At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 24/7 support for Cisco Catalyst networks, ensuring high availability and rapid incident response.
- Company: Join MECS Communications, a leading recruitment consultancy in the tech industry.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and work in a dynamic team environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and development in a fast-paced operational setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a critical team that keeps networks running smoothly and efficiently.
- Qualifications: Experience with Cisco Catalyst switches and strong networking skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Cisco Catalyst NOC Engineer role providing 24x7 operational support for critical Cisco Catalyst switching infrastructure.
Overview
Supporting high‑availability networks across a shift‑based, 24x7 operational environment.
Responsibilities include monitoring, incident management, configuration, and fault resolution for Catalyst 3850, 9300 and 9500 platforms. The position requires a strong operational focus, communication skills, and the ability to work nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Key Responsibilities
- Configure, manage and troubleshoot Cisco Catalyst switches (3850, 9300 & 9500)
- Perform proactive network monitoring and incident response in a 24/7 environment
- Act as the primary technical escalation point during operational shift coverage
- Diagnose Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking faults across LAN/WAN infrastructure
- Support routing and switching (OSPF, BGP, VLANs, STP, QoS)
- Escalate complex incidents efficiently while maintaining clear stakeholder communication
- Complete accurate shift handovers and operational reporting
- Maintain network diagrams, configuration backups and operational documentation
- Support continuous improvement and operational optimisation initiatives
Deliverables
- High network availability and operational uptime
- Rapid incident response and fault resolution
- Accurate operational documentation and reporting
- Stable and optimised Cisco network performance
- Effective 24x7 service continuity support
Technical Skills
- Cisco Catalyst 3850 / 9300 / 9500
- Cisco IOS / IOS‑XE
- Layer 2 & Layer 3 networking
- OSPF / BGP routing
- VLANs / STP / QoS
- Network monitoring & alerting tools
- Incident and fault management systems
- Configuration management & backup
- WAN / LAN infrastructure
Candidate Profile
Essential
- Strong Cisco Catalyst switching experience
- Hands‑on support of Catalyst 3850, 9300 & 9500 platforms
- Experience within a NOC, TAC or 24x7 operational support environment
- Strong Layer 2 / Layer 3 networking capability
- OSPF, BGP, VLAN, STP and QoS troubleshooting experience
- Network monitoring and incident management expertise
- Excellent fault‑finding and troubleshooting capability
- Strong communication and shift handover skills
- Ability to work within shift rotations including nights and weekends
Desirable
- CCNA or CCNP Enterprise certification
- Telecoms or service provider network experience
- Experience supporting enterprise‑scale environments
- Exposure to high‑availability or mission‑critical infrastructure
- Experience with network performance optimisation
Key Traits
- Calm under pressure during critical incidents
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting mindset
- Proactive and operationally focused
- Excellent team collaboration and communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and service quality
- Customer and service‑oriented approach
Cisco Catalyst NOC Engineer in Birmingham employer: @mecscomms
MECS Communications Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on operational excellence, our team enjoys comprehensive training opportunities, competitive benefits, and a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in a vibrant area, we provide our employees with the chance to work on critical Cisco Catalyst infrastructure while maintaining a healthy work-life balance through flexible shift patterns.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cisco Catalyst NOC Engineer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network your way in! Reach out to current employees at MECS Communications Ltd or similar companies on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview like a pro! Brush up on your Cisco Catalyst knowledge and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with the 3850, 9300, and 9500 platforms. Show them you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills! Communication is key in a NOC role, so be sure to share examples of how you've effectively communicated during incidents or shift handovers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about landing that Cisco Catalyst NOC Engineer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Cisco Catalyst NOC Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Cisco Catalyst switches, especially the 3850, 9300, and 9500 models. We want to see how your skills match up with the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Show Off Your Troubleshooting Skills:In your application, don’t shy away from sharing specific examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved networking faults. We love seeing a strong analytical mindset in action!
Communicate Clearly:Since communication is key in this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at @mecscomms
✨Know Your Cisco Gear
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Cisco Catalyst 3850, 9300, and 9500 platforms. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these switches, as well as any troubleshooting you've done with Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking. This will show that you're not just familiar with the tech but can also handle it under pressure.
✨Show Off Your Incident Management Skills
Since this role involves 24/7 operational support, be prepared to talk about your experience in incident management. Share specific examples of how you've responded to network incidents, what tools you used for monitoring, and how you escalated complex issues while keeping stakeholders informed. This will highlight your ability to maintain high network availability.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are a must for this position. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to convey information clearly during shift handovers and when collaborating with your team. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your communication style.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Approach
Employers love candidates who take initiative. Prepare to discuss how you've contributed to continuous improvement and operational optimisation in previous roles. Whether it's through maintaining accurate documentation or implementing new monitoring tools, showing that you're proactive will set you apart from other candidates.
