Network Engineer

An NHS organisation in London is seeking an experienced Network Engineer to join their Digital & Infrastructure team on an interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in maintaining and enhancing a complex, mission-critical network environment that supports both operational and frontline services.

The successful candidate will be a Cisco CCIE certified professional, with extensive expertise in Fortinet/FortiGate security technologies and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) telephony infrastructure. You will provide technical leadership across networking, security and voice services, ensuring the availability, resilience and performance of critical NHS systems.

• Location: London (Hybrid working, 3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
• Start Date: ASAP
• On-Call: Participation in a 1-in-3 on-call rota is required. During your designated on-call week, you will be able to claim for 7 days rather than 5 days, providing enhanced compensation for the additional out-of-hours responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert 3rd line support across network, security and voice infrastructure.
• Support and maintain enterprise network technologies including routers, switches, firewalls, wireless infrastructure and SIP telephony services.
• Act as the technical lead for Cisco networking technologies, ensuring performance, resilience and security across the estate.
• Administer and optimise Fortinet/FortiGate firewalls, VPNs and security solutions.
• Investigate, diagnose and resolve complex network, security and voice-related incidents.
• Ensure services are maintained to agreed SLAs and contribute to performance reporting through KPIs and management information.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades, testing activities and service improvements using structured project methodologies.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, network records, policies and operational procedures.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders and third-party suppliers to ensure optimal service performance.
• Support business continuity initiatives and infrastructure deployments across multiple sites.
• Participate in the strategic planning and implementation of network, security and telephony solutions for critical operational requirements and major events.

Experience Required

• Expert-level knowledge of Cisco routing, switching, wireless and network infrastructure technologies.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Fortinet/FortiGate firewall administration, security policies, VPNs and threat management.
• Strong expertise in SIP technologies, VoIP services, session border controllers and telephony troubleshooting.
• Experience providing 3rd line infrastructure support and managing complex incidents.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve network performance, security and voice service issues.
• Experience working with telecommunications providers and managing carrier services.
• Understanding of ITIL best practice and service management principles.
• Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation and operational procedures.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience within the NHS or other large, complex public sector organisations.
• Knowledge of network security, disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Experience delivering infrastructure projects and service improvements.
• Experience supporting contact centre, unified communications or enterprise telephony platforms.
• Relevant Fortinet certifications (NSE/Fortinet Certified Professional) or additional Cisco specialist accreditations.

This role is ideal for a highly experienced Network Engineer with deep expertise across Cisco networking (CCIE), Fortinet/FortiGate security technologies and SIP telephony, looking to make a significant impact within a critical NHS environment.

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