At a Glance
- Tasks: Audit and enhance network tools, implement automation, and improve observability.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on transforming their tooling landscape.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance role with hybrid working options in London.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and develop your skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising network infrastructure and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in network automation, Python, and familiarity with monitoring platforms.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 € per year.
The organisation has accumulated a fragmented tooling estate with significant underutilisation — tools purchased but never properly deployed or embedded. This role will assess the current tooling landscape, define a target-state tooling strategy, and lead the implementation of automation and observability capabilities that will underpin both the transformation programme and the ongoing operational run state.
Key Responsibilities
- Audit the current network and infrastructure tooling estate, identifying duplication, gaps, and unlicensed/underutilised products.
- Define a target-state tooling strategy covering: network management, observability/monitoring, automation/orchestration, IPAM, and CMDB.
- Design and implement network automation workflows for standard operational tasks (port changes, firewall rule changes, VLAN provisioning).
- Build out network observability capabilities to provide deterministic visibility across the converged network environment.
- Work with the architecture team to define and implement a CMDB strategy, enabling accurate asset and service dependency data.
- Develop automation to support the transformation programme itself — migration tooling, configuration validation, and audit capabilities.
- Evaluate and rationalise managed service tooling used by the NTT‑managed network.
- Provide tooling input into the change management process, enabling automated risk classification and impact assessment.
Requirements
Technical Requirements
- Network automation: Python, Ansible, or similar automation frameworks.
- Network management and monitoring platforms (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Datadog, Grafana, or equivalent).
- CMDB design and implementation (ServiceNow or similar ITSM platforms).
- IPAM tools (Infoblox, phpIPAM, or similar).
- API‑driven network management (REST APIs, NETCONF/YANG, Cisco DNA Centre or ACI API).
- Cisco ACI API and automation familiarity advantageous.
- Configuration management and version control for network infrastructure (Git‑based workflows).
- Understanding of DevOps/NetDevOps practices.
Advantageous
- Experience in financial services or similarly regulated environments.
- Knowledge of ServiceNow integration with network management tooling.
- Familiarity with cloud‑native observability tools.
- Scripting for reporting and cost analysis.
Soft Skills
- Pragmatic and delivery‑focused — able to identify quick wins alongside longer‑term capability builds.
- Able to work across infrastructure, operations, and architecture teams.
- Strong documentation skills.
- Capable of training and upskilling operational team members on new tooling.
Network & Infrastructure Tooling / Automation Engineer - freelance - hybrid, London, UK employer: Comgent
As a freelance Network & Infrastructure Tooling / Automation Engineer in London, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and efficiency. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, offering opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to transforming their tooling landscape, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network & Infrastructure Tooling / Automation Engineer - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network and Infrastructure roles are all about showcasing your technical skills. Make sure to brush up on your Python and Ansible knowledge, and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects. We want to see your hands-on experience!
✨Tip Number 2
Networking is key! Connect with professionals in the industry through LinkedIn or local meetups. We can’t stress enough how valuable it is to have a few contacts who can vouch for your skills or even give you a heads-up about job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
When you land that interview, be prepared to talk about your approach to tooling strategies. We love candidates who can think critically about gaps and duplication in tooling estates. Bring examples of how you've tackled similar challenges before!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive freelance opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else!
We think you need these skills to ace Network & Infrastructure Tooling / Automation Engineer - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with network automation, Python, and any relevant tools like SolarWinds or ServiceNow. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past, especially around tooling strategies and automation.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t just list your technical skills; demonstrate them! If you’ve worked with APIs, automation frameworks, or CMDBs, give us a sneak peek into your experience. We love seeing practical applications of your knowledge.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Comgent
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like Python, Ansible, and any network management platforms. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects and how they can be applied to the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've identified gaps or inefficiencies in tooling estates before. Discuss your approach to auditing and rationalising tools, and how you’ve implemented automation workflows to improve operational efficiency.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Be prepared to talk about how your work fits into the broader transformation programme. Highlight your understanding of CMDB strategies and how they contribute to accurate asset management and service dependency data.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong documentation skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you may need to train others on new tooling. Show that you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.