Junior Network Engineer

Do you want to grow your career in network engineering and work on projects that safeguard the UK’s most critical systems? At Leonardo, our Network Engineers are at the heart of designing, configuring, and supporting secure networks that keep our customers connected and protected. Your work at Leonardo UK will see you take the lead in solving customer problems in an agile, innovative and team‑centric manner. The role may involve a blended hybrid working model, with a mixture of working from home and working on site at one of our Leonardo offices to ensure close collaboration with the wider team and with our customers.

What you will do as a Network Engineer:

• Configure and support network devices including routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Deliver assigned engineering tasks such as deployments, migrations, and upgrades.
• Implement network monitoring, patching, and backup routines to maintain service availability and compliance.
• Collaborate with project teams to contribute to network design, test, and integration activities.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation to support delivery and knowledge transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, escalating where required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities, identifying opportunities to enhance performance and resilience.

What You’ll Bring:

• Solid understanding of core networking concepts and protocols.
• Experience with configuring and supporting network devices in enterprise environments.
• Ability to work independently on defined work packages while collaborating effectively with wider teams.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn new tools and technologies.

Core areas (must have):

• Knowledge of TCP/IP, OSI model, and common networking protocols.
• Hands‑on experience with switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Understanding of network security concepts and secure configurations.
• Familiarity with ITIL and service management practices.
• Basic knowledge of cloud networking (AWS, Azure).

Desirable:

• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking and OSI model.
• Working towards Cisco CCNA (or equivalent) certification.
• Exposure to multi‑vendor environments (Dell, Palo Alto, Fortinet, etc.).
• Basic automation or scripting skills (Python, Ansible, Bash).
• Experience with network monitoring and diagnostic tools (Wireshark, SolarWinds, Nagios).
• Understanding of VPNs, VLANs, and routing protocols (OSPF, BGP).

Security Clearance: This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, to include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Location: GB – Bristol – Coldharbour Lane. The role will be based at our Bristol site, with hybrid/custom working options where appropriate.

Contract Type: Permanent Hybrid Working

Hybrid Benefits:

• Time to Recharge – generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future – benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters – free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance – all employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning – free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend – receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks – spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech.