At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Managed Services team to design, deploy, and troubleshoot network and security solutions.
- Company: Sword, a leader in business technology solutions for Energy, Public, and Finance sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Mentor junior engineers and enjoy a collaborative culture with 24/7 support coverage.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by solving complex problems in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior-level network engineering experience and strong troubleshooting skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.
About the role: We’re looking for a Senior Network Engineer with deep technical expertise and a passion for solving complex problems to join us on a contract basis. You’ll play a pivotal role in our Managed Services team, supporting critical infrastructure and leading the design, deployment, and troubleshooting of network and security solutions. This is a hands‑on role for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, brings a methodical approach to problem‑solving, and is confident working across a wide range of technologies.
Here’s what the role looks like:
- Provide expert‑level support to clients and act as a senior escalation point for technical incidents
- Diagnose and resolve complex network and security‑related issues
- Manage change control and risk assessments across managed service environments
- Implement infrastructure changes and upgrades with precision and minimal disruption
- Support project engineering activities and contribute to solution design
- Maintain and improve technical documentation, policies, and procedures
- Manage vendor escalations and technical case handling
- Assist the Technical Services Manager with major incident reports, service reviews, and root cause analysis
- Perform regular maintenance and patching of network and security systems
- Identify and recommend service improvements and automation opportunities
- Mentor junior engineers and share technical knowledge
- Participate in the on‑call rota to ensure 24/7 support coverage
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in senior‑level network engineering roles
- Strong understanding of network security, firewalls, VPNs, and monitoring tools
- Logical and methodical approach to troubleshooting and implementation
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Ability to lead by example and mentor others
- Passion for continuous improvement and delivering high‑quality service
Key Skills & Experience:
- Extensive experience in a similar role, or in a field‑based / consulting capacity
- CCNP Certification is desirable
- A valid driving licence is essential, as travel may be required
- Strong experience troubleshooting complex enterprise networks and associated technologies
- Solid understanding of Wide Area Networking technologies and routing protocols such as EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP
- Proficiency with tools like Wireshark and other network troubleshooting utilities
Essential Technical Expertise:
Experience administering and troubleshooting the following technologies and platforms:
- Cisco ISR and ASR Routers (2900 / 4000 / 1000ASR)
- Cisco ASA Firewalls and Cisco FirePOWER / Threat Defence
- Cisco Nexus Switching (9K) and Catalyst (3850 / 3650 / 2960X / 4500X) and associated technologies including VTP, STP, and VSS
- Palo Alto Firewalls
Beneficial Experience (Not Essential):
- Cisco Meraki Technologies, including Wireless, Switching, Security (MX), and SD‑WAN
- Cisco SD‑WAN, including vManage, vSmart, and vEdge components, with experience in deployment, administration, and troubleshooting
- Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
- Cisco Catalyst Center
Senior Network Engineer (Contract) employer: Sword Group
Sword is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Senior Network Engineer, you will benefit from a culture that prioritises continuous improvement and professional development, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and engage in meaningful projects within the Energy, Public, and Finance sectors. Located in a vibrant area, Sword provides a supportive atmosphere that encourages technical excellence and personal growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about technology and problem-solving.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Network Engineer (Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences related to network engineering. It’s a great way to make connections and learn about job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills in real-time! Consider setting up a personal project or contributing to open-source projects. This not only sharpens your skills but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your troubleshooting techniques. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key in demonstrating your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to ensure your application gets noticed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Network Engineer (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Network Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in network security and troubleshooting, and don’t forget to mention any certifications like CCNP that you have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about solving complex problems and how your skills align with our mission at Sword. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise with specific examples. Mention the technologies you've worked with, like Cisco routers or Palo Alto firewalls, and how you've used them to solve real-world issues.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sword Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of network security, firewalls, and VPNs. Be ready to discuss specific technologies like Cisco ISR and ASR Routers or Palo Alto Firewalls, as well as your troubleshooting experiences with them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of complex network issues you've resolved in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your logical approach to troubleshooting.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers and liaising with clients, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. Good communication can set you apart, so be sure to demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively.
✨Demonstrate a Passion for Improvement
Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to service improvements or automation opportunities in previous roles. Showing that you're proactive about continuous improvement will resonate well with the interviewers.
