Network Operations Engineer (Kubernetes Experience)

LA International; Fleet; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LA International is seeking a network security engineer to join an on‑call rotation to swiftly resolve incidents. The role focuses on securing cloud platform network systems and maintaining cross‑cluster communications in an air‑gapped Kubernetes setup.

You will scale systems through automation and drive changes that improve reliability, security and performance. Ideal candidates will have 3–5 years in IP networking, BGP, Linux/Kubernetes, and experience directing telecom field operations.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience with IP networking and multi-tenant WANs.
• 3–5 years experience with Linux systems administration or Kubernetes.
• Experience directing field operation technicians and engineers in telecoms.

Responsibilities

• Engage and improve the operations and implementation of secure cloud platform network systems.
• Maintain, secure, and debug cross-cluster communications in an air-gapped kubernetes infrastructure.
• Scale systems sustainably through automation and implement changes to improve network reliability, security and performance.

Skills

IP Networking

L2-L7 protocols

BGP

Kubernetes

Linux administration

Team leadership

Security clearance

Tools

Git

Bash

Python

Job description

You will participate in an on-call rotation to ensure incidents can be swiftly resolved.

Responsibilities

• Engage and improve the operations and implementation of secure cloud platform network systems.
• Maintain, secure, and debug cross-cluster communications in an air-gapped kubernetes infrastructure.
• Scale systems sustainably through mechanisms like automation, and evolve systems by implementing changes that improve network reliability, security and performance.

Minimum Qualifications (MQs)

• Experience with supporting, troubleshooting and implementing resilient, secure networks using a wide range of technologies.
• 3-5 years of experience with IP Networking, multi-tenant Wide Area Networks, L2-L7 network protocols, and Border Gateway Protocol.
• Experience directing field operation technicians, engineers, and extended workforces in a telecommunications environment.
• 3-5 years of experience with Linux systems administration or kubernetes.

Preferred Qualifications (PQs)

• Experience with MPLS L3 VPN or kernel level/data plane cloud native networking.
• Hands-on experience deploying and operating production workloads in Kubernetes.
• Deep practical understanding of the Kubernetes networking model, with proven experience debugging CNI plugin (e.g. Cilium) configurations and Service Mesh (e.g. Istio) architectures.
• Experience of infrastructure automation (e.g. using Git, Bash or Python) to eliminate manual operation toil, manage environment configurations, and orchestrate complex platform upgrades.

Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take a minimum 18 weeks. LA International is an award-winning partner of choice for many of the world’s most influential companies and government organisations. Holding Enhanced Government Security Accreditation, we are recognised as the European market leader in the delivery of Security Cleared talent to organisations that demand the very highest levels of security, compliance and assurance.

An award-winning organisation, having secured the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade over multiple years. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.

Please Note: If a high volume of applications is received, only candidates shortlisted will be contacted.