Network Engineer - Infrastructure Design & Security (Hybrid)

Company Overview

Mydigitalnomads is a global collective that connects businesses with top-tier talent. We are assisting a client with recruitment for this role which will be a UK Direct hire with Hybrid working (3/4 days in Office – Cheshire, Near Northwich).

Role Summary

We are seeking a skilled Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain robust network infrastructure that supports our growing digital operations across multiple brands. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with strategic network planning, ensuring optimal performance, security, and reliability of our IT systems.

This is a hybrid position (3-4 days in office, 1-2 days remote) perfect for a network professional who enjoys both the technical challenges of complex network design and the satisfaction of maintaining high-performance, secure infrastructure. You'll work with modern networking technologies while ensuring business continuity and supporting our development teams' connectivity needs.

Key Responsibilities

Network Design & Implementation

• Design and architect scalable network solutions to support business growth and technical requirements
• Plan and implement network infrastructure upgrades, expansions, and new installations
• Evaluate and recommend networking hardware, software, and technologies
• Design network topologies that optimize performance, security, and cost-effectiveness
• Implement VLAN segmentation, routing protocols, and network optimization strategies

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

• Provide expert-level troubleshooting for complex network issues and outages
• Perform proactive maintenance on network equipment and infrastructure
• Diagnose and resolve connectivity, performance, and security-related network problems
• Coordinate emergency response procedures for critical network incidents
• Maintain network uptime and ensure minimal business disruption during maintenance windows

Equipment Configuration & Management

• Configure and manage routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points, and other network devices
• Implement and maintain network device firmware updates and security patches
• Manage network device inventory, lifecycle planning, and replacement schedules
• Configure and optimize network protocols (TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, VLAN, VPN)
• Set up and maintain redundancy and failover systems for critical network components

Network Security Implementation

• Design and implement comprehensive network security policies and procedures
• Configure and manage firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and VPN solutions
• Implement network access control (NAC) and network segmentation for security
• Monitor network traffic for security threats and anomalous behavior
• Ensure compliance with industry security standards and best practices
• Coordinate with cybersecurity teams on threat response and remediation

Documentation & Knowledge Management

• Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration guides, and standard operating procedures
• Document network changes, implementations, and troubleshooting procedures
• Maintain accurate inventory records of network equipment and software licenses
• Develop and update network disaster recovery and business continuity plans
• Create user guides and technical documentation for network services

Monitoring & Performance Tuning

• Implement and maintain network monitoring systems and alerting mechanisms
• Analyze network performance metrics and identify optimization opportunities
• Conduct regular network assessments and capacity planning
• Monitor bandwidth utilization, latency, and network quality metrics
• Implement performance improvements and traffic optimization strategies
• Generate regular reports on network performance, availability, and security metrics

Required Skills & Experience

• 3+ years of hands-on network engineering experience in enterprise environments
• Strong expertise in network protocols (TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, VLAN, VPN, DNS, DHCP)
• Proven experience with enterprise networking equipment (Cisco, Juniper, or similar)
• Network security implementation experience including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection
• Troubleshooting expertise with network analysis tools (Wireshark, PRTG, SolarWinds)
• Experience with wireless networking design and implementation
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Right and ability to work in-office 3-4 days per week (Car needed due to remote location)

Highly Desirable Experience

• Professional certifications (CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+, or equivalent)
• Cloud networking experience (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud networking services)
• Network automation and scripting (Python, PowerShell, Ansible)
• SD-WAN implementation and management
• Voice over IP (VoIP) systems and unified communications
• Network virtualization technologies (VMware NSX, OpenStack)
• ITIL framework knowledge and experience
• Experience with network monitoring tools (PRTG, SolarWinds, Nagios, Zabbix)

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance-based reviews
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Professional development budget for certifications and training
• Modern networking equipment and cutting-edge technologies
• Opportunity to design and build network infrastructure from the ground up
• Collaborative team environment with direct impact on business operations
• Career progression opportunities in a growing technology environment

Work Environment & Contract Details

• Location: Hybrid (3-4 days in office / 1-2 days remote)
• Contract Type: Full Time (40 Hours M-F)
• Rate Type: Annual Salary
• Working Days: 5 Days per week