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- Tasks: Design and maintain a Tactical Wide Area Network using innovative technologies.
- Company: Join a leading tech firm focused on network security and optimisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mission-critical communications and work with cutting-edge tech.
- Qualifications: Experience in IP networking and familiarity with advanced protocols required.
- Other info: Exciting contract role with potential for future opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 63000 £ per year.
6-month contract – Inside IR35 – Rate TBC
Clearance: Must hold or be eligible for SC security clearance.
You will design and maintain the Tactical Wide Area Network (WAN). You will transform a collection of disparate commercial technologies—specifically Starlink/Starshield, MANET radios, and IP LAN technologies into a single, unified, and encrypted "pipe." Responsible for the IP logic that ensures mission-critical voice traffic always takes priority over bulk data, even when the backhaul is degraded or under attack.
Focus: Tactical WAN, Multi-Bearer Integration, Network Security, and SATCOM
Key Responsibilities
- Multi-Transport Backhaul Engineering
- Bearer Management: Design the logic for "Load Balancing" and "Auto-Failover" across multiple bearers (Starlink, 4G/5G, and MANET).
- SATCOM Optimisation: Configure Starlink/Starshield terminals and integrate them.
- MANET Integration: Architect the Layer 2/3 mesh integration.
- Classified Architecture (CSfC): Implement the NCSC (and NSA) frameworks.
- Network Segmentation: Utilise VRFs (Virtual Routing and Forwarding).
- Hardened Security: Configure and maintain Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW).
- Technical Documentation & Build Leadership
- Configuration Generation: Produce standardised, repeatable configuration files for all.
- The "Build Book": Author detailed build instructions.
- Design Artifacts: Maintain the High-Level Design (HLD) and Low-Level Design (LLD).
- Operational Readiness & Support
- Monitoring Integration: Define the SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow parameters.
- Tier-3 Troubleshooting: Act as the final point of escalation for complex network faults.
Technical Proficiency Profile
- Protocols: Mastery of BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and advanced Multicast (PIM/IGMP) for TETRA voice.
- Tunneling: Expert knowledge of IPSec, GRE, DMVPN, and MACsec.
- Optimisation: Proficiency in Quality of Service (QoS), Differentiated Services (DiffServ), and Traffic Shaping to manage bandwidth-constrained links.
- Standardisation: Familiarity with 3GPP network interfaces (S1, X2) and how they behave over high-latency WANs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience is acceptable (and preferred) in the absence of formal qualifications.
- Experience: IP networking, with specific experience in "Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited" (DIL) bandwidth environments.
- Certifications: CCNP/CCIE (Enterprise or Security) or Juniper equivalent (JNCIP/JNCIE).
IP Network (Backhaul) employer: SmartSourcing plc
Contact Detail:
SmartSourcing plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IP Network (Backhaul)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend meetups, webinars, or online forums related to IP networking. Engaging with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider tips that you won't find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills through practical demonstrations. If you’ve worked on relevant projects, create a portfolio or even a short video explaining your approach to network design and optimisation. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions specific to WAN and network security. We recommend practising common scenarios you might face, especially around load balancing and failover strategies, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace IP Network (Backhaul)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in terms of skills and experience, especially around Tactical WAN and network security.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience with IP networking and any specific technologies mentioned, like Starlink or MANET radios. Show us why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to mention your mastery of protocols like BGP and OSPF, as well as any certifications you hold. This is your chance to shine!
Apply Through Our Website: Make it easy for us to find your application by applying directly through our website. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at SmartSourcing plc
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Starlink, MANET radios, and IP LAN. Brush up on your knowledge of BGP, OSPF, and IPSec, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you've tackled complex network issues. Think about examples that highlight your experience with load balancing, auto-failover, and tier-3 troubleshooting. Real-world examples can really impress!
✨Understand Security Protocols
Since this role involves hardened security and classified architecture, be ready to talk about your experience with Next-Generation Firewalls and the NCSC/NSA frameworks. Demonstrating your understanding of network segmentation and VRFs will show you’re a strong candidate.
✨Prepare Your Documentation Skills
Technical documentation is key for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve created build instructions or design artifacts in the past. Highlighting your ability to produce standardised configuration files will set you apart from other candidates.
