Senior Network Engineer

I'm currently seeking a hands-on Senior Network Engineer on a contract basis for my client to deliver critical network transformation projects across our hybrid (on-premises and cloud) environments. This role requires deep technical expertise in network architecture, operations, and cybersecurity best practices, with a strong focus on execution and delivery.

Engagement Scope:

• Deliver a network refresh (firewall, switches, and routers) across both office and Birmingham data centre.
• Assist the DevOps team in establishing connectivity to a major critical infrastructure services provider via a dedicated MPLS circuit.
• Lead the design and implementation of a network segmentation project in AWS, separating production and non-production environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and support enterprise network infrastructure across Cisco and Palo Alto on-premises environments, and Azure/AWS cloud platforms.
• Lead deployment and optimisation of SD-WAN and SASE/SSE technologies (e.g., Netskope, Zscaler, Cisco Umbrella).
• Manage and maintain secure network architectures including firewalls, VPNs, switching, routing, and load balancing (HAProxy).
• Monitor, analyse, and optimise network performance and security posture.
• Implement security policies aligned with ISO 27001, NIST, and CIS frameworks.
• Produce detailed documentation for configurations, processes, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with global cloud, security, and infrastructure teams for consistent, secure operations.
• Support incident response, root cause analysis, and ongoing improvements.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Extensive experience executing network refresh projects.
• Strong expertise with Cisco, Palo Alto, HAProxy, and Azure networking.
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, VLANs, firewall policies, and routing protocols (BGP, OSPF).
• Proven track record with SD-WAN deployments.
• Practical knowledge of SSE/SASE platforms (e.g., Netskope, Zscaler, Prisma Access).
• Experience with AWS and/or Azure networking (VPC/VNet, transit gateways, peering, VPNs).
• Proficiency with monitoring and troubleshooting tools (NetFlow, Wireshark, CloudWatch, Grafana).
• Strong communication, documentation, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Certifications:

• Cisco: CCNP, CCIE
• AWS: Advanced Networking, Solutions Architect
• Microsoft: Azure Network Engineer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Palo Alto: PCNSA, PCNSE
• Familiarity with automation tools (Ansible, Terraform).
• Experience in regulated or enterprise-scale environments.

If you have the technical depth, project delivery skills, and hands-on experience to deliver on critical infrastructure objectives I would love to hear from you.