IT Network Engineer

IT Network Engineer - Contract

Industry: Healthcare
Engagement Type: Contract
Location: Hybrid - Onsite (Leeds/Doncaster/Whitley) and Remote
Target Start Date: 06/01/2026
Target End Date:12-week contract (Dependent on onboarding date)

Background & Objective

Our client is undertaking a network infrastructure refresh programme across several key operational sites. Existing network hardware, physical cabling, and associated configurations require modernisation to improve performance, reliability, security, and supportability.

To ensure successful delivery, the client seeks to engage an experienced Network Engineer (Contractor) to provide hands-on technical expertise across the refresh programme. The contractor will support hardware replacement, structured cabling uplift, configuration of switching and Firewall components, and remediation of existing issues within the network environment.

The objective of this engagement is to provide short-term specialist capacity to accelerate the refresh efforts, ensure adherence to networking and cabling standards, and support the rollout and configuration of Fortinet Firewalls and associated infrastructure plus an ISP migration at 1 site.

Scope of Work

The contractor will be responsible for the following activities and deliverables across the life cycle of the network refresh project:

A. Network Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct on-site assessment of current network infrastructure at Leeds, Doncaster, and Whitley and review current project plan
• Review existing VLANs, routing, switching topology, and physical cabling layouts
• Produce up-to-date network diagrams and structured documentation

B. Network Hardware Refresh & Deployment

• Support replacement and installation of network Switches, access points, and related hardware
• Apply structured cabling standards (eg, termination, patching discipline, cable management best practice)
• Verify and test cabling runs, documenting results where applicable
• Ensure physical installation meets environmental, safety, and compliance requirements

C. Firewall & Security Infrastructure Support

• Support configuration, deployment, and testing of physical Fortinet FortiGate Firewalls as part of the refresh programme
• Assist with migration of Firewall rules or creation of new rules aligned to design specifications
• Ensure network segmentation principles are correctly implemented (eg, VLAN-to-Firewall mappings, routing policies)
• Work closely with the security and network teams to validate changes and support controlled cut-over activities

D. Network Configuration & Optimisation

• Update switch configurations, VLAN assignments, trunking, and network routing as required
• Optimise performance and ensure standardisation across all network infrastructure
• Support troubleshooting of any network issues arising during the refresh
• Ensure changes follow IT change control processes and are fully documented

E. Knowledge Transfer & Documentation

• Maintain clear, centralised documentation throughout the project
• Deliver updated network topology maps, switch port maps, cabling records, and Firewall configuration notes
• Provide handover to internal network engineers and support teams