Senior Networks Engineer Infrastructure Operations

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); Tathall End; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government office in Tathall End seeks an experienced Network Engineer to design, configure, and implement solutions that meet business requirements. Key responsibilities include optimizing systems and managing a team of engineers, with a strong emphasis on networking skills, including expertise in Cisco technologies and cloud platforms like Azure and AWS. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package provided, including a defined benefit pension scheme and generous leave entitlements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Civil Service pension

Generous holiday entitlement

Free shuttle bus

On-site gym

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Excellent working knowledge of Cisco ASA.
• Experience with Palo Alto Firewalls.
• Strong understanding of network protocols including TCP/IP, BGP, ICMP, OSPF, IPSEC.
• Deep knowledge of Cisco Switching, Routing, Security and wireless technologies.
• Ability to manage and prioritize day-to-day tasks.
• Experience with virtual environments and solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure and implement solutions to meet business requirements.
• Collaborate closely with various stakeholders to translate technical terminology.
• Optimize systems and produce high- and low-level documentation.
• Mentor junior colleagues and support senior engineers.

Skills

Cisco ASA

Palo Alto Firewalls

Big IP (F5) administration

TCP/IP

BGP

ICMP

OSPF

IPSEC

Cisco Switching

Routing

Security technologies

Virtual environments

VMware

Azure

Cisco ISE

Cisco PRIME

Cisco ACI

AWS

Network monitoring tools

PRTG

Job description

You would be expected to have ability to design, configure and implement as to the business requirements. Able to work effectively under pressure to deadlines, with rapidly changing priorities and workloads.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure and implement solutions to meet business requirements.
• Work effectively under pressure with rapidly changing priorities and workloads.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, developers, incident and problem managers, and external suppliers to translate technical terminology and build trusted relationships.
• Optimize systems, elevate service issues, and produce high‑ and low‑level documentation.
• Communicate clearly and with authority, while maintaining professional growth and keeping pace with the latest technologies and best practices.
• Mentor junior colleagues, share expertise, and support senior engineers when needed.
• Spot patterns, address recurring issues and recommend process enhancements that raise the standard of technical services.
• Maintain precision and reliability in all tasks, including documentation and reporting on key performance measures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Excellent working knowledge of Cisco ASA.
• Experience with Palo Alto Firewalls.
• Proficiency in Big IP (F5) administration.
• Strong understanding of network protocols including TCP/IP, BGP, ICMP, OSPF, IPSEC.
• Deep knowledge of Cisco Switching, Routing, Security and wireless technologies.
• Experience with virtual environments and virtual network solutions (e.g., VMware, Azure).
• Experience with Cisco ISE and PRIME.
• Experience with Cisco ACI.
• Knowledge of Azure and AWS platforms.
• Experience with network monitoring tools such as PRTG.
• Ability to manage and prioritize day‑to‑day tasks, and to oversee IT operations that protect millions of users.

Leadership and Management

• Develop and manage a team of engineers, setting direction and coaching individuals to drive high performance.
• Balance people management with hands‑on technical work.
• Ensure requirements are met and incidents are resolved quickly.
• Bring expertise and initiative to solve complex or unprecedented issues.

Security and Vetting

All employees must meet the highest level of security clearance. Initial clearance is Security Check (SC); DV clearance may be required long‑term. All applicants undergo a comprehensive vetting process before appointment. Baseline personnel security standard checks are required for work with government assets.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £48,801 on top of which FCDO Services contributes £14,137 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Civil Service pension.
• Generous holiday entitlement, starting at 25 days plus 9 public and privilege days.
• Annual leave package including public holidays.
• Free shuttle bus between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park.
• On‑site gym, nursery, café and restaurant.
• Interest‑free loans on season tickets and bicycles.
• Learning and development opportunities tailored to your role.
• Access to training and other development opportunities to grow your career.
• Culture encouraging inclusion and diversity, and a Disability Confident and Carer Confident workplace.