Principal Network Engineer

Elanco; Hook; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in animal health is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to enhance its network platform. This role involves leading projects, mentoring engineers, and collaborating across teams to innovate and resolve complex network challenges. Candidates should have over 10 years of network engineering experience, with expertise in routing, switching, and SDN technologies. The position offers a hybrid work environment based in Hook, UK, along with the opportunity to contribute to significant technological advancements in the company.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in network engineering.
• 8+ years' hands-on experience in routing and switching.
• Strong understanding of SDN technologies like Cisco SD-WAN.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale network projects within the organization.
• Communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor and coach junior network engineers.

Skills

Network Engineering

Routing and Switching

Wireless Technologies

SDN Technologies

Network Security Solutions

Strong Communication

Organizational Skills

Tools

Cisco

VMWare NSX

Forescout

Azure

GCP

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

We are looking for a passionate Principal Network Engineer to help us deliver and run a suite of new technology solutions for the entire company. The Principal Network Engineer role is accountable for delivering a variety of technical products, working as part of the Network Team alongside other engineers and architects.

The Principal Network Engineer will be part of the team that is responsible for the development and support of the Elanco’s Network Platform. The Team works closely with the Technical Service Owners and Operations Team to constantly raise the reliability bar for our services, providing guidance for the adoption of modern technologies and zero‑trust strategy in all stages of the service development life cycle.

Your Responsibilities

• Leading large‑scale projects within the organization
• Setting technical direction, strategic guidance and long‑term vision for engineering teams
• Influencing company‑wide engineering practices and standards
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders at all levels
• Solving complex, high‑impact problems with innovative solutions
• Drives continuous improvement and innovation within the organization
• Proactively research new and emerging technologies and approaches to enhance the network infrastructure posture of Elanco.
• Engaging in the community (internally and externally) across multiple channels, looking to share, educate and inspire.
• Mentor and coach senior and junior engineers. This includes helping them to develop their technical skills and grow their careers.
• Communicate technical information to non‑technical stakeholders. This could involve writing documentation, giving presentations, or meeting with clients.
• Represent the team in meetings with other teams and stakeholders. This could involve discussing technical issues, providing status updates, or negotiating with other teams.
• Contribute to the overall technical strategy of the organization. This could involve identifying new technologies or solutions that could be adopted or helping to develop the organization's technical roadmap.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Projects often involve collaboration with other teams, such as security, development, and product management. The Principal Engineer may need to bridge communication gaps and ensure everyone is aligned on project goals.

What you need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)

• At least 10 years experience in network engineering
• 8+ years’ hands‑on experience in routing, switching, wireless, segmentation (Cisco)
• Experience working in manufacturing, qualified or regulated environments
• Strong understanding and knowledge of SDN (Software Defined Networking) technologies (Cisco SD‑WAN, VMWare NSX)
• Solid knowledge of Network Access Control (especially Forescout)
• Understanding hybrid cloud environment (Azure, GCP, VMware)
• Familiar with network security solutions
• Strong communication skills with multiple examples of being able to convey complex ideas in a manner that resulted in a definitive direction and result
• Strong personal & work organisational skills
• Experience in Wireless LAN ( Meraki, Catalyst, Outdoor Wireless)

What will give you a Competitive Edge (preferred qualifications)

• Experience in designing and building technical solutions
• Familiar with scripting and automation
• Experience within an infrastructure environment
• Experience in working with vendors and MSPs
• Strong passion for new technologies, new ideas and creative way of thinking
• Agile exposure and experience
• Experience in Network Monitoring

Additional Information

• Travel: 0-10%
• Location: Hook, UK - Hybrid Work Environment
• Working standard hours or shift with occasional work across time zones to support the global business may be required

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status