Leonardo Bristol, England, United Kingdom
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Your impact
Are you ready to take on complex technical challenges and shape secure networks that underpin the UK’s most critical missions? At Leonardo, our Principal Network Engineers are recognised as subject matter experts, providing advanced technical authority and leading the design, integration, and delivery of resilient network solutions.
What You Will Do As a Principal Network Engineer
* Act as the technical authority across one or more networking domains (LAN/WAN, cloud, security, or SDN).
* Lead the design and implementation of secure networks across on-premise, hybrid, and cloud environments.
* Capture and analyse complex requirements, shaping high- and low-level network designs.
* Ensure secure‑by‑design principles are embedded across all network solutions.
* Own technical delivery within work packages, including planning, estimation, and reporting.
* Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical leadership to junior and senior network engineers.
* Support technology assessments, innovation projects, and roadmap development.
* Engage with customers, stakeholders, and vendors to define and defend technical solutions.
What You’ll Bring
* Extensive technical expertise across multiple networking domains with proven delivery experience.
* Ability to balance hands‑on engineering with technical leadership and solution ownership.
* A problem‑solving mindset with the ability to innovate and recommend the best approaches for complex challenges.
Core areas (must have)
* Deep understanding of networking protocols and technologies (BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VPNs, QoS, IPsec, MCLAG).
* Experience with Cisco (CCNP level) or equivalent multi‑vendor technologies (Dell, Palo Alto, Fortinet).
* Strong knowledge of firewalls, IDS/IPS, and network security principles.
* Experience designing and integrating networks within secure environments.
* Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure) and hybrid integration.
* Familiarity with network automation and scripting (Python, Ansible, Terraform).
Desirable
* Full CCNP or equivalent certification/experience (4-7 years).
* Experience with software‑defined networking (SDN, SD‑WAN) and cloud‑native networking.
* Knowledge of DevSecOps pipelines and integration with security monitoring tools (SIEM, SOC platforms).
* Involvement in industry forums, technical publications, or best‑practice development.
* Experience with enterprise IT services (Active Directory, DNS, PKI, monitoring).
Location
This role can be based at one of our UK sites Gloucester, with hybrid/custom working options where appropriate.
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
* Time to Recharge – Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
* Secure your Future – Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
* Your Wellbeing Matters – Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
* Rewarding Performance – All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
* Never Stop Learning – Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
* Refer a friend – Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
* Tailored Perks – Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
* Flexible working – Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
Benefits
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Primary Location
GB – Gloucester
Additional Locations
GB – Bristol – Coldharbour Lane
Contract Type
Permanent
Hybrid Working
Hybrid
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