Information Technology System Network Engineer

Location: Force Headquarters, Liverpool, Merseyside

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated ICT Network Engineer to join our ICT Department. This is a full-time, permanent position based at our Headquarters in Liverpool. As a member of the Technical Support Team, you’ll operate at a third line level, providing expert support and driving improvements across our enterprise network infrastructure. You will play a key role in maintaining secure, resilient, and high-performing network services that underpin critical policing operations. Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, you will support a wide range of networking technologies including LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, and security platforms. Your expertise will contribute directly to ensuring operational effectiveness and service availability across the Force. This is a career graded position, offering a clear pathway for progression within our ICT Technical team. You will be appointed at a grade aligned to your skills and experience, with opportunities to advance as you develop deeper technical expertise and take on greater responsibility. You will have access to industry recognised training and certifications (including Fortinet), hands-on experience with enterprise technologies, mentoring, and involvement in key projects within a collaborative, learning-focused environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for networking technologies, a commitment to continuous professional development, and the ability to apply structured problem-solving skills in a complex technical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the stability, performance, and security of enterprise network infrastructure
• Design, configure, and support LAN, WAN, WLAN, data centre environments and Internet-connected services
• Support and maintain network security systems including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems
• Monitor network performance and proactively identify and resolve issues
• Lead on the implementation and deployment of new network solutions and upgrades
• Troubleshoot and resolve third-line network incidents and complex technical problems
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure reliable service delivery
• Maintain network documentation, diagrams, technical standards and service contracts

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in enterprise network engineering or support, ideally with hands-on Fortinet and HPE experience
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, VLAN, VxLAN, OSPF, BGP, BFD, STP, QoS, DNS, DHCP), and their use to optimise network reliability, availability and performance
• Experience with network hardware such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless controllers (HPE Aruba, Fortinet)
• Understanding of network security principles and best practices
• Experience supporting secure and highly available network environments
• Ability to troubleshoot complex network issues and produce root cause analysis, working with the wider team to recognise application issues and how network conditions could be contributing to an underlying cause
• Experience with application deployments that require low latency and prioritisation
• Familiarity with network monitoring and management tools
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders

25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays pro rata increasing to 30 days plus 8 bank holidays after 5 years full service. Local Government Pension Scheme with contributions from 5.5% to 11.5% depending on your salary. Access to on-site gyms – HQ and OCC. Option to become a member of the onsite unions. Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme.