Senior Network Infrastructure Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Retirement plan with company matching

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Network Infrastructure Engineer for our client in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network solutions to ensure performance, security, and scalability across services.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in network engineering, strong routing protocol knowledge (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS), hands-on firewall/VPN experience, and familiarity with monitoring tools such as SolarWinds, Nagios, or Zabbix.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in network engineering with complex networks.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VLANs.
• Hands-on with security tech: firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS; CCNP/CCIE/CISSP desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and manage enterprise‑level network infrastructure (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers).
• Monitor performance and troubleshoot to ensure high availability and minimal downtime.
• Develop and implement network security measures to protect against threats.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to translate business requirements into network solutions.
• Conduct regular network audits and performance analyses with detailed reports.

Skills

TCP/IP

BGP

OSPF

MPLS

VLANs

Network security

Cloud networking

Monitoring tools

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Mentorship

Certifications desirable

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / IT or related field

Tools

SolarWinds

Nagios

Zabbix

Palo Alto

Cisco ASA

VPNs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading telecommunications provider, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Network Infrastructure Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for maintaining and advancing the company's robust network infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, security, and scalability. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and managing complex network solutions that support a wide range of services. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of network protocols, hardware, and software, coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to innovation. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing organization and contribute to the future of telecommunications in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and manage enterprise-level network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues proactively to ensure high availability and minimal downtime.
• Develop and implement network security measures to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into effective network solutions.
• Conduct regular network audits and performance analyses, providing detailed reports and recommendations for improvement.
• Stay abreast of emerging network technologies and industry best practices, evaluating their potential application within the organization.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new network equipment and services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in network engineering, with a proven track record in designing and managing complex networks.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VLANs, and other routing and switching protocols.
• Hands‑on experience with network security technologies such as firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA), VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Proficiency in network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, Zabbix).
• Experience with cloud networking concepts (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Relevant industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or CISSP are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning through certifications and training programs.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Access to cutting-edge technology and innovative projects.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.