Senior Network Engineer - Northern Ireland

I.T. Alliance N.I. Ltd; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology and network services provider is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to enhance network solutions within a diverse customer base. This position offers a hybrid work model and requires a CCNP certification for one of the roles. The ideal candidate will deliver advanced network services, ensuring high performance, security, and exceptional customer engagement. Strong expertise in Cisco technologies and cybersecurity is essential. The company values excellent communication skills and offers opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• 5+ years as a Senior Network Engineer or 8+ years in networking in enterprise/government.
• Strong hands-on experience with Cisco technologies.
• Valid CCNP certification required for the Craigavon role.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality network engineering services.
• Act as a technical advisor to customers.
• Implement complex network solutions.

Skills

Cisco technologies (LAN, WAN, WLAN, SDA, SNA, ISE, DNAC, ACI)

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Expertise in cybersecurity technologies

Strong documentation capabilities

Education

CCNP certification

5+ years as a Senior Network Engineer

Tools

Visio

Excel

Word

Job description

Senior Network Engineer (2 Positions Available)

Locations

• Craigavon - 5 days onsite

• Belfast - Hybrid (3 days in office) 2 days remote.
  Contract: Permanent
  Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 (DOE)
  Work Eligibility: Full right to work in the UK is essential (no sponsorship available)

About the Roles

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.

Essential Skills & 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.

Desirable Skills

• CCNP-Enterprise/CCSP

• 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

Business Competencies

• Results Focus

• Customer Focus

• Innovation

People Competencies

• Teamwork

• Influencing & Gaining Commitment

• Interpersonal Skills

• Oral & Written Communication