At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex network issues and mentor junior engineers while managing exciting projects.
- Company: Dynamic MSP with a strong focus on SMB clients and a collaborative team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, generous leave, and real mentoring opportunities.
- Other info: Join a settled team with excellent career growth and a fast-paced, varied work environment.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role where you can truly make an impact and develop future talent.
- Qualifications: CCNA level or above, strong Cisco networking skills, and experience in an SMB MSP environment.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
3rd Line Network Engineer — senior escalation, project work, and mentoring a junior team
Our client is a growing MSP with a strong SMB customer base.
This role has come up through internal promotion — meaning there's a ready-made team to step into and a genuine senior gap that needs filling.
You'll be the senior network escalation point, supporting 2nd line engineers when things get complex and jumping into project work alongside day-to-day support.
Two days a week in Hitchin, three from home.
Cisco is the primary network stack, Fortinet on the security side.
If you've got SMB MSP experience and a CCNA (current or expired), you'll feel right at home.
The mentoring element is real — they want someone who'll genuinely develop the engineers around them, not just close tickets.
- WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Act as senior escalation point for complex 3rd line network issues across the SMB customer base
- Mentor and develop 2nd line engineers — design reviews, knowledge sharing, and hands‑on guidance
- Support and deliver network projects alongside the day‑to‑day support workload
- Configure and manage Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls (ASA & Firepower)
- Manage Fortinet firewall estate — Forti Gate configuration, Forti Manager, and security policy
- Work across routing protocols — BGP and OSPF in customer environments
- Support wireless environments — Meraki, Cisco, and Ubiquiti
- Produce and maintain high‑quality documentation — network diagrams, troubleshooting guides, and work instructions
- TECH STACK
- Cisco Routing & Switching | Cisco ASA & Firepower | Meraki
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- CCNA level or above — current or expired, it still counts
- Strong Cisco networking background — routing, switching, and firewall configuration
- Hands‑on Fortinet experience — Forti Gate and Forti Manager in a managed service environment
- SMB MSP experience highly advantageous — you understand the pace and variety of that world
- Comfortable mentoring junior engineers — patient, knowledgeable, and willing to share
- Solid documentation skills — you leave things better than you found them
- Based within a reasonable commute of Hitchin — 2 days per week onsite
- THE PACKAGE
- £45,000 – £50,000 base salary depending on experience
- Hybrid: 2 days in Hitchin / 3 days from home
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- WHY THIS ROLE STANDS OUT
- Role created through promotion — join a settled team with a genuine senior gap to fill
- Real mentoring responsibility — make a difference to the engineers around you, not just the tickets
- Project involvement alongside support — variety built in, not bolted on
- SMB MSP environment — fast‑paced, broad, and rarely boring
- Expired CCNA accepted — they're hiring for real‑world experience, not a current piece of paper
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
3rd Line Network Engineer in Hitchin 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 3rd Line Network Engineer in Hitchin
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Hamilton Barnes values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Hamilton Barnes might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Hamilton Barnes!
✨Direct Apply to Hamilton Barnes
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Hamilton Barnes website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace 3rd Line Network Engineer in Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Hamilton Barnes.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Hamilton Barnes. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hamilton Barnes
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
