Core Network Engineer in Gateshead

About Aspire

At Aspire Technology Solutions, we are a leading UK provider of managed IT, cyber security and modern workplace solutions. We deliver cyber security, cloud, connectivity, managed services and unified communications solutions that help organisations get more from their technology - driving innovation, improving efficiency and enabling faster growth. Through strong partnerships, we help our customers work smarter, operate more efficiently and achieve better business outcomes, consistently adding value along the way.

Our mission: To deliver technology like no other!

We look for dynamic individuals who embrace technology, think differently, collaborate as team players, and are driven by continuous improvement with a focus on great results for our customers.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Network Engineer to join our Core Network team, which is responsible for the design, operation, and evolution of business‑critical national network infrastructure. The team operates the core network platforms that underpin backbone connectivity, data centre networks, core telephony, and hosted service platforms, where you will be working with complex routing and production networks at scale. You’ll take day‑to‑day ownership of network components in production, be comfortable troubleshooting live-network issues, and help improve the reliability and scalability of the network over time. Customer service is key to success in the role – living our values are woven through everything we do to guarantee that our service delivery is second to none.

What you will be doing

• Operating, maintaining and improving core network infrastructure, including backbone connectivity, capacity planning and availability in line with agreed SLAs.
• Designing, implementing and testing network changes and new infrastructure to support growth, resilience and service improvements.
• Troubleshooting complex network issues in production, performing root‑cause analysis and implementing long‑term fixes.
• Operating supporting network services and automation, including RADIUS, DNS, IPAM, DDoS mitigation platforms and task automation using tools such as Ansible, Python or APIs.
• Working with vendors and internal teams, maintaining clear network documentation and runbooks, and providing technical guidance and operational support where required.

You will suit the role if you have

• A strong understanding of TCP/IP networking, including the OSI model, and hands‑on experience with routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF in IPv4 and IPv6 environments.
• Hands‑on experience with enterprise or carrier‑grade network platforms, such as Cisco and/or Juniper, including familiarity with operating systems like IOS-XE, IOS‑XR or JunOS.
• Expertise in designing, implementing, or supporting complex networks, including technologies such as MPLS (L2VPN/L3VPN) and Quality of Service (QoS).
• Knowledge of network security and infrastructure ecosystems, including firewalls (e.g. Fortinet, Palo Alto or similar) and supporting services in Linux‑based environments.
• Expertise in optical and fibre technologies such as CWDM, DWDM or GPON.
• The ability to automate and improve network operations, with practical experience in scripting or automation using tools such as Python, Ansible or Bash.

Our values

We understand that you might not have all of the qualifications and experiences that we think are key to succeeding in this role therefore we provide continuous learning and development at Aspire which is at the heart of everything we do. As long as you are passionate, eager to learn and driven to be the best at what you do and live our values this role may be a fit for you.

At the heart of everything we do are our core values which guide how we work and grow together:

• Ambitious: We are driven by data to achieve the best results. We push ourselves to be our best and make an impact while delivering the best experience for customers and colleagues.
• Sincere: We do the right thing for our customers and colleagues. We are honest, provide independent advice and support each other as one team.
• Passionate: We love what we do. We take pride in our work and consistently deliver high-quality results.
• Innovative: We are bold and take action to develop creative solutions. We learn from mistakes and strive for continual improvement.
• Reliable: We collaborate to achieve the best results and ensure people can depend on us.
• Expert: We are technical experts who continue to learn and grow. We share knowledge and ensure customers achieve their ambitions through the right technology.

Salary £35,000 to £55,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Benefits

Here at Aspire we offer a great benefits package and a competitive salary. Being a people-centric organisation is what sets us apart – we strive to look after our people in the best way we can!

• Travel benefits including free parking, subsidised travel passes and much more!
• Health Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Network Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement (increasing with length of service)
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Parental Schemes
• Enhanced Pension Scheme
• Tech Purchase Scheme
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Employee referral scheme
• New business referral scheme
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Life Assurance and Critical Illness cover

Location and Working Arrangements

You will be based at Aspire’s Gateshead Head Office with travel as required. We offer hybrid working where possible to support work-life balance.

Hours of Work

Full time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday.

Equality, Inclusion and Diversity at Aspire

Aspire is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, that promotes dignity, equality and diversity that encourages individuals to develop their true potential.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

Interview Process

We generally conduct interviews in three stages, lasting approximately 2-3 weeks depending on everyone’s calendars. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a pre-screening call via teams to discuss your experience and what you’re looking for in your next role. Successful candidates will be invited to an interview with the Hiring Manager. If successful in interview, candidates will be invited to an informal interview with key stakeholders at Aspire to meet the wider team(s).