Senior Engineer (Network)

QinetiQ; Orpington; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ in the United Kingdom is hiring a Senior Network Engineer to lead the transition from manual to automated network operations. Based at Farnborough, you will drive the automation roadmap across LAN/WAN/DC, develop scripts in Python, Ansible and Terraform, and integrate centralised management platforms including Cisco Catalyst Center.

You will mentor engineers, promote knowledge sharing, and work within a collaborative team across Engineering, IT & Cyber Specialists.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in network infrastructure automation across enterprise environments, with a non-cloud focus.
• Proven track record of leading or contributing to automation transformation initiatives.
• Hands-on experience with scripting and automation tools such as Python, Ansible, and Terraform.
• Experience working with centralised network management and orchestration tools, such as Cisco Catalyst Center.
• Solid understanding of core networking technologies, including routing, switching, and security, across enterprise-scale environments.
• Experience in building reusable automation frameworks and templates.
• CCNP or equivalent experience.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to show the required level of experience and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation from manual to automated network operations, establishing best practices and driving the automation roadmap.
• Design and implement network automation solutions across LAN, WAN, and datacentre environments.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Python, Ansible, and Terraform.
• Integrate and optimise centralised network management platforms, such as Cisco Catalyst Center.
• Enhance operational efficiency through automated provisioning, configuration management, and monitoring.
• Collaborate across teams while mentoring engineers and promoting knowledge sharing and cross-training.
• Work 37 hours per week based at our Farnborough site.
• Work specific times to cover shift patterns between 0730 and 1830 GMT when required.
• Participate in an on-call rota to support high service availability and rapid incident response.

Skills

Python

Ansible

Terraform

Automation frameworks

Education

CCNP or equivalent

Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Cisco Catalyst Center

Job description

Salary: £43,000 - 83,000 per year

Requirements

• Strong experience in network infrastructure automation across enterprise environments, with a non-cloud focus
• Proven track record of leading or contributing to automation transformation initiatives
• Hands-on experience with scripting and automation tools such as Python, Ansible, and Terraform
• Experience working with centralised network management and orchestration tools, such as Cisco Catalyst Center
• Solid understanding of core networking technologies, including routing, switching, and security, across enterprise-scale environments
• Experience in building reusable automation frameworks and templates
• CCNP or equivalent experience
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Ability to show the required level of experience and willingness to learn

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation from manual to automated network operations, establishing best practices and driving the automation roadmap
• Design and implement network automation solutions across LAN, WAN, and datacentre environments
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Python, Ansible, and Terraform
• Integrate and optimise centralised network management platforms, such as Cisco Catalyst Center
• Enhance operational efficiency through automated provisioning, configuration management, and monitoring
• Collaborate across teams while mentoring engineers and promoting knowledge sharing and cross-training
• Work 37 hours per week based at our Farnborough site
• Work specific times to cover shift patterns between 0730 and 1830 GMT when required
• Participate in an on-call rota to support high service availability and rapid incident response

Technologies

• Ansible
• Cloud
• Cisco
• Support
• LAN
• Network
• Python
• Security
• Terraform

More

We are QinetiQ, and we create cutting-edge defence technology and ground-breaking innovations to empower and protect lives. We are hiring a Senior Network Engineer for our Farnborough site to help lead the transition from manual network operations to automated infrastructure. Our Farnborough facility is a state-of-the-art hub for creativity, research, and innovation, with high-energy laser technologies, a 5m pressurised wind tunnel, and large research and development projects. You will join talented teams across Engineering, IT & Cyber Specialists, Project Managers, and Group Functions. We offer a diverse and inclusive working environment where collaboration, innovation, and authenticity are valued, along with benefits including a matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance, generous holiday allowance with the option to buy additional days, access to health cash plan, private medical insurance and dental insurance, an employee discount portal, volunteering opportunities, and support for the Armed Forces community. Our recruitment process is designed to be inclusive and supportive, and some roles may be subject to national security vetting and eligibility for SC clearance.

last updated 36 week of 2026