Lead Network Engineer in Hemel Hempstead

Are you a Lead Network Engineer looking for your next challenge? We are delivering a major Defence transformation programme in the Hertfordshire area, centred on the design and delivery of a high-security, multi-site platform that goes far beyond the scope of a traditional corporate desktop service. We are seeking a Lead Network Engineer who will do more than simply “run networks”. You will take ownership of designing and deploying the physical networking backbone that underpins a complex, multi-site environment, playing a central role in shaping how the platform operates at scale. You will drive technical delivery, working hands‑on with enterprise‑grade hardware while providing technical leadership within a highly collaborative and supportive team. This role offers genuine influence, long‑term impact, and exposure to complex, nationally significant systems that few organisations can provide. For engineers motivated by purpose, scale, and complexity, it is a rare opportunity to see your technical leadership directly contribute to outcomes that truly matter.

What you’ll be doing:

• Designing and deploying multi-site enterprise hardware platforms using COTS networking.
• Creating datacentre layouts, rack configurations, and cabling schematics.
• Specifying and managing hardware components across the delivery lifecycle.
• Documenting low-level designs, procedures, and disaster recovery instructions.
• Acting as the go-to expert for hardware and datacentre-related matters.
• Supporting hardware implementation and integration within secure environments.

What you’ll bring:

• Active DV Clearance.
• Strong hands‑on experience managing and configuring network platforms.
• Expertise in fault‑tolerant networking solutions.
• Solid understanding of enterprise hardware installation and resilient design principles.
• Proficiency in networking across multi‑technology solutions.
• Knowledge of networking in Windows Server/Client and virtual environments.

It would be great if you had:

• Cisco certifications.
• Experience with infrastructure automation tools such as Ansible and Terraform.
• Understanding of datacentre power and cooling requirements.
• Familiarity with secure environments and regulations (JSP 440, JSP 604, SCIDA).
• Experience with monitoring tools like SCOM and Splunk Enterprise.

Although this role is advertised as full-time, we believe flexibility at work promotes balance, motivation and performance. If you need to work flexibly, we encourage you to apply and talk to us about what might be possible.

Sopra Steria’s Aerospace, Defence and Security business designs, develops and deploys digital solutions to Central Government clients. The work we do makes a real difference to the client’s goal of National Security, and we operate in a unique and privileged environment. We are given time for professional development activities, and we coach and mentor our colleagues, sharing knowledge and learning from each other. We foster a culture in which employees feel valued and supported and have pride in their work for the customer, delivering outstanding rates of customer satisfaction in the UK’s most complex safety- and security‑critical markets.