Principal Network Design Consultant in Bristol

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Principal Network Design Consultant to join our Technology Consulting Team based in the Digital Services Portfolio. We provide a broad range of consultancy services namely strategy, design, assurance and advisory. We are looking for a passionate person with an in-depth knowledge and background in the data network industry with in-depth skills in network design and technologies. We are looking for someone with strong social skills, who can work with, and supervise, other members of staff. You will be a senior member of our team acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and as a technical specialist on projects. You will take a lead role in the delivery of projects and the interface with clients.

The role will involve:

• Leading network design projects.
• Capturing, developing and interpreting clients requirements and translating them into appropriate inputs to the network design process.
• Network design development (from concept through to construction).
• Reviewing and approving network designs.
• On-site monitoring and witness testing of network deployments.
• Developing Arup’s knowledge, skills and experience in data networking including mentoring and developing other colleagues.
• Contributing to scoping works and fee proposals for network design projects.
• Checking and approving work in accordance with quality management systems.

Projects will be in the UK and abroad. The candidate should be willing to travel abroad when needed, however, this role does not require extended periods away. The successful candidate will be required to undertake BPSS clearance. Candidates meeting eligibility for SC clearance are preferred.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We are looking for people who can demonstrate:

• Expertise in network design and the integration of networks within the built environment.
• Experience across a range of sectors including Transport, Property, Science, Technology, Healthcare and Sport.
• A working knowledge / experience of some or all of the following:

• Switching and routing within the enterprise space.
• Industrial Ethernet / networking within a rail and / or office plant environment.
• How ethernet / wired networks interact / interoperate with cabling systems and other networking aligned technologies such as 802.11 wireless, Zigbee, LoRA, PON etc.
• Current offerings within the data network space and how they are/ can be applied to network deployments.
• Understanding of the manufacturers of networking equipment and their applicability to various deployments.
• Network loads / interactions of systems such as CCTV, BMS, VM’s, etc. with network infrastructures.
• Wide Area technologies such as MPLS, LES, Dark Fibre, Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPN’s, Load Balancers, IP Telephony/ VOIP, Radio over IP.
• An understanding/appreciation of network security and a holistic approach to cyber security across the built environment.
• Experience of installation and commissioning on-site.
• Ability to develop/ review witness/ compliance testing process and procedures and subsequent undertake necessary witness tests/ acceptance processes.
• The capability to write clear and concise reports and specifications in both technical and non-technical language, including preparation of easy-to-understand system diagrams and schematics.
• Ability to self-check own work and the work of others.
• Knowledge of the buildings contract process and its impact on technology specifications and contracting.

Your technical skills and knowledge will be comprehensive and should allow you to comfortably advise our clients and develop design strategies with our internal teams. You will be capable of working on several projects at the same time and have the ability to prioritise activities for yourself and others. You shall have appropriate industry qualifications; a degree or professional qualification is not essential. While not a hands-on role, practical experience in the installation / operation / maintenance of appropriate network equipment and infrastructure would be beneficial.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. An environment that will give you freedom to design with a purpose, focus on your skills to deliver quality work to our clients, opportunity to learn and share knowledge openly. You will have the opportunity to utilise your technical expertise to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in the communities in which we live and work through Arup's community engagement programme. You'll have access to lots of learning opportunities and ongoing training through Arup university and other learning programmes. Beyond a competitive guaranteed annual salary package, core benefits include medical aid and hospital gap cover; as well as provident fund covering retirement savings, life insurance and income protection in the event of disability. Core benefits form part of your guaranteed annual package.

Different People, Shared Values

At Arup, we believe when talented people collaborate, great things are possible. Arup hires people with proven skills and open minds. We are taking deliberate action to create an inclusive culture that is grounded in our purpose to shape a better world. At Arup, we welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), disability, neurotype or mental health, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Our Application Process

Stay safe online - Arup will never ask for payment or your bank details as part of our recruitment process. Recruitment Agencies - We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

Closing date: 17th February 2026