Senior Network Engineer in Chester

Duration: 12 Months (Possibility for extension)

Location: Chester/Hybrid (3 days per week on site)

Rate: A highly competitive Umbrella Day Rate is available for suitable candidates

Role Profile

Working as a Network Implementation engineer is to provide technical implementation services to support the evolution and ongoing support of the Bank EMEA IP Network in response to projects, upgrades, and feature enhancements. The work is always aligned to the current and approved architectural, roadmaps, technology standards, templates, governance, and change management policies. The main technology area of focus for the role is Business to Business connectivity via various DMZs throughout EMEA via both public and private connections. The role is primarily focused on refreshing network devices that are approaching end of support dates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ability to analyse in detail current production designs and network environments and report on these in detail via direct access, network tools and/or automation scripts.
• Build Cisco network solutions based upon standards and predefined strategies with a strong focus on business-to-business solutions via DMZs.
• Work with Design, Operations and Architecture Engineering in a 'knowledge sharing' capacity in support of the team's adoption and successful delivery of network solutions.
• Play a strong role in project delivery lifecycle management.
• Create detailed implementation plans for all designs, including test, acceptance criteria, back-out, validation plans and procedures.
• Adhere to project close-out practices such as asset tracking, inventories, documentation and the related systems, tools, and process updates.
• Perform design reviews so that other team members understand how a design is set up and answer any questions and address any issues highlighted.

Very Strong Technical Knowledge:

• Cisco IOS XE, Routing, Switching, DMZ designs, Multicast, BGP, Firewalls, VPN, ACL, Network Security, Latency, Leased Line, Colo Cross Connects, Internet Access, Tunnelling protocols, SSL/TLS, GRE & IPSEC.
• Technical knowledge of Load Balancers, Fortinet Firewall, McAfee/Skyhigh Proxy, Arista, DNS, NAC (802.1x), QoS, ISIS, OSPF, NHRP, MPLS, L2TP, Wireless/Wi-Fi solutions, AAA, Cable, Core WAN/MAN Technologies, Dark Fiber, DWDM, Carrier Circuits SD-ACCESS & MACSEC.

Skills & Experience:

• Extensive experience required in Data Networking-related disciplines; design, build, and implementation of network solutions especially within the Business-to-business/DMZ environments utilising primarily Cisco equipment.
• Strong knowledge of Network Security.
• Good computer skills and the use of various applications such as MS Office, MS Visio to support documentation required to deliver projects.
• Ability to assemble professional documents and artifacts.
• Knowledge and experience using tooling, includes but is not limited to Splunk, network captures, debugging, Sniffer/Wireshark, etc.

Leadership:

• Self-starter, self-directed, shows initiative and ownership.
• Focused on execution, delivery, and commitment to dates.
• Industry Certifications such as CCNP and CCIE are desirable but not essential as experience is more important.
• Experience with Network Automation tools and processes, with a knowledge of Python, Ansible, Perl, PowerShell, etc. would be very desirable.
• Ability to recognise opportunities for automation and process improvements.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the above in their CV in order to be considered.

If you feel you have the skills and experience and want to hear more about this role, 'apply now' to declare your interest in this opportunity with our client. Your application will be observed by our dedicated team.

We will respond to all successful applicants ASAP; however, please be advised that we will always look to contact you further from this time should we need further applicants or if other opportunities arise relevant to your skillset.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.

As part of our standard hiring process to manage risk, please note background screening checks will be conducted on all hires before commencing employment. We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.