Senior Network Engineer (Cisco ACI / SDN Specialist)

Summary: The Senior Network Engineer role requires an experienced professional with expertise in Cisco ACI and SDN technologies, responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting complex network infrastructures. The position emphasizes operational support for Cisco networking and security appliances while ensuring high availability and performance. Candidates must possess active SC Clearance to be considered for this Inside IR35 contract role. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and adherence to ITIL processes are also key aspects of the job.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the deployment, configuration, and management of Cisco ACI SDN and MSO environments.
• Provide operational support and troubleshooting for Cisco networking and security appliances including Nexus, Catalyst switches, and Firepower/ASA firewalls.
• Design, implement, and optimize wireless networks and load balancing solutions (F5 BigIP, BigIQ).
• Manage campus networking environments, firewall security, and network monitoring solutions.
• Utilize automation tools like Ansible to streamline and automate manual networking tasks.
• Work with Infoblox Suite (IPAM, DNS, DHCP) for efficient IP address and domain management.
• Implement and maintain network monitoring tools such as Entuity, PRTG, and Prime Infrastructure.
• Adhere to ITIL processes and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with infrastructure, security, and application teams.

Key Skills:

• Active SC Clearance (mandatory).
• Deep knowledge and hands-on experience with Cisco ACI SDN and MSO (development and operations).
• Certification in Cisco networking (minimum CCNP level) or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience with traditional Cisco networking/security appliances: Nexus, Catalyst, ACI, Firepower/ASA.
• Strong expertise in at least 3 of the following areas: Cisco ACI, Wireless networking, F5 load balancing (BigIP, BigIQ), Cisco campus networking, Firewalls and Flow Analyzers (Checkpoint, Cisco Firepower, Algosec), Infoblox Suite (IPAM, DNS, DHCP), Network Monitoring/Management Tools (Entuity, PRTG, Prime Infrastructure).
• Experience with Software Defined Networking (SDN) automation using Ansible or similar tools.
• Strong scripting skills for network automation and orchestration.
• ITIL v3 Foundation certification (or good knowledge of ITIL best practices).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: London

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: undetermined

IR35 Status: inside IR35

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: IT