Network Architect (DV Cleared)

Network Architect (DV Cleared)

Location: Basingstoke (Fully on-site)Clearance: DV – Sole Nationality Rate: £500 per day (Inside IR35)Contract Type: Contractor Start Date: ASAP Duration: 6-month initial contract Working Pattern: Monday to Friday

Brief Overview Provide varied and complex technical support across project deployments, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, problem resolution and maintenance. Advise project SMEs on preventive maintenance and configuration adjustments to optimise network performance and user satisfaction within a secure, multi-stakeholder environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on installation, integration, fault diagnostics and remediation across project environments.
• Independently implement LAN networks and execute infrastructure patching in line with detailed design specifications.
• Ensure all LAN design and implementation complies with JSP 604 and related MOD network policies.
• Provide expert guidance on preventive maintenance, configuration improvements and performance optimisation.
• Create and maintain high-quality as-fitted documentation; manage ECR processes; coordinate with Customer Authorities for approvals and sign-off.
• Advise on development and modification of solution components to align with enterprise architectures, strategies, policies, standards and best practice.
• Safeguard compatibility between existing and planned solution components within a complex, secure enterprise environment.
• Meet delivery deadlines and cost parameters within the agreed scope of responsibility.
• Provide timely workarounds or permanent fixes to minimise service disruption.
• Support holistic solutions that may include changes to process, organisation, operating model and automation—clearly articulating where requirements are fully or partially met, and highlighting options requiring business decisions.

Mandatory Skills & Experience

• Significant experience with Juniper or Cisco network equipment.
• Proven expertise with F5 Load Balancing.
• End-to-end LAN implementation experience, including patching, configuration and issue resolution, aligned to JSP 604.
• Demonstrable experience with ECR processes, creation of as-fitted packs and obtaining Customer Authority sign-off.
• Previous experience operating within complex, secure, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Ability to provide comprehensive architectural guidance ensuring solution components align to relevant architectures, strategies, policies, standards and practices.
• Consistent delivery to deadlines and within scope.
• Strong problem-solving capability with prompt provision of effective fixes or workarounds.