At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and support customer networks, troubleshoot issues, and ensure optimal performance.
- Company: Dynamic managed services provider with a focus on networking and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid certifications, hybrid working, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career progression and access to industry-recognised training.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in networking with hands-on experience and mentoring from experts.
- Qualifications: Basic networking knowledge and experience in IT support or related roles.
Warrington, UK (Hybrid – 4 days onsite, 1 day remote)
Total Package: £29,500 – £35,000
Monday - Friday | No nights or weekends
Paid certifications
Hybrid working (4 days in the office)
Auto-enrolment pension with employer contribution
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The Role of the Junior Network Engineer
We are seeking a Junior NOC Engineer / Junior Network Engineer to join a Managed Services Team. In this rewarding customer-facing role, you will be responsible for monitoring, supporting, and maintaining customer network environments across a range of enterprise networking and security technologies.
Working alongside experienced Network Engineers and Technical Consultants, you will act as the first point of technical response for customer incidents, proactively monitor network performance, investigate alerts, perform first-line troubleshooting, and escalate issues where required. This role provides an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in networking, cybersecurity, and managed services, with access to industry-recognised training and certification programmes.
Why join the team?
We are a specialist network infrastructure and managed services provider, headquartered in the Northwest UK and operating across warehousing and logistics, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, transport, chemical and public sector organisations. Our managed services practice helps customers reduce operational burden, improve network visibility and address growing skills shortages. We design, deploy and support enterprise networking solutions including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, Wireless, Security and Cloud Networking technologies.
You’ll be part of a technically driven and collaborative team where your development is actively supported through mentoring, hands-on experience and funded certifications.
Responsibilities of the Job
- Monitor customer networks and managed services platforms to identify faults, performance issues and service degradation.
- Perform proactive daily health checks across customer environments.
- Respond to incidents, alerts and service requests within agreed SLA targets.
- Carry out first-line diagnosis and troubleshooting of LAN, WAN, Wireless, SD-WAN and Security solutions.
- Escalate complex technical issues to senior engineers while maintaining ownership and customer communication.
- Create, update and manage tickets within the IT Service Management (ITSM) platform.
- Maintain accurate documentation, asset records and knowledge base articles.
- Support customer change requests in accordance with established change management processes.
- Assist with service improvement initiatives and internal systems that support managed service delivery.
- Develop technical knowledge through self-learning, mentoring and vendor certification programmes.
- Deliver a professional and customer-focused experience at every stage of the support process.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Basic understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, Switching, Routing, DHCP, DNS and Wireless Networking.
- Experience in an IT Support, Service Desk, MSP, NOC or networking-related role.
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Passion for technology and delivering exceptional customer service.
- Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.
Desirable
- Cisco CCNA certification or actively studying towards it.
- Experience with Cisco Meraki environments.
- Experience using Cisco IOS CLI.
- Exposure to network monitoring platforms.
- Experience working within an MSP or Managed Services environment.
- Knowledge of network security fundamentals and firewalls.
What You’ll Gain
- Exposure to enterprise networking and security technologies.
- Structured career progression into Network Engineer and Senior Engineer roles.
- Access to funded industry certifications.
- Mentoring from experienced network and security specialists.
- Hands-on experience supporting multiple customer environments.
- Opportunity to work with SD-WAN, Wireless, Security and Cloud Networking technologies.
Junior Network Engineer in Halton employer: Annular Group
Join a dynamic and supportive team as a Junior Network Engineer in Warrington, where you will benefit from a hybrid working model and a strong focus on employee development. With access to paid certifications and mentoring from experienced professionals, this role offers a fantastic opportunity for growth in the networking and cybersecurity fields while enjoying a collaborative work culture that prioritises customer service excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Network Engineer in Halton
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Dive into local and online cybersecurity meetups or forums. Engage with communities on platforms like Reddit or Discord, which often have dedicated channels for job opportunities and entry-level tips. Making yourself visible here can open doors we didn't even know existed!
✨Show Off Those Skills
Set up a GitHub profile where you can showcase any projects or contributions you’ve made, even if they’re just personal experiments. Potential employers love to see our work in action, and this is a great way to catch the eye of companies like Annular Group while we’re still building our experience.
✨Leverage Online Courses & Certifications
Consider taking some recognised cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker. These badges give us an edge and show our commitment to the field. Plus, many courses have job boards and networking opportunities that can lead to our first gig!
✨Apply Early and Often
Entry-level roles in cybersecurity can fill up quickly, so keep an eye on our website for open positions at Annular Group. We should be ready to apply as soon as we see a role pop up. Tailor our applications to highlight relevant skills like problem-solving and attention to detail – these can set us apart!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Network Engineer in Halton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In the cybersecurity field, we love to see your technical know-how right from the get-go. Include any relevant coursework, certifications (like CompTIA Security+ or CEH), and tools you're familiar with. If you've dabbled in security protocols or have any hands-on experience with firewalls or threat analysis, make sure to highlight that!
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:A cover letter is your chance to show your enthusiasm for cybersecurity—don’t hold back! Talk about why you’re excited about this career path, any personal projects you've been involved with, or security challenges you’ve taken on. It’s all about showing Annular Group that you’re eager to learn and contribute.
Include relevant extracurricular activities:In entry-level applications, we appreciate seeing how you’ve engaged with the cybersecurity community. Mention any clubs, competitions (like Capture The Flag), or volunteer work related to cybersecurity. This will give us insight into your dedication to growing your skills beyond academic learning!
Keep it concise and tailored:We get it—writing about yourself can be tough. But for entry-level roles like Junior Network Engineer at Annular Group, we're looking for clarity and focus. Tailor your CV and application materials to highlight only what matters for this role. Avoid fluff and get straight to your strengths in the context of cybersecurity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Annular Group
✨Know Your Cybersecurity Basics
Make sure you’re clued up on the essential concepts of cybersecurity, like encryption, firewalls, and malware. For an entry-level role like Junior Network Engineer at Annular Group, they might ask you practical questions to test your understanding of these topics, so brush up on the basics and maybe even run through some scenarios.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
You’ll likely be working with various cybersecurity tools and platforms, so get comfortable with common ones like Wireshark and Metasploit. Mention any hands-on experience you have with these tools during your interview, as it shows you’ve taken the initiative to learn and apply your knowledge, which is key for an entry-level position.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
Since this is an entry-level position, employers at Annular Group will want to see your eagerness to learn. Prepare to discuss any certifications or online courses you've completed, as well as how you stay updated on the latest threats and trends in cybersecurity. This demonstrates your commitment to growing in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview. These might include how you'd respond to a phishing attempt or securing a network. Think through a few examples beforehand, so you can showcase your problem-solving skills and thought process, which are critical in cybersecurity.
