At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop automated network infrastructure using Python and modern DevOps practices.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading multinational in digital excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Up to £55,000 salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by modernising network management and driving automation initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proficient in Python, with experience in network automation and DevOps principles.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Job Overview
Bolton – An exciting opportunity for a driven Network DevOps Engineer to join MBDA's multi‑national Digital Excellence function. Ideal candidates are passionate about modernising network management, driving automation initiatives and upskilling others. You will contribute to building an automated network infrastructure that underpins MBDA's critical systems and supports its rapidly evolving organisational needs.
Compensation and Working Conditions
- Salary: Up to £55,000 depending on experience
- Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2‑3 days per week on‑site, depending on business need (may require more than two days during some weeks)
- Security Clearance: British Citizen Only. All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team; SC clearance will be applied for after successful BPSS. This role requires gaining DV Clearance. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply.
Benefits
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 based on company performance
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution up to 14%
- Paid overtime opportunities
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working arrangements welcome
- Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave – enhancements available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility treatments
- Facilities: Subsidised meals, free car parking and more
Responsibilities
- Design, develop and maintain production‑grade software and custom tools, primarily using Python, to manage network infrastructure at scale.
- Champion software engineering best practices within the team, including code reviews, unit testing and writing clean, maintainable code.
- Establish automated software testing strategy, evaluating and selecting tools and frameworks.
- Manage and extend the network Source of Truth by developing custom data models, plugins and state‑driven automation jobs.
- Build and manage CI/CD pipelines to automate testing and deployment of network changes.
- Collaborate on developing Ansible playbooks and roles for network configuration, applying software development principles for improved reliability and maintainability.
- Support and upskill existing team members to develop their software engineering capabilities.
Essential Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Python with strong grasp of OOP, design patterns and writing testable, maintainable code.
- Solid experience with Python testing methodologies and designing/testing strategies for network automation applications and APIs.
- Strong experience in designing, consuming and integrating REST and GraphQL APIs using frameworks such as Django REST Framework, FastAPI and Pydantic.
- Proficiency with standard data structures, serialisation and templating languages (e.g., JSON, YAML, Jinja2).
- In‑depth understanding of DevOps principles and Agile software development methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban).
- Experience using version control systems, specifically Git and GitLab.
- Practical experience designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines within GitLab to streamline automation workflows.
- Hands‑on experience using Ansible to automate and manage network configurations.
- Familiarity with core networking principles (TCP/UDP, IP, DNS, routing, switching, subnetting, VLANs). Deep network engineering experience is not required; effective collaboration with network specialists is key.
Desirable Skills
- Familiarity with network‑specific testing frameworks such as PyATS.
- Experience with Cisco technologies, specifically Catalyst Center and/or ACI.
- Experience using Nautobot (or similar Django‑based applications) as a Network Source of Truth application.
- Experience with data mocking and/or factory libraries (e.g., mock, factory_boy) to validate complex data schemas and API contracts.
- Proficient in using a Linux OS distribution, preferably RHEL.
- Practical experience or understanding of virtualization and containerisation technologies, specifically Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform.
Network DevOps Engineer in Bolton employer: MBDA
MBDA is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and development, alongside opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology programmes. With a focus on high-performance software solutions, MBDA provides a rewarding experience for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of systems engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network DevOps Engineer in Bolton
✨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 MBDA 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 MBDA 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 MBDA!
✨Direct Apply to MBDA
Let's not forget to apply directly through the MBDA 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 Network DevOps Engineer in Bolton
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 MBDA.
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 MBDA. 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 MBDA
✨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.
