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- Tasks: Join us as a Network & Security Engineer, tackling complex issues and enhancing our infrastructure.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on innovative network security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in network security while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: CCNP certified with hands-on experience in Cisco ISE and enterprise firewalls.
- Other info: Exciting role with flexible shifts and a collaborative team environment.
Contract Rate: ÂŁ380 - ÂŁ420 per day PAYE - Inside IR35
Contract Role: 6 months
Location: Didcot - Oxfordshire
Hybrid role: 3 days on site / 2 WFH
Role Overview
Our client are looking for an experienced, fully hands‑on Level 3 engineer to strengthen our infrastructure and network security operations capability. This is a senior technical delivery role – not a design‑only or advisory position. You will be expected to configure, troubleshoot, and resolve complex issues across Cisco security suite, networking, security appliances, server infrastructure, and hybrid‑cloud connectivity with minimal supervision. The environment spans a multi‑building campus network, data‑centre infrastructure, SD‑WAN fabric, cloud gateway controllers, and enterprise security platforms. You will work closely with leaders in IT Operations to maintain service availability and to assist in fast tracking their infrastructure transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Configure, deploy, and troubleshoot campus and data‑centre 100Gbps switching
- Execute network switch rollouts including hardware racking, cabling to standard, patch‑panel termination, and fibre patching
- Perform structured cabinet clean‑ups: re‑patching copper and fibre runs, labelling, cable management, and documentation updates
- Support and maintain the eBGP routing fabric across multiple sites
- Configure and monitor QoS profiles for mixed multigigabit, 10G/100G, and uplink interfaces
- Fast‑track implementation of a 5 node Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) build for 802.1X, RADIUS, MAB, and posture policy enforcement
- Manage Cisco Secure Email (formerly IronPort/ESA) including message tracking, content filters, outbreak filters, DLP policies, and quarantine management
- Support enterprise firewall platforms including rule‑set changes, tunnel maintenance, and policy audits
- Support and maintain Cisco SD‑WAN (vManage/vSmart/vBond) fabric, including device onboarding, template management, and policy configuration
- Assist with Cloud OnRamp for Multicloud connectivity (AWS / Azure), including gateway controller health checks and tunnel monitoring
- Troubleshoot overlay/underlay issues, BFD sessions, OMP route propagation, and control‑plane connectivity
- Perform scheduled server patching and updates across Windows Server environments
- Apply Linux server updates and patches where required (Ubuntu) – desirable but not essential
- Support virtualisation platforms (Proxmox) for routine maintenance tasks during out‑of‑hours windows
- Maintain accurate network diagrams, IP address management records, and change‑log documentation
- Follow and contribute to standard operating procedures, change‑management processes, and post‑implementation reviews
- Provide clear handover notes and shift reports for weekday engineering teams
Essential Requirements
- CCNP Routing & Switching / Enterprise (current or expired with demonstrable expert‑level knowledge)
- Strong hands‑on experience with Cisco ISE deployment, policy configuration, and troubleshooting
- Proven experience administering Cisco Secure Email / IronPort (ESA/SM‑A)
- Solid working knowledge of enterprise firewall management (Cisco ASA, Firepower/FTD, or comparable)
- Experience with Cisco SD‑WAN (Viptela) architecture, including vManage operations and C8000‑series router onboarding
- ENSDWI trained or demonstrably operating at that level across SD‑WAN, security, and wireless integration
- Comfortable with physical infrastructure work: racking, stacking, copper/fibre patching, and cabinet standards
- Windows Server patching and administration experience
- Methodical approach to change management and documentation
- Willing to work on‑site at Milton Park on a weekend or flexible shift pattern as outlined above
Desirable Skills
- Linux server administration (Ubuntu) – patching, package management, systemd services
- Cisco CCIE written or lab (any track) – indicative of depth of knowledge
- Experience with hybrid‑cloud gateway controllers and Cloud OnRamp (AWS, Azure)
- Virtualisation platform experience (Proxmox)
- Familiarity with network observability and monitoring tooling (e.g., Datadog)
- Scripting/automation skills (Ansible, PowerShell) for network or server tasks
Equal Opportunity Statement
Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Network & Security Engineer employer: Planet Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Planet Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network & Security Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend meetups, webinars, or online forums related to network and security engineering. Engaging with others in the field can lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss specific projects where you configured or troubleshot Cisco systems. Real-world examples will make you stand out as a practical candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical assessments! Brush up on your knowledge of Cisco ISE, SD-WAN, and firewall management. Practising common troubleshooting scenarios can help you ace those technical interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We often have exclusive listings that might not be found elsewhere. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Network & Security Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience with Cisco ISE and other relevant technologies. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Network & Security Engineer role. Share specific examples of your past work that align with the job description.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Since this is a technical delivery role, make sure to mention your CCNP certification and any hands-on experience with enterprise firewalls or SD-WAN. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Planet Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Cisco security suite and networking concepts. Brush up on your CCNP knowledge and be ready to discuss specific configurations or troubleshooting scenarios you've handled in the past.
✨Demonstrate Hands-On Experience
Since this role is very hands-on, prepare to share detailed examples of your previous work with Cisco ISE, SD-WAN, and enterprise firewalls. Be ready to explain how you’ve tackled complex issues and what tools you used.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions that test your troubleshooting abilities. Think of a few challenging problems you've solved and be prepared to walk the interviewer through your thought process and the steps you took to resolve them.
✨Be Ready for Practical Tests
Given the nature of the role, you might face practical assessments during the interview. Familiarise yourself with common tasks like configuring switches or managing firewall rules, as you may need to demonstrate these skills on the spot.