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.
Technical Environment
- 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.
Skills / Must Have
- 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.
Nice to Have
- CCNP-level knowledge (certification not essential).
- Exposure to industrial or secure networking environments.
- Experience with wireless technologies.
Location & Working Pattern
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.
Growth & Travel
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
Hamilton Barnes is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets opportunity. With competitive salaries, night shift allowances, and a strong focus on employee development through ongoing training, we empower our Field Service Engineers to advance their careers while enjoying a supportive team culture. Join us to be part of a growing engineering team that values your skills and fosters professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Engineer in Castleford
✨Get Chummy with Industry Events
Dive into telecommunications networking conferences and expos. These are golden opportunities to meet potential employers like Hamilton Barnes and learn about open positions directly from their teams. Keep an eye out for workshops or panels – they’re perfect for showcasing your passion and expertise!
✨Join Networking Communities
Find online forums or local meetups that focus on telecommunications and networking. Sites like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit communities can be great for connecting with professionals in the field. Just remember to participate in discussions – you never know when someone might mention job openings at places like Hamilton Barnes.
✨Showcase Your Skills with Personal Projects
If you’ve got any personal projects or contributions to open-source networking tools, flaunt them! Create a portfolio that showcases your skills relevant to what telecommunication companies are looking for. It’s a great conversation starter during interviews and networking chats.
✨Utilise Online Job Boards Wisely
While we’re all about encouraging you to apply through our website, also keep an eye on job boards specific to tech and telecommunication roles. Websites such as Telecommunication Jobs and TechCareers often list full-time roles that may not appear elsewhere. Just be sure to tailor every application to grab attention – even small tweaks can make a big difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Network Engineer in Castleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:When you're applying for a role in telecommunications and networking, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Mention specific technologies you're proficient in, like IP networking, VoIP, or security protocols. Be sure your CV includes any relevant certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+; they really show you've got the chops for the job.
Tailor Your Experience to Match Networking Projects:In your CV and cover letter, don’t just list your past jobs—showcase specific projects that align with the role! If you've worked on network design, implementation, or troubleshooting, weave those experiences in and highlight metrics to demonstrate your impact. This paints a vivid picture of how you'd fit into the role at Hamilton Barnes.
Show Enthusiasm for the Industry:With telecommunications evolving rapidly, it’s important to express your passion for the field in your application. Mention any trends or innovations you've been following that excite you and how they'd influence your work. This can really set you apart and show that you're not just after a job, but a career!
Keep It Clean and Professional:While it’s important to be personable, ensure your application maintains a clean and structured format. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for hiring managers to dig into your skills and experience. Remember, you’re applying for a full-time role, so a well-organised application will signal your seriousness about the position at Hamilton Barnes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hamilton Barnes
✨Brush Up on Networking Protocols
Make sure you’re up to speed with the key networking protocols like TCP/IP, UDP, and perhaps even MPLS if it's relevant. We can expect technical questions about how these protocols function and the problems they solve, so a solid understanding will help you shine.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Got a portfolio? Bring it along! Highlight any relevant projects where you've designed or managed network systems. This is your chance to demonstrate practical experience; employers love to see how your skills can be applied in real-world scenarios.
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Scenarios
You might be faced with a case study or a technical troubleshooting scenario during the interview. Practise responding to common networking issues—like packet loss or latency problems. Thinking through these scenarios will help us sound confident and competent in our responses.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration Skills
In the telecommunications field, teamwork is key! Make sure to share examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively, whether in past jobs or projects at uni. Employers want to see that you’re not just technically savvy, but also great at working within a team setting.
