Job Title: Network Engineer
Location: Belfast/Hybrid
Hybrid - 3 days onsite per week - Mon, Wendnesday & Thurs, remainder remote.
Department: IT Infrastructure & Network Services
Reports to: Operations Manager
Type: 6 Month contract (scope to extend subject to business requirements)
Day Rate: £450 - £500 (inside IR35)
Candidates must possess full working rights as sponsorship is not offered for this position.
Overview:
Our client is seeking a highly skilled and customer-focused Network Engineer to join their dynamic team. This is a critical role responsible for both project delivery and 3rd level incident support across a range of enterprise clients. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in Cisco networking (LAN, WLAN, SDA, ACI) and Fortinet technologies, with a strong focus on delivering outstanding customer service.
The Network Engineer will play a key role in the design, implementation, and support of advanced network solutions, working closely with clients, vendors, and internal teams to ensure high performance, security, and scalability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the design, deployment, and support of complex network infrastructures based on customer-specific requirements.
- Provide advanced (3rd level) technical support to clients and collaborate on the resolution of escalated network issues.
- Participate in the on-call rota to support 24x7 service availability.
- Create and maintain comprehensive documentation including Statements of Work, High- and Low-Level Designs, implementation plans, and test cases.
- Adhere to and support change control and security processes in customer environments.
- Act as a trusted technical advisor, presenting proposed solutions and technical updates to customers (both verbal and written).
- Liaise with internal teams, vendors, and partners to assess and implement emerging technologies.
- Transfer knowledge to the Service Operations Centre and other internal teams to support ongoing service delivery.
- Participate in relevant vendor certification programs and maintain awareness of industry trends and best practices.
Essential Skills & Qualifications:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification (minimum requirement).
- Proven experience with Fortinet solutions (configuration, deployment, troubleshooting).
- Minimum 3 years' experience working in complex enterprise or government IT environments, ideally within a professional services setting.
- In-depth understanding of enterprise-class IP Networking and security standards.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual or distributed team environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Skills & Certifications:
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification or equivalent experience.
- Cisco Wireless accreditations (ENWLSD, ENWLSI).
- Fortinet Professional certifications.
- Experience with cybersecurity technologies including Firewalls, IPS, UTM, UTP, and SASE.
- Familiarity with MPLS technologies, Cisco wireless, and Aruba solutions.
- Experience with network Scripting and automation.
- Exposure to carrier-class network management tools and enterprise support platforms.
Key Competencies:
Technical & Business Competencies:
- Strong technical acumen and ability to troubleshoot complex networking issues.
- Exceptional time management and organisational abilities.
- High standard of customer service and satisfaction (internal & external).
- Consistent adherence to IT policies, security practices, and quality standards.
Soft Skills & Team Competencies:
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Influence and relationship building
- Problem solving and innovation
- Clear oral and written communication
Tools & Technologies:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio (essential)
- Scripting skills (desirable)
This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in a fast-paced and customer-focused environment, with strong support for professional development and certification.
