Senior Network Architect, Cisco

Sopra Steria Ltd; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sopra Steria Aerospace, Defence and Security (ADS) is seeking a Senior Network Architect to design and deliver secure, resilient networks for critical environments. The role involves translating complex customer needs into robust Cisco-based architectures and working with Solution Leads, PMs and engineers on multi-project delivery.

You'll contribute to secure designs, align with architectural standards, and mentor network engineers while working onsite at Salisbury or Portsmouth, with flexible

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Cisco networking technologies including switching, routing, firewalls and wireless networking.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into robust network designs.
• Understanding of IP networking, DHCP, DNS and VRF concepts.
• Knowledge of network orchestration, automation and SDN concepts.
• Experience leading technical workstreams within projects.

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 IA risks and propose improvements.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and knowledge transfer to Network Engineers.

Skills

Cisco networking

Network architecture

Security requirements

Technical leadership

Project collaboration

Tools

Ansible

Python

Terraform

PowerShell

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'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.

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.