At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a UK-based network manufacturer, working on high-security, mission-critical projects.
- Company: Innovative network hardware manufacturer with a focus on secure, high-performance solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global project exposure, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and international expansion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of networking technology in critical sectors like defence and transportation.
- Qualifications: Strong networking background, troubleshooting skills, and experience with routing protocols.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to join a UK-based network switch manufacturer, not an MSP or reseller. You’ll sit directly on the vendor side, working at the heart of product, design, support, and customer delivery. The organisation designs and builds its own switching and transmission hardware in the UK and USA, supplying into mission-critical sectors including defence, nuclear, transportation, prisons and national infrastructure. This is not generic enterprise IT. These are high-security, high-availability environments where performance and reliability matter.
You’ll operate across Pre-Sales, Design, Delivery and 3rd Line / TAC-level support, meaning you’ll never be siloed. You’ll pick up everything from HLDs and LLDs through to compatibility testing, fault investigation, hardware configuration, and even input into new product development. If you want a springboard into vendor-level engineering, exposure to global projects, and the chance to shape a switch portfolio comparable to modern enterprise platforms, this is it.
Responsibilities- Deliver pre-sales and post-sales technical support across a global customer base.
- Produce High Level and Low Level Designs incorporating in-house and third-party equipment.
- Support complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching environments.
- Troubleshoot and fault-find Ethernet-based systems with limited escalation paths.
- Conduct compatibility testing with major vendors including Cisco, Juniper and HPE Aruba.
- Work closely with Engineering and Product teams on new switch development.
- Assist with technical documentation including installation guides, A&E specs and presentations.
- Support FAT testing and occasional on-site commissioning.
- Represent the business at trade shows and international customer engagements.
- Managed Ethernet switching platforms comparable to Catalyst 9k class hardware.
- Fibre transmission, media converters and industrial switching.
- Strong focus on STP, ERPS, MRP and ring technologies.
- Routing protocols including OSPF, BGP, ISIS, BFD and VRFs.
- Wireshark-based troubleshooting.
- Juniper and other third-party interoperability.
- Strong operational networking background with design exposure.
- Deep understanding of Ethernet switching hardware and architecture.
- Excellent Layer 2 and Layer 3 troubleshooting capability.
- Experience working with routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF.
- Comfortable handling escalations where the manufacturer ultimately owns the fix.
- Strong communication skills, particularly in pre-sales environments.
- High work ethic and ability to operate at pace in secure, mission-critical sectors.
- CCNP-level knowledge (certification not essential).
- Exposure to industrial or secure networking environments.
- Experience with wireless technologies.
Typically 3 days per week in the office, though this varies depending on hardware testing and project requirements.
Customers & Markets- Defence and military.
- Nuclear power stations.
- Transportation and oil & gas.
This is a global business with strong expansion across the US and EMEA. There are opportunities to travel to locations such as: You’ll be joining at an exciting stage as the business expands its core switching portfolio and scales internationally.
Network Engineer in Castleford employer: Hamilton Barnes
Join a pioneering UK-based network switch manufacturer that offers a unique opportunity to work directly on the vendor side, engaging in high-security and high-availability environments. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will gain invaluable experience across various functions including pre-sales, design, and support, while contributing to mission-critical sectors such as defence and nuclear. The collaborative work culture encourages innovation and provides opportunities for global travel, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in network engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Engineer in Castleford
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend events, webinars, or local meetups related to networking and technology. This is a great way to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills through practical projects. Whether it's setting up a home lab or contributing to open-source projects, having hands-on experience can really set you apart from other candidates. Plus, it gives you something tangible to discuss in interviews!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your troubleshooting skills. Be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols, as well as your ability to handle escalations. Practice common scenarios you might face in high-security environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make an impact in the networking world. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Network Engineer in Castleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Network Engineer role. Highlight your operational networking background and any design exposure you have, as this will show us you're a great fit for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about working with us at a vendor level and how your experience aligns with our mission-critical sectors. Be genuine and let your passion for networking come through.
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've worked on projects involving Layer 2 and Layer 3 troubleshooting or compatibility testing, make sure to mention them. We love seeing real-world examples of your skills in action, especially in high-security environments.
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 from our team. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hamilton Barnes
✨Know Your Networking Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Ethernet switching hardware and architecture. Be ready to discuss Layer 2 and Layer 3 troubleshooting techniques, as well as routing protocols like BGP and OSPF. This role is all about technical expertise, so show them you know your stuff!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex networking issues in the past. Think about specific scenarios where you had to troubleshoot or fault-find Ethernet-based systems. Highlight your ability to handle escalations and work under pressure in mission-critical environments.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves pre-sales support, strong communication skills are a must. Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that's easy to understand. You might even want to prepare a mini-presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively.
✨Get Familiar with the Company’s Products
Research the company's switching and transmission solutions before the interview. Understand their unique selling points and how they compare to competitors like Cisco and Juniper. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their product development and customer delivery.
