Job Title: Senior Network Engineer (Contractor)Location: Southern EnglandRate: 450 - 550 per day (Outside IR35)Contract Length: 6-12 months (with potential for extension)Employer: University (Anonymous)Job Overview:We are seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to join a dynamic IT team at a leading university on the Southern Coast of England (90 minutes from London). This role is a contract position, focusing on the implementation, enhancement, and maintenance of the university s network infrastructure. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the university s networks are secure, resilient, and scalable, supporting both administrative operations and academic needs.Key Responsibilities:Design, implement, and manage robust and scalable network solutions across campus environments.Maintain and optimize LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center networks to ensure seamless connectivity.Perform network upgrades, expansions, and migrations with minimal disruption to university services.Troubleshoot complex network issues, ensuring high availability and performance.Collaborate with IT teams and stakeholders to understand networking requirements for academic, research, and operational projects.Develop and enforce network security protocols and procedures to protect sensitive university data.Oversee the installation, configuration, and testing of network hardware, including switches, routers, and firewalls.Monitor network performance and provide regular reports on network health and capacity.Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for network architecture, procedures, and policies.Mentor junior network engineers and provide technical leadership within the IT department.Skills and Experience Required:Proven experience as a Senior Network Engineer, ideally within the higher education or public sector.Strong expertise in LAN/WAN design, wireless networks, and data center networking.Hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, and other leading networking technologies.Solid understanding of network security principles, firewalls, and VPNs.Experience with cloud networking solutions and integration (e.g., AWS, Azure).Familiarity with network monitoring tools and troubleshooting utilities.Certifications such as CCNP, JNCIP, or equivalent are highly desirable.Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.Experience working on large-scale campus networks or complex multi-site environments.Preferred Qualifications:Experience in higher education or large public sector organizations.Knowledge of ITIL practices and service management frameworks.Familiarity with SDN (Software Defined Networking) and emerging networking technologies.Experience with VoIP, IP telephony, and multimedia network integrations.Additional Information:This role requires on-site presence with some flexibility for remote work.The contract is expected to start in January, with interviews conducted on a rolling basis.If you are a highly skilled network engineer looking for your next challenge in a stimulating university environment, we encourage you to apply.











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