Senior Network Architect

Transaction Network Services (TNS); Sheffield; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Life insurance

Paid holidays and vacations

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

A global Managed Service Provider is seeking a Senior Network Architect to design and deploy services within an IP/MPLS network focused on large-scale SD-WAN. This role requires extensive knowledge of network automation, troubleshooting, and vendor product evaluation. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience with MPLS and SD-WAN environments and be proficient in technologies such as Fortinet. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits in Sheffield, UK.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and provisioning solutions within MPLS or SD-WAN environments.
• Hands-on proficiency with Fortinet FortiGate devices, especially within SD-WAN topologies.
• Proficiency in IPSec (including DMVPN and RRI) design and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Design and test new technologies and solutions for TNS.
• Collaborate with Pre-Sales Engineers to develop scalable technical solutions.
• Provide third-level support to Network Operations Center staff.

Skills

MPLS or SD-WAN environments

Fortinet FortiGate devices

Network automation and orchestration

IPSec design

Cloud-based architectures

IP multicast design

TCP/IP and routing knowledge

Vendor product evaluation

Documentation maintenance

Troubleshooting and debugging skills

Education

Relevant certifications (Fortinet, Cisco, Juniper)

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Python

Job description

Overview

As a senior member of the Network Architecture team, you will design, document and deploy services within a global Managed Service Provider IP/MPLS network. Your primary focus will be on large‑scale SD‑WAN, IPSec, MPLS VPN, IP multicast, and wired/wireless communications. This role is a key part of TNS’s transition to a NetDevOps model, integrating services into private and public cloud environments and automating orchestration of services.

Responsibilities

• Design and test new technologies, features, and solutions, documenting results for repeatability by the Implementations team and supportability by the Network Operations Center.
• Collaborate closely with Pre‑Sales Engineers and Product Marketing to understand customer requirements and develop scalable, consistent, and supportable technical solutions.
• Work with existing and new vendors to evaluate platforms and solutions for integration into TNS’ product suite.
• Provide third‑level support to TNS’ Network Operations Center staff and Implementations teams.
• Develop and document detailed lab test plans and reports, procedures, and new configurations; provide training for operations departments and other engineers; supply written troubleshooting, debugging, and problem details to vendors.
• Interact with vendors to resolve problems and bugs, performing hands‑on testing, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Essential Skills

• Experience designing and provisioning solutions within MPLS or SD‑WAN environments.
• Hands‑on proficiency with Fortinet FortiGate devices, especially within SD‑WAN topologies.
• Experience with network automation and orchestration tools and DevOps methodology (Terraform, Ansible, JSON, Nautobot, Vendor‑specific tools such as Arista CloudVision, Cisco DNA Center).
• Proficiency in IPSec (including DMVPN and RRI) design, configuration, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience designing cloud‑based architectures in AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Proficiency in IP multicast design, configuration, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience designing and implementing networks based on high‑level customer requirements.
• Extensive TCP/IP and routing knowledge (BGP, OSPF, ISIS, EIGRP, PIM, BFD).
• Experience with Customer Edge features such as Network Address Translation, VRRP/HSRP.
• Proven ability to create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all implemented solutions.
• Expert‑level troubleshooting and debugging skills.
• Experience evaluating vendor products (hardware, software, service provider).
• Understanding of broadband service deployments (xDSL, Cable).
• Ability to design, plan, and coordinate network maintenance and installation windows.
• Hardworking, focused, thorough, and punctual.
• Ability to provide written and verbal presentations on technical topics to corporate peers and management.
• Experience providing support for Tier1 and Tier2 environments.
• Self‑motivated; able to work independently or in a team with minimum instruction.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required and provide on‑call support.

Desirable Skills

• Fortinet, Cisco and/or Juniper certifications (NSE Level 4/5/6/7, CCIE/CCNP‑SP, JNCIE, JNCIP).
• Experience with AAA, Tacacs+, Radius, and CA/PKI.
• Experience with Voice over IP, Dial Services (Async/PPP, ISDN), Wireless services (CDMA, EVDO, GPRS, EDGE, 802.11b/g/n), Server Load‑Balancing (F5).
• Data Center design and support (Cisco Nexus, Arista, Juniper).
• Experience with Server Load‑Balancing (F5, Netscaler, AWS ALB/SLB).
• Experience with GIT, Jenkins, and other DevOps tools and Agile practices.
• Creating and deploying CloudFormation templates.
• Automating using scripting/automation languages such as Python, Ansible, and vendor‑specific tools like Arista CloudVision, Cisco DNA Center.
• Firewall configuration experience with PIX/ASA, IOS, or Netscreen/JunOS.
• Designing, building, and automating AWS/GCP/Azure architecture.
• Designing, building, and automating NSX‑V and/or NSX‑T networking.
• Designing, building, and automating OpenStack (Canonical or RedHat).
• UNIX/Linux experience.
• For this role in the US, the expected compensation range is $140,000–$180,000, with variable pay in bonus or other forms. TNS offers medical and dental coverage, life insurance, paid holidays and vacations, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

TNS is an equal opportunity employer. TNS evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.