Network Architect - Circuit to Packet

Location: Birmingham (On-site) - Occasional travel required

Salary: £63,000 to £70,000 per annum + £6,000 Car Allowance + 10% Bonus (OTE circa £80,000)

Security Clearance: SC Clearance (or eligibility and willingness to undergo) is essential to start

Interview Process: 2 Stages (Initial Teams call, followed by Face-to-Face)

Are you a Network Architect with deep experience in legacy circuit-switched technologies and a strong understanding of transitioning to packet-based networks? Do you hold or are you eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)? Our client, a leading global technology and IT services organisation committed to innovation and building trust, is seeking a talented Legacy Technologies Network Architect to join their team supporting critical projects within the Defence and National Security sector. This is a permanent role based primarily on-site in Birmingham.

The Role: Working within dynamic project and service teams, you will be responsible for understanding complex requirements and designing, implementing, and supporting robust network solutions. Your expertise will be crucial in bridging the gap between traditional TDM/circuit-switched environments and modern packet-switched networks, ensuring seamless and cost-effective service delivery for a key customer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse business and technical requirements for network solutions, particularly focusing on legacy and transitioning technologies.
• Design medium to large-scale network solutions, encompassing both legacy (TDM, Point-to-Point) and modern (Packet-Switched) elements.
• Produce high-quality technical design documentation (HLD, LLD) and successfully navigate governance reviews.
• Provide hands-on configuration, implementation, and migration support for network devices (routers, switches, multiplexers).
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues across diverse network technologies.
• Develop and implement Circuit-to-Packet (CTP) emulation solutions, understanding associated limitations (e.g., timing).
• Configure and manage technologies such as SDH, WDM, ATM, and Frame-Relay.
• Implement Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, especially for real-time applications.
• Apply network security best practices (encryption, authentication, secure routing).
• Ensure effective handover of solutions to operational support teams.
• Collaborate effectively with project managers, engineers, and customer stakeholders.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Must hold or be eligible for and willing to undergo UK Security Clearance (SC). This is mandatory to commence the role.
• Proven, essential experience with Circuit-to-Packet (CTP) technologies and concepts.
• Strong design and implementation experience with legacy circuit-switched networks (TDM, multiplexers, point-to-point connectivity).
• Solid understanding and practical experience with technologies like SDH, WDM, ATM, and Frame-Relay.
• Hands-on experience configuring and managing routers and switches in both legacy and packet-switched environments.
• Knowledge of network synchronisation techniques relevant to TDM networks.
• Experience implementing QoS and network security measures.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills across diverse network infrastructures.
• Ability to produce high-quality technical design documentation.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of the end-to-end project lifecycle.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working within the UK Defence or National Security sectors.
• Familiarity with specific vendor equipment relevant to legacy or CTP solutions.

What’s On Offer:

• Competitive basic salary of £70,000 per annum.
• £6,000 car allowance.
• Performance-related bonus potential of 10%.
• Opportunity to work on significant projects within the secure sector for a major technology organisation.
• Investment in your professional development and career growth.

Apply Now: If you are a Network Architect with the required SC clearance status (or eligibility), strong legacy networking skills, and crucial Circuit-to-Packet experience, please submit your CV for immediate consideration.