Enterprise Network Architect & Automation Engineer

GCS Recruitment; Cork; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment seeks an experienced IT Network Development Consultant to design, implement, and optimize enterprise network infrastructure in Cork, Ireland. This hands-on role combines network architecture, automation, troubleshooting, and strategic development to support business growth and operational excellence.

You will work with Cisco, Dell, Arista, and Juniper platforms, lead automation via Python and REST APIs, and collaborate across security and infrastructure teams to deliver secure,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of network engineering or development experience in enterprise environments.
• CCNP-level knowledge and practical enterprise deployment experience.
• Bachelor's degree in CS/IT or equivalent industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure.
• Design and support Wireless LANs and controllers across enterprise environments.
• Manage performance, availability, scalability, and security across campus and data centre networks.
• Develop network automation to streamline provisioning, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Automate routine tasks using scripting, APIs, and orchestration tools.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, security, and project teams for network deployments.
• Investigate and resolve complex network issues with root-cause analysis.
• Maintain network documentation, standards, diagrams, and procedures.
• Participate in change management and incident response.

Skills

Network engineering

Automation

Python

REST APIs

CCNP

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Tools

Cisco

Dell

Arista

Juniper

Ansible

Network platforms

Job description

We are seeking an experienced IT Network Development Consultant to design, implement, and optimize enterprise network infrastructure across complex environments. This is a hands-on technical role that combines network architecture, automation, troubleshooting, and strategic network development to support business growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure, with a focus on Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching technologies.
• Design, deploy, and support Wireless Access Points and Wireless LAN Controllers across enterprise environments.
• Manage and optimize network performance, availability, scalability, and security across campus and data centre networks.
• Develop and implement network automation solutions to streamline provisioning, configuration management, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Automate routine operational tasks using scripting languages, APIs, and orchestration tools.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, security, and project teams to support network integration, deployments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigate and resolve complex network issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing preventative measures.
• Maintain accurate network documentation, technical standards, diagrams, and operational procedures.
• Participate in change management processes, incident response activities, and network lifecycle planning.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years' experience in Network Engineering, Network Development, Network Infrastructure, or a similar network-focused role.
• CCNP-level networking knowledge and practical experience within enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise in Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking technologies, including VLANs, VRRP, MC-LAG, STP, VTP, PortChannels, OSPF, and BGP.
• Hands-on experience designing, implementing, and troubleshooting enterprise network solutions.
• Experience with network automation tools and frameworks such as Python, Ansible, and REST APIs.
• Familiarity with major networking platforms including Cisco, Dell, Arista, and Juniper.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, network security principles, and network programmability concepts.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Ideal Candidate

A highly technical and solutions-focused networking professional who enjoys designing and improving enterprise network environments. The ideal candidate will have strong troubleshooting and automation capabilities, a proactive approach to continuous improvement, and the ability to work collaboratively across teams to deliver secure, scalable, and high-performing network solutions.

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.