Senior Network Architect, Cisco

Sopra Steria; Idmiston; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sopra Steria Aerospace, Defence and Security (ADS) is seeking a Senior/Lead Network Engineer aiming to become a Senior Network Architect. You will design and implement end-to-end network solutions for secure, business-critical environments and mentor engineers working on complex projects in the UK.

Based in Salisbury or Portsmouth with some flexibility, the role requires on-site presence. Security clearance SC with DV potential is a key requirement, and collaboration with Solution Leads and

Qualifications

• Cisco networking experience across switching, routing, firewalls and wireless.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into networking designs and solutions.
• Strong understanding of IP networking, DHCP, DNS and VRF.
• Knowledge of network orchestration, automation and SDN concepts.
• Experience leading technical workstreams within project environments.
• Knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange, SharePoint and Group Policy.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement end-to-end network solutions and designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to Network Engineers and project teams.
• Align technical solutions with security requirements and architectural standards.
• Identify and mitigate IA risks and recommend improvements.
• Support delivery of projects through the solution lifecycle.

Skills

Cisco networking

Requirements translation

IP networking

DHCP

DNS

VRF

SDN concepts

Technical leadership

Microsoft technologies

Job description

Are you a Senior or Lead Network Engineer looking to take the next step into a Senior Network Architect role and develop your architecture skills while working on complex, secure environments? At Sopra Steria Aerospace, Defence and Security (ADS), you'll work on secure, business-critical projects that help protect and support some of the UK's most important organisations. Joining a collaborative team of networking specialists, you'll have the opportunity to influence technical solutions, develop your architecture skills, and work with leading Cisco technologies in complex environments. This role would suit someone with a strong networking background who enjoys solving technical challenges, understanding customer requirements, and helping shape solutions from concept through to delivery. You'll work alongside Solution Leads, Project Managers and engineering teams to develop secure, resilient network solutions while supporting the successful delivery of projects. We offer flexible working where possible, particularly during the early stages of projects, although regular onsite attendance will be required in Salisbury or Portsmouth due to the nature of the work. Security Clearance Level: Security Check (SC) clearance with eligibility and willingness to achieve Developed Vetting (DV).

What you’ll be doing:

• Create and implement end-to-end network solutions and technical designs.
• Support solution design activities across project work packages.
• Align technical solutions with security requirements, architectural standards and business objectives.
• Identify and mitigate Information Assurance risks and recommend improvements to existing and proposed solutions.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and knowledge transfer to Network Engineers and project teams.
• Support the successful delivery of projects throughout the solution lifecycle.

What you’ll bring:

• Strong experience with Cisco networking technologies including switching, routing, firewalls and wireless networking.
• Experience translating technical and business requirements into networking solutions and designs.
• Strong understanding of Internet Protocol networking, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Domain Name System and Virtual Routing and Forwarding.
• Knowledge of network orchestration, automation and Software Defined Networking concepts.
• Experience leading technical workstreams and providing technical guidance within project environments.
• Knowledge of Microsoft technologies including Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange, SharePoint and Group Policy.

It would be great if you had:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
• Experience with automation technologies such as Ansible, Python, Terraform or PowerShell.
• Familiarity with industry-standard frameworks including PRINCE2 and TOGAF.
• Experience with Cisco Unified Communications and Asterisk PABX.
• Familiarity with Security Information and Event Management platforms and network security technologies.
• Knowledge of endpoint management and cloud platforms including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 and Amazon Web Services.