At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of cutting-edge network infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a leading Blue Chip client in a dynamic tech environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in secure environments while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Must have SC clearance and strong network engineering skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovative solutions and career development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
One of our Blue Chip Clients is urgently looking for a Network Engineer/Architect. CONTRACTOR MUST HOLD SC CLEARANCE + BE SOLE UK NATIONAL (Only UK nationality).
Role Description
This position requires a candidate with a Senior Network Engineer skill set, with experience in structured cabling and containment, network infrastructure and its components and on-site implementation tasks. High levels of documentation skills in producing Low Level Design and a hands-on attitude are also required. The Site Technical Architect will lead the technical design, coordination, and delivery of on-site network infrastructure projects. This role focuses heavily on physical network environments, including comms rooms, structured cabling, copper and fibre containment, and the implementation of enterprise-grade Cisco networking solutions. The ideal candidate will bring deep hands-on experience across network hardware, storage platforms, UPS systems, and broader infrastructure components required to build and support resilient IT environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, planning, and on-site implementation of network infrastructure projects.
- Oversee comms room layouts, rack design, patching schemes, cable management and end to end structured cabling requirements (copper and fibre).
- Produce and maintain High-Level and Low-Level Designs (HLD/LLD), installation standards, and technical documentation.
- Provide technical assurance across containment design, labelling, pathways, and compliance with site installation best practices.
- Assist engineers in configuration, deployment, and troubleshooting Cisco network equipment (switching, routing, wireless, Firewalls).
- Support integration of storage platforms, SAN/NAS equipment, and associated networking.
- Plan and coordinate UPS installations, power requirements, and resilience considerations in line with site design.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, suppliers, and security teams to ensure seamless delivery of infrastructure solutions.
- Conduct on-site assessments, surveys, and hardware audits to validate designs and implement improvements.
- Ensure solutions align with operational, security, and compliance standards.
- Liaise effectively with 3rd parties and suppliers, working with them to produce quotes and manage deliverables.
Skills and Experience Required
- Strong technical background in enterprise network infrastructure and on-site implementation.
- Deep understanding of structured cabling (Cat5e/6/6a), fibre types, termination standards, containment, and patching systems.
- Hands-on experience with Cisco switching and routing technologies (IOS/NX-OS environments).
- Working knowledge of wireless technologies, VLANs, routing protocols, DHCP, DNS, and network segmentation.
- Experience working with storage systems (SAN/NAS) and their connectivity requirements.
- Familiarity with UPS technologies, power distribution, and environmental considerations for comms rooms.
- Ability to interpret and produce technical drawings, rack elevations, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
- Strong stakeholder communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions on-site.
- SC clearance mandatory.
Desirable
- Experience in secure or regulated environments (defence, government, critical national infrastructure).
- Knowledge of ITSM processes (ServiceNow or similar).
- Understanding of datacentre standards and best practices (cooling, redundancy, monitoring).
- Certifications such as CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Network+/Server+, or vendor specific cabling accreditation.
Special Requirements
- Be a sole UK National.
Behaviours
- Being approachable.
- Sharing challenges and solving issues together.
- Having the courage to think and do things differently.
- Not afraid to ask questions.
- Always looking for new and innovative solutions.
- A can-do mentality and approach to delivery.
Please send CV for full details and immediate interviews. We are a preferred supplier to the client.
Network Engineer/Architect - MUST HAVE SC CLEARANCE - Barrow in Furness, Cumbria - 6 months+ employer: OCTOPUS COMPUTER ASSOCIATES
Contact Detail:
OCTOPUS COMPUTER ASSOCIATES Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Engineer/Architect - MUST HAVE SC CLEARANCE - Barrow in Furness, Cumbria - 6 months+
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend local meetups or online forums related to network engineering. Engaging with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider knowledge about openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, designs, and any relevant documentation. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions and scenarios specific to network architecture. Practising with a friend or using mock interview platforms can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We often have exclusive listings and can help you connect directly with employers looking for candidates like you. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Network Engineer/Architect - MUST HAVE SC CLEARANCE - Barrow in Furness, Cumbria - 6 months+
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with network infrastructure and structured cabling. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page!
Show Off Your Documentation Skills: Since high levels of documentation skills are a must, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with producing Low Level Designs or technical documentation. We want to see that you can communicate complex ideas clearly.
Highlight Your Hands-On Experience: We love candidates who have a hands-on attitude! Be sure to include specific examples of your work with Cisco networking solutions and any on-site implementation tasks you've tackled.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at OCTOPUS COMPUTER ASSOCIATES
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around Cisco networking solutions and structured cabling. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with network hardware and how you've tackled on-site implementation tasks in the past.
✨Documentation is Key
Since this role requires high levels of documentation skills, practice explaining your experience in producing Low Level Designs (LLD) and High Level Designs (HLD). Bring examples if you can, as this will show you're prepared and understand the importance of clear documentation.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Site Technical Architect, you'll need to lead projects. Be prepared to share examples of how you've coordinated with teams, managed deliverables, and ensured compliance with installation best practices. Highlight any experiences where you’ve taken charge and delivered successful outcomes.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong stakeholder communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical concepts. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to liaise with 3rd parties and suppliers during the interview.