Senior Network Architect (Cisco)

Sopra Steria Limited; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Private medical

Life assurance

Pension

25 days annual leave

Flexible benefits fund

Job summary

Sopra Steria Aerospace, Defence and Security (ADS) seeks a Senior Network Architect to build secure, end-to-end network solutions and mentor delivery teams on complex projects using Cisco technologies.

You will translate requirements into designs, align with security standards, lead workstreams, and collaborate with Solution Leads and Project Managers across defence and government environments. Onsite in Salisbury or Portsmouth with flexible early-stage arrangements.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Cisco networking

Network design

Mentoring

Solution leadership

Security requirements

Project collaboration

Education

CCNA certification

Tools

Windows Server

Active Directory

Exchange

SharePoint

Job description

Are you a Senior 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 will 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 will 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 will 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.

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.

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent. Location: Salisbury or Portsmouth with flexible working arrangements. Security Clearance Level: Security Check (SC) clearance with eligibility and willingness to achieve Developed Vetting (DV). Internal Recruiter: Paul Kitchen Salary: Competitive, based on experience.

• £5,400 car allowance, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy additional days, private medical, life assurance, pension, and generous flexible benefits fund.

About Sopra Steria ADS At Sopra Steria, Aerospace, Defence and Security (ADS) is trusted to deliver secure, mission-critical services that help our customers overcome complex operational and technology challenges. Working across defence, government and secure environments, we combine deep technical expertise with innovative thinking to deliver solutions that make a real difference. Our people are central to our success. We invest in learning and development, support career progression, and provide opportunities to work on meaningful projects using leading technologies. Whether you are looking to expand your design experience or develop into a network architecture career path, ADS offers the opportunity to grow your skills while helping our customers achieve their goals.