Principal Network Engineer (Aruba ClearPass)

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 129,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Xalient is seeking a Principal Network Engineer (Aruba ClearPass) to lead the design and delivery of enterprise Aruba LAN, WLAN and NAC solutions across complex customer estates. You will act as the senior technical authority for HPE Aruba networking, covering architecture, design and delivery with mentoring responsibilities.

The role requires deep hands-on Aruba expertise (CX switching, AOS8/AOS10, Aruba Central) and strong routing skills, with the ability to work in a UK remote environment and

Qualifications

• 5+ years in network engineering with Aruba focus and senior/principal level experience.
• Hands-on Aruba CX switching design and implementation across enterprise LANs.
• Deep expertise with Aruba ClearPass and NAC implementations (802.1X, guest access, onboarding).
• Ability to integrate Aruba into multi-vendor routing environments including Cisco estates.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of Aruba CX switching and Aruba Wireless (AOS8/AOS10) and Central solutions across multi-site estates.
• Produce HLD/LLD, RF planning, capacity planning and validated reference designs for LAN/WLAN deployments.
• Design and implement NAC policy frameworks with identity, MDM and security platforms; mentor engineers and support pre-sales.

Skills

Aruba CX

Aruba Wireless

ClearPass

NAC policy

Routing protocols

Multi-vendor

CCNA/CCNP

Education

Aruba Certified Switching Associate/Professional

Aruba Certified Mobility Associate/Professional

Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional

Aruba Certified Design Expert

Cisco CCNA/CCNP Enterprise

Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure

Tools

Aruba Central

Job description

Technology

Systems & Infrastructure

United Kingdom

Overview

Application

Date posted: September 24, 2026

Contract

Full-time

Remote

PRINCIPAL NETWORK ENGINEER (ARUBA CLEARPASS)

6 months Contract | UK Remote | Competitive Day Rate

Are you an Aruba specialist who thrives on solving complex networking challenges?

We're seeking an experienced Aruba specialist to lead the design and delivery of enterprise Aruba LAN, WLAN and ClearPass solutions across complex customer environments. You will be our senior technical authority for HPE Aruba wired and wireless networking and network access control (NAC), covering design, architecture and delivery across the customer estate.

The role combines deep, hands-on Aruba specialism with strong core routing and switching skills, acting as the escalation point for the most complex Aruba engagements and a key technical contributor to pre-sales, solution design and Managed Services.

The role blends senior hands-on engineering with architecture, design authority and mentoring, with weighting shifting further toward architecture and enablement as the practice and estate grow.

This is a highly technical contract role suited to a senior consultant or principal engineer who enjoys owning architecture, design and delivery of complex Aruba solutions while acting as the escalation point for critical customer environments.

We’re looking for someone to start immediately.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the design and delivery of Aruba CX switching (core, aggregation and access) and Aruba Wireless (AOS8/AOS10, Aruba Central) solutions across complex, multi-site customer estates.
• Produce HLD/LLD documentation, RF and capacity planning, and validated reference designs for LAN and WLAN deployments.

Network Access Control & ClearPass

• Design and implement Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager solutions, including 802.1X, guest access, device onboarding/profiling (OnBoard/OnGuard) and dynamic segmentation.
• Define NAC policy frameworks that integrate with identity, MDM and security platforms to support Zero Trust network access outcomes.
• Guide customers through NAC discovery, monitor mode and phased enforcement roll-outs, minimising business disruption.

Routing & Core Networking

• Apply strong routing and switching expertise (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, VRRP/HSRP, STP, MPLS) to design resilient, scalable core and campus networks.
• Ensure Aruba solutions integrate cleanly into customers' wider, often multi-vendor, routing environments, including Cisco estates.
• Troubleshoot complex routing and Layer 2/3 issues across customer networks as a senior technical escalation point.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience (typically 5+ years) in network engineering, with significant specialisation in HPE Aruba wired and wireless networking, at a senior/principal level.
• Deep, hands‑on expertise with Aruba CX switching: VSX, core/aggregation/access design, and enterprise campus LAN architectures.
• Deep, hands‑on expertise with Aruba Wireless (AOS8/AOS10) and Aruba Central, including RF design, capacity planning and multi‑site management.
• Strong hands‑on expertise with Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager: 802.1X, RADIUS/TACACS+, guest access, device onboarding/profiling (OnBoard/OnGuard) and dynamic segmentation.
• Ability to design and implement Zero Trust network access outcomes using NAC policy frameworks integrated with identity, MDM and security platforms.
• Excellent core routing and switching skills, including OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, STP/RSTP, VRRP/HSRP, VLANs and QoS.
• Strong multi‑vendor experience, particularly Cisco routing and switching, sufficient to design and troubleshoot in mixed‑vendor estates.
• Relevant HPE Aruba accreditations (e.g. Aruba Certified Switching Associate/Professional, Aruba Certified Mobility Associate/Professional, Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional, Aruba Certified Design Expert) and Cisco accreditations (e.g. CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure) are required or highly desirable.

Company Description

Xalient is a global boutique specialising in the convergence of identity‑driven security and secure networking. We help the world’s leading enterprises stay secure, connected, and ready for the future - bringing together deep technical expertise, business insight, and AI‑powered innovation to solve the complex challenges of modern digital businesses.

Independent by design and driven by a passion for exceptional service, Xalient combines global reach with the agility and customer intimacy of a boutique provider. Our advisory, professional, and managed services teams operate across the UK, US, EMEA and Asia - delivering fast, tangible outcomes and long‑term impact.

Xalient is trusted by forward‑thinking enterprises to reduce risk, optimise performance, and navigate today’s digital complexity with confidence.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy or maternity or age.