Senior Network Engineer

I.T. Alliance Resourcing Services; Belfast City District; On-site; Full time

Job description

Senior Network Engineer (2 Positions Available)

Locations:

• Craigavon – 5 days onsite
• Belfast – Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
• Contract: Permanent
• Work Eligibility: Full right to work in the UK is essential (no sponsorship available)

A leading technology and network services provider is seeking two Senior Network Engineers to support the delivery, optimisation and support of advanced network solutions across a diverse customer base. One role is based permanently onsite in Craigavon within the Southern Health Trust environment and requires a valid CCNP certification. The second role is based at the Belfast office with hybrid working (3 days onsite). Both positions operate as senior technical authorities, ensuring robust, secure and high‑performing network infrastructure while providing exceptional customer engagement and technical leadership.

Role Overview

The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for delivering high‑quality network engineering services, driving continual improvement, and acting as a trusted subject‑matter expert. The role includes implementing complex network solutions, resolving advanced technical issues, advising customers on best practice, mentoring colleagues and contributing to ongoing product and service improvement.

These roles require strong hands‑on experience across Cisco technologies (LAN, WAN, WLAN, SDA, SNA, ISE, DNAC, ACI) and ideally exposure to Fortinet solutions (FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiWireless, FortiSASE).

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted technical advisor to customers across enterprise and public‑sector environments.
• Develop and maintain an in‑depth understanding of customer environments to support solution design and delivery.
• Review proposed solutions and provide expert technical guidance.
• Build, implement and support network and security solutions aligned to industry best practices.
• Prepare and execute detailed test plans and manage change control procedures.
• Optimise network performance and ensure availability of critical services.
• Produce high‑quality design, documentation and implementation materials.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to enhance service offerings.
• Implement robust security controls and ensure compliance with relevant standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, tooling and service efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal teams, vendors and partners on emerging solutions.
• Participate in an on‑call rota providing 24/7 support coverage.
• Communicate effectively with customer stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain relevant vendor certifications and pursue continuous professional development.
• Mentor and support junior team members.

Qualifications & Experience

• Valid CCNP (mandatory for Craigavon role) or strong equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Strong expertise in Cisco technologies including LAN, WAN, WLAN, SDA, SNA, ISE, DNAC, ACI.
• Practical experience with Fortinet technologies (FCA, FCP, FCCS, FCX) or equivalent.
• Experience with WAN solutions: MPLS, Internet, L2VPNs, access technologies.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity technologies: Firewalls, IPS, UTM/UTP, SASE, ZTNA, Cloud Security.
• At least 5+ years as a Senior Network Engineer or 8+ years as a Network Engineer in enterprise/government environments.
• Strong documentation capability using Visio, Excel and Word.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and resolve complex technical issues.
• Strong commercial and industry awareness.
• Ability to achieve and maintain professional certifications.
• Cisco Wireless accreditations (ENWLSD / ENWLSI).
• Fortinet Professional or Expert certifications.
• Experience with automation (Python, Ansible).
• Public cloud networking experience (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• SD‑WAN or other software‑defined technologies.
• Experience with carrier‑grade management tools.
• Experience supporting MPLS environments.

Key Performance Indicators

• Technical quality and reliability of delivered solutions.
• Customer satisfaction and strength of technical relationships.
• Quality of designs and documentation.
• Timely and accurate delivery of project work.
• Contribution to innovation and service improvement.
• Effective collaboration and mentoring.
• Compliance with security and industry standards.

Competency Profile – Business Competencies

• Results Focus
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal Skills

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Information Technology