Senior Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer (CCNP)Location: Manchester (1-2 days onsite requirement)Contract: 6 MonthsIR35 Status: InsideIR35About the Role:
Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to lead the design, optimisation, security, and resilience of a complex enterprise network environment.You'll be responsible for supporting multi-site networks, enhancing network security, driving automation and cloud networking initiatives, and ensuring reliable connectivity across business-critical systems.This is an excellent opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and play a key role in shaping network strategy within a highly technical organisation.Skills & Experience Required:
Extensive, expert-level experience in network engineering within enterprise environments.Strong switching and routing expertise, with knowledge equivalent to CCNP level or above.Deep understanding of enterprise networking protocols including BGP and OSPF.Significant experience with firewalls, wireless networking and VPN technologies.Proven experience designing, implementing and securing complex multi-site network infrastructures.Hands-on experience with network automation, scripting and Infrastructure as Code.Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills with the ability to remain calm and methodical during critical incidents.Ability to work independently, take ownership and drive technical outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead enterprise network engineering across switching, routing, firewalls, wireless and VPN environments.Design, implement and secure multi-site networks supporting high-volume data transfer between locations.Manage, optimise and enhance enterprise networking platforms including technologies such as Palo Alto, Fortinet, Aruba, Juniper (Junos), Arista and similar solutions.Develop and support network automation initiatives using Python, Ansible, Terraform and Infrastructure as Code methodologies.Design and support networking across cloud platforms including AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).Drive root-cause analysis, incident resolution and continuous improvement of network performance and resilience.Lead network segmentation, security enhancement and zero-trust architecture initiatives.Collaborate with infrastructure, security and platform teams to deliver scalable and secure network services.Operate effectively within a dynamic environment where documentation may be limited and priorities can change quickly.
Desirable Experience:Experience within gaming, VFX, animation, media production or other technically demanding creative environments.Familiarity with Perforce infrastructure and the network requirements of large-scale build pipelines.Experience delivering network segmentation programmes and/or zero-trust security implementations.Exposure to AI-powered tooling and automation for infrastructure management and operational efficiency.