Senior Engineer (Network)

The Role

This is a unique opportunity to lead the transition from manual network operations to automated infrastructure. You will act as a key member of the team, championing automation initiatives across our network estate and embedding modern engineering practices into our ways of working.

Day-to-day, you will focus on designing and implementing network automation solutions, improving efficiency, consistency, and scalability across enterprise environments. You’ll collaborate with engineers, architects, and stakeholders to deliver automated solutions aligned with strategic goals.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the transformation from manual to automated network operations, establishing best practices and driving the automation roadmap
• Design and implement network automation solutions across LAN, WAN, and datacentre environments
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Python, Ansible, and Terraform
• Integrate and optimise centralised network management platforms (e.g. Cisco Catalyst Center)
• Enhance operational efficiency through automated provisioning, configuration management, and monitoring
• Collaborate across teams while mentoring engineers and promoting knowledge sharing and cross-training

Essential experience of the Senior Network Engineer:

• Strong experience in network infrastructure automation (non-cloud focused) across enterprise environments
• Proven track record of leading or contributing to automation transformation initiatives
• Hands-on experience with scripting and automation tools such as Python, Ansible and Terraform
• Experience working with centralised network management and orchestration tools (e.g. Cisco Catalyst Center)
• Solid understanding of core networking technologies (routing, switching, security) across enterprise-scale environments
• Experience in building reusable automation frameworks and templates

Essential qualifications for the Senior Network Engineer:

• CCNP or equivalent experience
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you.

This role is 37 hours per week based at Farnborough. To cover shift patterns between 0730-1830 GMT you may be asked to work at specific times. As part of a commitment to maintaining high service availability and rapid incident response, this role will be required to participate in an on-call rota. This responsibility reflects the trust placed in the role to act swiftly and decisively when critical systems are impacted.

At our Farnborough site exciting work takes place at our state-of-the-art facility, with high-energy laser technologies, our 5m pressurised wind tunnel which has a simulation capability that is unique in the UK and our large research and development projects is a real hub of creativity, research and innovation. Join our talented teams of Engineers, IT & Cyber Specialists, Project Managers, Group Functions Teams and many more to provide future defences in the UK.

Why Join QinetiQ?

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Our Benefits

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
• Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
• We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
• Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community

Our Recruitment Process:

We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

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