-safe service activations across multiple devices.

Skills

Network automation

Python

Java

YANG

RESTCONF

NETCONF

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Cisco NSO

Git

Jenkins

Ansible

Job description

We are seeking an innovative and skilled NSO Engineer to join our advanced Network Engineering group. This is a development-centric role focused on using the Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) platform to build and deliver sophisticated network automation and service orchestration solutions. As an NSO Engineer, you will function as a software developer in the network domain, responsible for designing, writing, testing, and maintaining the code that automates our complex, multi-vendor network. You will collaborate closely with network architects and operations teams to translate network designs and operational needs into reliable, scalable, and elegant automation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain network automation services and orchestration workflows using the Cisco NSO platform.
• Author and manage network service models using YANG to create standardized, reusable, and abstracted service definitions.
• Develop service logic, device integrations, and automation scripts using Python, Java, and NSO's native templating features.
• Create and maintain configuration templates and Network Element Drivers (NEDs) to enable NSO to manage a diverse, multi-vendor network environment.
• Collaborate with network architects and operations teams to capture requirements, define automation scope, and build solutions that streamline network provisioning, compliance, and management.
• Implement transaction-safe service activations that span multiple devices and platforms, leveraging NSO's core atomic transaction engine. Integrate the NSO platform with northbound systems (e.g., OSS/BSS, IT service portals) via RESTCONF, JSON-RPC, and other APIs to enable end-to-end automation.
• Adhere to software development best practices, including version control (Git), code reviews, unit testing, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Troubleshoot complex issues within NSO service packages, device integrations, and the interaction between the orchestrator and the network.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in a network automation, DevOps, or software development role, with at least 2+ years of direct, hands-on experience developing solutions with Cisco NSO.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in network programmability concepts and protocols, including YANG, NETCONF, and RESTCONF.
• Strong programming skills in Python or Java, specifically for network automation and API integration.
• Deep understanding of the Cisco NSO architecture, including its Service Manager, Device Manager, Configuration Database (CDB), and Layered Services Architecture (LSA).
• A solid foundation in network engineering principles, including advanced routing (BGP, OSPF) and switching concepts in a data center or service provider environment.
• Experience with Linux environments and familiarity with DevOps tools and methodologies (e.g., Git, Jenkins, Ansible).
• Cisco DevNet certifications (e.g., DevNet Associate/Professional) or equivalent industry certifications are highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to design and implement solutions for complex, abstract problems.