Technical Expert - Network Specialist

University of Bristol; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university seeks a Technical Expert - Network Specialist to support advanced research through specialist networking solutions. The role involves managing large-scale WAN networks and requires expert knowledge in SD-WAN technologies and collaboration with various stakeholders. Candidates must have significant hands-on experience, especially with Juniper and Fortinet systems, and deep understanding of networking concepts.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience with networking technologies.
• Strong experience in architecting and designing large-scale networks.
• Expert knowledge in advanced networking concepts.
• Deep knowledge of virtualization, network services, and VMWare NSX-T.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and containerization solutions.
• Expert knowledge of AWS VPC and AWS Direct Connect via control tower.

Responsibilities

• Deliver specialist networking solutions for SD-WAN.
• Collaborate with researchers to provide technical services.
• Manage and maintain the JOINER Fabric network.
• Contribute to the evolution of the JOINER Brain, a multi-tenant orchestrator.
• Analyse complex data, resolve technical challenges, and design innovative network architectures.

Skills

Hands-on experience with Juniper technology

Hands-on experience with Fortinet technology

Architecting large-scale WAN networks

Expert knowledge of MPLS

Knowledge of L2 VPN

SD-WAN concepts

Network virtualization experience

VMware NSX knowledge

Familiarity with Kubernetes

AWS VPC expertise

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant degree in computer science or engineering

Tools

VMware

Kubernetes

AWS

Job description

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University of Bristol provided pay range

This range is provided by University of Bristol. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

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Resourcing Business Partner at University of Bristol

The role

As a Network Engineer, you will support JOINER project by applying advanced technical expertise to design, implement, and optimise complex network infrastructures. You will analyse, interpret, and present network performance data based on your specialist knowledge. This role requires deep expertise in large-scale WAN networks, particularly those leveraging SD-WAN technologies, to meet the strategic goals of the JOINER project. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Juniper and Fortinet systems, and a solid understanding of MPLS, Layer 2 VPNs, network virtualization, and cloud-based networking in environments such as VMware.

What will you be doing?

You will deliver specialist networking solutions, focusing on SD-WAN and virtual networks to support advanced research. Key responsibilities include collaborating with Principal Investigators, researchers, and external stakeholders to provide expert technical services. You will manage, maintain, and develop the JOINER Fabric—an advanced SD-WAN overlay on a high-capacity L2VPN underlay—and contribute to the evolution of the JOINER Brain, a multi-tenant orchestrator. The role involves analysing complex data, resolving technical challenges, and designing innovative network architectures. You will also provide strategic input on procurements, ensuring technically sound and cost-effective solutions aligned with the evolving needs of the JOINER environment.

You should apply if

If you have extensive experience in the specific area of practice including:

• Proven hands-on experience with Juniper, and Fortinet technologies.
• Strong experience in architecting and designing large-scale WAN networks.
• Expert knowledge of MPLS, L2 VPN, and SD-WAN concepts.
• Hands-on experience in network virtualization.
• Deep knowledge and experience in virtualization, network services, and virtual network functions including VMWare NSXT etc.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and containerization solutions.
• Expert knowledge of AWS VPC and AWS direct connect via control tower
• Strong skills in creating and maintaining design documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Please evidence the above in your cover letter.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended (fixed funding until 30/06/2026)

Grade: K

Hybrid working: The working pattern for this role is hybrid with at least 3 days in the office per week.

School/Unit: School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 12/08/2025

Interviews are expected to take place on the 21st-22nd August 2025

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Industries

  Higher Education

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