Senior Network Operations Support Engineer - freelance - hybrid, London, UK

Senior Network Operations Support Engineer - freelance - hybrid, London, UK

London Freelance 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide 24/7 support, troubleshoot complex network issues, and optimise performance.
  • Company: Join a leading tech firm committed to inclusivity and innovation.
  • Benefits: Freelance flexibility, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in network operations while collaborating with top tech teams.
  • Qualifications: 8-12 years in network operations with hands-on experience in Cisco and Palo Alto.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Contract | Comgent | United Kingdom

Posted On 04/21/2026

Standard Business working Hours: Yes

Work Experience: 8-10 years

City: London

State/Province: City of London

Special Considerations: We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourage applications from women and other under-represented groups in tech. All qualified candidates are welcome.

Start date: May/June 2026

Location: London, UK (Hybrid — minimum 2 days per week in office)

Reports to Head of Data Centre and Network Services.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide 24/7 operational support, leading incident response, root cause analysis, and permanent remediation across enterprise and data centre networks.
  • Troubleshoot complex L2–L7 issues across routing, switching, Palo Alto/Fortinet firewalls, Cisco ACI, and hybrid cloud connectivity.
  • Manage network and firewall changes end-to-end, including risk assessment, rollback planning, and documentation.
  • Monitor and optimise network health, capacity, and performance; drive continuous improvement of tooling, dashboards, and automation.
  • Collaborate with engineering, architecture, and cybersecurity teams to support new deployments and enforce security standards.
  • Maintain operational documentation, ensure regulatory compliance, and report on availability metrics and KPIs.
  • Coordinate with vendors, telcos, and internal stakeholders on fault resolution and SLA management.

Requirements:

  • 8–12+ years in enterprise/data centre network operations.
  • Hands-on experience with Cisco ACI, Palo Alto (Panorama), and Fortinet (FortiManager/FortiAnalyzer).
  • Python and Ansible automation skills for operational workflows and API-driven tasks.
  • Familiarity with AWS/Azure networking and hybrid cloud environments.
  • Experience in regulated industries with strong change governance and compliance practices.
  • Clear communicator with solid documentation and cross-team collaboration skills.

Senior Network Operations Support Engineer - freelance - hybrid, London, UK employer: Comgent

At Comgent, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Senior Network Operations Support Engineer in London, you'll benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth through collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our commitment to diversity ensures that all voices are heard, making it an exciting place for innovative thinkers to contribute meaningfully to our mission.

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Contact Details:

Comgent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Network Operations Support Engineer - freelance - hybrid, London, UK

Tip Number 1

Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal project that highlights your expertise in network operations. This could be anything from a blog post about troubleshooting techniques to a GitHub repo showcasing your Python scripts. Let your work speak for itself!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply blindly! Tailor your approach for each opportunity. Research the company, understand their tech stack, and mention how your experience with Cisco ACI or Palo Alto aligns with their needs. Personal touches can make a huge difference.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’re all about making connections and finding the right fit. By applying directly, you’ll get noticed quicker and can show us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it’s super easy!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Network Operations Support Engineer - freelance - hybrid, London, UK

Operational Support
Incident Response
Root Cause Analysis
Troubleshooting L2–L7 Issues
Palo Alto Firewalls
Fortinet Firewalls
Cisco ACI

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Network Operations Support Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Cisco ACI, Palo Alto, and Fortinet, as well as any relevant automation skills. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about network operations and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story that showcases your journey in tech.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've tackled complex L2–L7 issues or led incident responses. We’re keen on seeing your analytical side and how you approach challenges in network operations.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Comgent

Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Cisco ACI, Palo Alto, and Fortinet firewalls. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've troubleshot complex L2–L7 issues. The more detailed your examples, the better!

Showcase Your Automation Skills

Since Python and Ansible are key for this role, prepare to talk about how you've used these tools in past projects. Bring examples of how you've automated operational workflows or improved efficiency through scripting.

Understand the Business Context

Familiarise yourself with the company's operations and the importance of network health and performance. Be prepared to discuss how your role as a Senior Network Operations Support Engineer can contribute to their goals and compliance standards.

Communicate Clearly and Collaboratively

This role requires strong communication skills, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you've collaborated with engineering and cybersecurity teams in the past, and be ready to share those experiences.