Network Design Engineer (DV CLEARED)

• Contract Rate: £500 per day inside IR35
• Location: Basingstoke, On-site, 5 days per week
• Job Type: Contractor (12 months contract)
• Clearance: DV Clearance active

We are seeking a Network Design Engineer to join our team, focusing on delivery opportunities within the secure Defence and National Security sector. This role requires a deep understanding of both business and technical requirements. You will be tasked with producing design collateral, passing governance reviews, providing hands-on configuration and implementation support, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring effective handover to service.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Understand business and technical requirements to produce relevant design collateral.
• Pass any necessary governance reviews related to network design.
• Provide hands-on configuration and implementation support for network systems.
• Troubleshoot technical issues across various network components.
• Ensure effective handover of completed projects to service teams.
• Work closely with project management to accurately estimate tasks, schedule work, and report progress to ensure timely delivery that meets customer expectations.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong technical networking knowledge including LAN switching/topologies, routing protocols (e.g., VPNs, IPSec, MPLS, BGP), and hardware encryption.
• Proficient with Cisco/Juniper products, JUNOS, and Cisco IOS.
• Industry-recognized network certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP or Juniper JNCIS-ENT are highly desirable.
• Demonstrable experience in network device configuration, troubleshooting, and defect resolution.
• Experience in designing and utilizing technologies from global network vendors such as Cisco and Juniper.
• Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation for delivery and solution support.
• Solid understanding of project lifecycle from requirements gathering to operational acceptance into service.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, take ownership, and make decisive actions.
• Previous experience in the defence sector is advantageous.