Lead Data Network Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24, a prominent telecommunications services provider in Randburg, seeks an experienced Lead Data Network Engineer to direct design, implementation, and security of the enterprise data network, spanning LAN, WAN, and WLAN.

You will lead a team of engineers, oversee complex network projects, ensure high availability and security, mentor staff, collaborate with IT and vendors, and continuously evaluate new technologies to keep the network at the forefront of performance and resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT or related field.
• 8+ years of data network engineering and architecture experience.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco/Juniper enterprise equipment.
• Knowledge of BGP, OSPF, DNS, DHCP, and network security.
• CCIE/JNCIE/CCNP desirable.
• Experience in Gauteng region advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of enterprise-level data networks, including LAN, WAN, and WLAN.
• Oversee network infrastructure upgrades, migrations, and deployments, ensuring minimal disruption.
• Develop and enforce network standards, policies, and procedures.
• Manage network performance monitoring, tuning, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal uptime and efficiency.
• Lead the investigation and resolution of complex network incidents and outages.
• Ensure network security best practices are implemented and maintained, including firewalls, VPNs, and access controls.
• Mentor and guide junior network engineers, fostering their technical growth and development.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to define network requirements and provide technical solutions.
• Evaluate and recommend new networking technologies and solutions to enhance capabilities.
• Manage vendor relationships for network hardware and software procurement and support.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Tools

Cisco equipment

Juniper equipment

Network virtualization

SDN

Cloud networking

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent telecommunications services provider, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Data Network Engineer to direct their data network operations and development in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior role is integral to designing, implementing, and maintaining a high-performance, secure, and scalable data network that supports a vast array of services. You will lead a team of skilled engineers, manage complex network projects, and ensure the seamless operation of critical data infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical understanding of modern networking technologies, robust problem-solving abilities, and strong leadership qualities. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of data networking for a leading organization in the South African telecommunications landscape. We are looking for an individual passionate about network innovation and dedicated to delivering exceptional technical solutions. We offer a stimulating work environment and competitive rewards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of enterprise-level data networks, including LAN, WAN, and WLAN.
• Oversee network infrastructure upgrades, migrations, and deployments, ensuring minimal disruption.
• Develop and enforce network standards, policies, and procedures.
• Manage network performance monitoring, tuning, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal uptime and efficiency.
• Lead the investigation and resolution of complex network incidents and outages.
• Ensure network security best practices are implemented and maintained, including firewalls, VPNs, and access controls.
• Mentor and guide junior network engineers, fostering their technical growth and development.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to define network requirements and provide technical solutions.
• Evaluate and recommend new networking technologies and solutions to enhance capabilities.
• Manage vendor relationships for network hardware and software procurement and support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in data network engineering and architecture.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, or similar enterprise-grade networking equipment.
• Deep knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching technologies, and network services (DNS, DHCP).
• Proven experience with network security principles and technologies (firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS).
• Familiarity with network virtualization, SDN, and cloud networking concepts.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.
• Relevant certifications such as CCIE, JNCIE, or CCNP are highly desirable.
• Experience working in the Gauteng region is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive medical aid plan, a robust pension fund, annual performance bonuses, and extensive opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications. Employees in Randburg will have the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies, contribute to critical network infrastructure, and enjoy a supportive team environment with clear pathways for career advancement within a leading telecommunications company. We also offer ample paid time off and other company benefits.