Network Engineer in Newtownabbey

Join CGI's Space, Defence and Intelligence business unit as a Network Engineer specialising in Software Defined Networking, where you'll help shape the secure, resilient networks supporting critical programmes. Working with technologies including Cisco ACI and VMware NSX-T, you'll design and deliver innovative network solutions that enable seamless connectivity across complex hybrid environments. You'll take ownership of technical challenges, collaborate with experienced specialists and have the support to develop your expertise while delivering meaningful outcomes. At CGI, your ideas and skills will help strengthen essential infrastructure, drive innovation and make a lasting impact on some of the UK's most important secure programmes.

This is a long-term opportunity requiring five days per week on site in Belfast. Remote or hybrid working is not available for this position.

Your future duties and responsibilities

In this role, you will take ownership of designing, deploying and optimising secure Software Defined Networking solutions that underpin critical defence and intelligence programmes. Working with Cisco ACI and VMware NSX-T, you will develop scalable, resilient network architectures that connect on-premises infrastructure with cloud environments, ensuring high performance, security and operational reliability.

You will collaborate with network, cloud and infrastructure specialists to solve complex technical challenges, introduce innovative approaches and continuously improve network capabilities. Supported by CGI's collaborative community of experts, you will have the opportunity to influence technical decisions, strengthen security and contribute to the long-term success of mission-critical services.

Key responsibilities:

• Design Deliver: Architect, deploy and manage scalable SDN environments using Cisco ACI and VMware NSX-T.
• Secure Protect: Implement micro-segmentation, distributed firewalling, security policies and granular access controls.
• Integrate Connect: Enable seamless connectivity between on-premises data centres and cloud infrastructure.
• Optimise Enhance: Improve network performance, resilience and scalability across physical and virtual environments.
• Troubleshoot Resolve: Diagnose complex networking issues using packet capture, flow analysis and SDN monitoring tools.
• Collaborate Innovate: Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop effective technical solutions and introduce improvements.
• Support Improve: Provide technical escalation support, contribute to root cause investigations and drive continuous service improvement.

Required qualifications to be successful in this role

To thrive in this role, you'll bring a passion for networking, a talent for solving challenges and experience working with technologies such as Cisco ACI and VMware NSX-T. You'll enjoy collaborating with talented teams, exploring new ideas and finding smarter ways to deliver secure, reliable solutions. With the opportunity to take ownership of your work, develop your expertise and contribute to high-profile programmes, you'll play an important role in delivering innovative technology that makes a real difference.

Essential skills and experience

• Cisco ACI: Hands-on experience designing, implementing and supporting Cisco ACI network solutions.
• VMware NSX-T: Practical experience working with VMware NSX-T to deliver secure and reliable network environments.
• Software Defined Networking: Good understanding of SDN technologies and how they support modern network infrastructure.
• Network Security: Experience implementing and maintaining network security measures to protect systems and data.
• Cloud Hybrid Networking: Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud and connecting cloud and on-premises environments.
• Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify and resolve network performance and connectivity issues.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with technical teams, share knowledge and contribute to successful project delivery.

Desirable skills and qualifications

• Relevant industry certifications, such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE or VMware networking qualifications.
• Experience with network automation tools such as Ansible or Terraform.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and management tools.
• Awareness of modern network security approaches, including Zero Trust principles.
• Previous experience delivering networking solutions within government, defence, intelligence or other secure environments.

Together, as owners, let's turn meaningful insights into action. Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. Here, you'll reach your full potential because you are invited to be an owner from day 1 as we work together to bring our Dream to life. That's why we call ourselves CGI Partners rather than employees. We benefit from our collective success and actively shape our company's strategy and direction.

Your work creates value. You'll develop innovative solutions and build relationships with teammates and clients while accessing global capabilities to scale your ideas, embrace new opportunities, and benefit from expansive industry and technology expertise. You'll shape your career by joining a company built to grow and last. You'll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide you with opportunities to deepen your skills and broaden your horizons.