Network Solutions Architect

CGI Group Inc.; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT consulting firm in Manchester is seeking a Network Solutions Architect to design and integrate a new Network Management System for satellite operations. The role involves defining system architecture, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with various engineering teams. The ideal candidate has 5-7 years of experience in network management, strong knowledge of protocols, and familiarity with cloud technologies. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension

Private healthcare

Share scheme

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in network architecture and management systems.
• Strong knowledge of network protocols and monitoring platforms.
• Experience with large-scale NMS deployments in telecom or space industries.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain end-to-end NMS architecture.
• Oversee the design of NMS drivers for remote monitoring.
• Support role-based access control and compliance.

Skills

Network protocols (SNMP, NETCONF, RESTCONF, HTTP APIs)

Network orchestration

Automation platforms

Monitoring platforms

Redundant, distributed architectures

High-availability design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science

Master’s degree in Systems Engineering or related discipline

Tools

DataMiner

Kubernetes

Job description

Overview

The Space, Defence and Intelligence business unit in CGI is a true IT Systems Integrator. We work, build, and operate bespoke, technically complex, mission-critical systems which help our clients keep us all safe and secure. We bring innovation to our clients using proven and emerging technologies, agile delivery processes and our deep expertise across the breadth of space, defence, intelligence, aerospace and maritime, all underpinned by our end-to-end cyber capability. We work collaboratively with global technology companies, cutting edge SMEs and academia to deliver the optimal solution for each client. CGI are seeking a Network Solutions Architect to support the architecture, design, and integration of a new Network Management System (NMS) for satellite operations, aligned with the satellite Network Operations Centre framework. The NMS, built on a third-party COTS platform, will provide end-to-end monitoring, control, and configuration management across ground networks, core networks, satellites, and mission control systems.

Responsibilities

• Architecture & Design – Define and maintain the end-to-end NMS architecture, leveraging COTS concepts such as drivers, alarm correlation, automation scripts, and Visio-based operational views.
• Design robust interfaces (SNMP, REST, Smart-Serial, APIs) with external systems including alignment with subsystem ICDs and external integration requirements.
• System Development & Integration – Oversee the design of NMS drivers, ensuring distributed monitoring at remote ground stations and centralized performance aggregation.
• Lead the design of Configuration Management (CM) functions including inventory, automated file generation and distribution through orchestration.
• Ensure proper implementation of redundancy, failover, and backup/restore mechanisms.
• Performance & Monitoring – Define strategies for end-to-end monitoring including synthetic flows (global system health) and analytic flows (fault isolation and troubleshooting).
• Specify KPIs and aggregation rules for ground networks, satellites, and service providers.
• Collaborate with operations to design dashboards, alarm templates, and correlation rules for proactive monitoring.
• Security & Compliance – Support role-based access control (RBAC), secure file handling, and HTTPS-based communication into the system architecture.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace security frameworks and OneWeb / CGI enterprise security policies.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Work with mission operations, software engineers, and NOC subsystem teams to validate architecture decisions.
• Act as technical authority in design reviews, use-case validations, and operational workshops. Present architectural roadmaps and risk assessments to leadership and clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in network architecture and management systems, ideally within satellite, aerospace, or defence communications.
• Strong knowledge of: Network protocols (SNMP, NETCONF, RESTCONF, HTTP APIs), network orchestration, automation, and monitoring platforms.
• Redundant, distributed architectures and high-availability design.
• Familiarity with satellite ground systems (GN, PoP, SAP, SOC) and core/WAN integration.
• Experience with configuration management databases, performance analytics, and alarm management systems.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into architecture specifications.
• Desirable – Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Telecommunications, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale NMS deployments in telecom or space industries.
• Experience with COTS products (e.g., DataMiner), driver development, and custom integrations.
• Familiarity with cloud-native deployment (microservices, containers, Kubernetes).
• Industry certifications such as Cisco CCNP / CCIE, AWS / Azure Solutions Architect, ITIL.

About CGI

Together, as owners, let's turn meaningful insights into action. Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. You’ll be part of an environment where you can grow and develop your career with supportive leaders who care about health and well-being and provide opportunities to deepen skills. CGI is a large IT and business consulting services firm with global capability. CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and named one of the \'World\'s Best Employers\' by Forbes. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, and a share scheme. We are committed to inclusivity and proudly support the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant.