Senior Network Engineer

Principal Network Engineer – Distributed Networks

Bristol - Hybrid | Permanent | SC Clearance Required

We are working with a UK engineering team building distributed systems that need to stay reliable in environments where connectivity can vary and links are not always consistent.

The focus is on practical engineering and systems that continue to perform when conditions change. They design and build their platforms from start to finish, covering architecture through to deployment, with a strong emphasis on ownership and engineering quality.

The role - Principal Network Engineer

You will take ownership of the network layer across complex distributed systems that operate across multiple environments and connectivity types.

This is not traditional enterprise networking. It is about building systems that tolerate change, recover from failure, and continue to operate when conditions are not ideal.

You will work closely to the core engineering team, contributing to architecture and also working hands-on where needed.

What you will be doing

• Designing and building distributed network architectures across systems with multiple nodes
• Working with routing, layer 2 and layer 3 networking, NAT, and multicast in challenging conditions
• Building and supporting network overlays and tunnelling approaches for resilient connectivity
• Working across systems that use multiple link types and variable quality connections
• Applying software defined networking and software defined wide area networking concepts in practical deployments
• Designing secure network architectures including identity based access control and device authentication
• Working deeply with Linux networking including packet flow analysis and performance tuning
• Automating network infrastructure and contributing to infrastructure as code approaches
• Supporting deployments and improving systems based on live operational behaviour

What we are looking for

• Strong hands on experience in distributed or complex networking environments
• Practical understanding of how networks behave when conditions degrade
• Experience with overlays, tunnelling, and resilient routing methods
• Strong Linux networking knowledge including troubleshooting at packet level
• Experience with secure by design networking including authentication and policy based access
• Scripting or automation experience using tools such as Python or Bash
• A preference for building and testing systems rather than only designing them

About you

You are likely someone who has solved networking problems where systems do not behave as expected in documentation.

You are comfortable working at a detailed technical level when needed, but you also think in terms of systems and outcomes.

You test assumptions early and design with failure in mind.

The Package

• Salary from £80,000, open for the right person
• Bristol-based, hybrid, three days per week on site
• Discretionary performance bonus
• Annual salary review
• Flexible start/finish hours

Clearance

Candidates must be eligible for UK SC clearance and hold the right to work in the UK. Existing clearance isn't required.

CleanTech Talent are working as a Hiring Partner, and our client's name will be shared at the first conversation. Apply or reach out to Daniel Salway at Cleantech Talent for more guidance.