Principal Network Engineer

TN United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a Principal Networks Engineer to lead complex network solutions in secure environments. In this pivotal role, you'll leverage your expertise to design and implement network architectures across Cloud, Hybrid, and On-Premise projects. You'll collaborate with senior engineering leads and stakeholders, ensuring robust service delivery while fostering best practices in network security and systems engineering. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, contribute to technical governance, and engage in continual service improvement initiatives. If you're passionate about networking and thrive in dynamic environments, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Pension Schemes

Holiday Entitlements

Flexible Working

Wellbeing Support

Lifestyle Discounts

Funded Benefits

Training Opportunities

Referral Incentives

Bonuses

Qualifications

• Experience in LAN/WAN and Data Centre network deployment.
• Strong knowledge of network security and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop network solution designs for complex customer requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring for other engineers.

Skills

LAN/WAN Deployment

Network Security

Networking Protocols

Network Design

Cloud Technologies

Cisco Networking (CCNP)

Network Monitoring Tools

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Network Monitoring Tools

Job description

Leonardo Cyber Division is seeking a Principal Networks Engineer to act as the subject matter expert and arbitrator on design issues relating to networks, gateways, and the security enforcing functions applied to these system and service components.

We are looking to recruit a seasoned IT Network Engineer with proven mastery of networks, who wishes to broaden their experience in complex and sensitive intelligence environments across Cloud / Hybrid and On-Premise projects.

The Principal Networks Engineer will need to build strong relationships with other senior engineering leads within the IPT and Division, as well as with customer/user stakeholders and third parties involved in end-to-end service delivery.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience as a Principal Networks Engineer, preferably in a secure environment. You should possess strong technical skills with excellent knowledge of network capabilities across Cloud / Hybrid and on-premise systems infrastructure technologies. An awareness of cyber security is advantageous. You will need a good working knowledge of building, implementing, and maintaining complex architectures on client sites, with ongoing proactive operational support, working closely with stakeholders and end users. This role involves working within a specialized engineering team providing 1st to 3rd line support.

Projects will span the full systems engineering lifecycle, from Concept Exploration to In-Service Support, providing opportunities to develop your experience in requirements management, system architecture and design, subsystem development, system integration, testing, acceptance, and technical support.

As a Principal Networks Engineer, you will typically work as part of a larger team involved in designing, developing, and testing secure systems, including Information Management Systems, Command and Control systems, and Security Monitoring of IT, IoT, and CNI systems and services.

This role will have the ability to take ownership and implement the DevOps aspects of engineering delivery, including planning, estimation, execution, and progress reporting of your own and team members' workloads.

Key Responsibility Areas:

The Principal Networks Engineer will be a member of a specialized engineering practice within the Platform team, working across multiple projects and managed services within IPTs. You should be comfortable working through all phases of the systems engineering lifecycle, including architectural design, detailed system/subsystem design, implementation, testing, and complex problem resolution.

You will also engage directly in projects, work within secure facilities and network operations rooms, and produce deliverables for contracted projects and services. Responsibilities include:

• Developing network solution designs to meet complex customer requirements
• Contributing to architectural documentation for high and low-level system designs
• Providing technical guidance and mentoring for other engineers and architects
• Participating in technical review events during the system development lifecycle
• Engaging with clients, peers, third-party delivery partners, and vendors
• Supporting business development activities with technical expertise
• Staying updated with industry developments, including networking technologies, certifications, standards, policies, and frameworks

And leading governance and best practice initiatives, including:

• Providing network support in meetings such as Project Review, Working Groups, and Security Groups
• Leading Continual Service Improvement activities for processes and practices

The ideal candidate will have experience in systems engineering or IT solution delivery, preferably in a secure environment, with a broad technical knowledge of network and systems infrastructure technologies. Cyber security awareness is advantageous.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a sole UK National with current DV clearance
• Extensive experience in LAN/WAN and Data Centre network deployment
• Solid understanding of OSI and TCP/IP models
• Expertise in networking cabling (Fibre, Copper Ethernet) and hardware installation
• Strong knowledge of network security, including Next Generation and Web Application firewalls
• Deep understanding of networking protocols (IPsec, BGP, OSPF, QoS, MPLS, VoIP, etc.)
• Experience in network design (HLD/LLD)
• Hands-on experience with network monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Understanding of cloud technologies and concepts
• Mastery of networking services and Cisco networking to CCNP level

Security Clearance:

Current DV clearance is required.

Life at Leonardo:

Leonardo offers a comprehensive benefits package, commitment to learning and development, and flexible working hours. Benefits include pension schemes, holiday entitlements, flexible working, wellbeing support, lifestyle discounts, funded benefits, training opportunities, referral incentives, and bonuses.