At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead network transformation for a global defence customer and ensure operational success.
- Company: Join a leading tech firm focused on innovative defence solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and SC clearance sponsorship.
- Why this job: Be the trusted advisor in a high-stakes environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Extensive Cisco networking experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 115000 £ per year.
Our client is delivering a major network transformation programme for a global defence customer — moving a legacy network onto a modern HPE Aruba and Cisco architecture. They need a Principal Network Engineer to fill the Technical Operations Authority (TOA) role on the account. You sit between the Technical Design Authority and the support team. Designs come to you from the TDA — you challenge them, validate them technically, and translate them into operational reality for the support layer. You're the senior escalation point, the customer's trusted face under pressure, and the person keeping the transformation on track operationally. Cool head, deep technical credibility, and strong communication up and down the chain — that's what this role demands.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Act as Technical Operations Authority (TOA) — receive designs from the TDA, challenge them, validate them, and own the operational translation
- Communicate designs and changes clearly down to the support team, ensuring they can execute effectively
- Lead P1 incidents — take control, coordinate the response, and drive resolution
- Serve as the senior trusted advisor to a global defence customer — composed and credible under pressure
- Take over and stabilise the legacy network while the transformation to HPE Aruba and Cisco progresses
- Work alongside a dedicated Security TOA handling Palo Alto and Netskope — your lane is the network
- Put the customer's mind at ease — this account demands a presence that instils confidence
TECH STACK
- HPE Aruba (transformation target — will train the right person)
- Cisco (strong background required)
- Palo Alto & Netskope (covered by separate Security TOA)
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Very senior network support background — you've operated at the top of the escalation chain
- Strong Cisco networking essential — HPE Aruba experience a bonus, not a barrier, you'll learn it
- Able to receive, interrogate, and challenge technical designs — you don't just rubber stamp
- Experience translating complex designs into clear operational direction for support teams
- Proven P1 leadership — calm, authoritative, decisive when it matters most
- Trusted advisor qualities — senior stakeholders believe in you and rely on you
- UK SC clearable — client will sponsor clearance for the right person
- Defence, government, or critical national infrastructure background advantageous
THE PACKAGE
- 15% performance bonus
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Total package in excess of £115,000
- Hybrid: 3 days per week in Manchester
- SC Clearance sponsored by the client
If you're the person who belongs in this seat — let's talk. Apply below or reach out directly — all applications handled in confidence.
Principal Network Engineer in Manchester employer: Hamilton Barnes
As a Principal Network Engineer with our client, you will be part of a dynamic team driving a significant network transformation for a global defence customer in Manchester. The company offers a competitive salary package, including a generous car allowance and performance bonus, alongside a supportive hybrid work culture that fosters professional growth and development. With opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and the chance to gain SC clearance, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a high-stakes environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Network Engineer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get in touch with folks in the industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like it's a big game day. Research the company, understand their tech stack, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine as the calm, authoritative presence they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've led P1 incidents or translated complex designs into operational success. This is your chance to demonstrate that you’re the trusted advisor they need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Principal Network Engineer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Network Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Network Engineer. Highlight your experience with Cisco and any relevant projects you've led, especially those involving network transformations. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges similar to what we face!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Technical Operations Authority role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed P1 incidents or translated complex designs into operational plans. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires strong communication up and down the chain, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We need to know you can communicate effectively with both technical teams and senior stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hamilton Barnes
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Cisco networking, as it’s essential for this role. Brush up on HPE Aruba too, even if you haven’t worked with it before. Being able to discuss how you would approach the transformation from a legacy network will show your technical credibility.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led P1 incidents in the past. Be ready to explain your decision-making process and how you kept calm under pressure. This will highlight your ability to be the senior escalation point and a trusted advisor.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex technical designs in simple terms. You’ll need to translate these designs for support teams, so showing that you can communicate effectively both up and down the chain is crucial.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you’ve had to challenge and validate technical designs. Be prepared to discuss how you approached these situations and what the outcomes were. This will demonstrate your capability to own the operational translation of designs.
