Job Specification: IP Design Specialist - Designer
Role Title: IP Design Specialist - Designer
Location: Hybrid- Reading
Role Overview
The IP Design Specialist (Designer) will be responsible for delivering high-quality IP/MPLS network designs supporting a variety of infrastructure and customer solutions, including fixed-line and mobile services, private and hybrid cloud, enterprise IT, and wireless networks. The individual will lead the low-level design and implementation planning of medium to large-scale projects, ensuring solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned to architectural guidelines.
Key Responsibilities
* Produce detailed, technically sound designs across LAN/WAN, SP/MPLS, Cloud Network infrastructure, and Data Centre environments.
* Take ownership of LLDs (Low-Level Designs) based on high-level architecture, ensuring compliance with standards and operational requirements.
* Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and implementation teams to ensure successful delivery and operational handover.
* Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) across IP, routing, switching, and network virtualization domains.
* Conduct peer reviews and provide technical oversight to junior engineers/designers.
* Engage in design validation, lab testing, and proof-of-concept activities.
* Troubleshoot and support network designs through deployment and into steady-state operations.
* Participate in design governance and approval forums.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
* Extensive experience in Service Provider and Data Centre routing/switching.
* Proficiency in BGP, MPLS, ISIS, OSPF, QoS, and large-scale WAN/LAN design.
* Deep understanding of Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, F5 product lines.
* Strong experience with on-prem and hybrid cloud networking (OpenStack/OpenShift/VMware NSX).
* Experience in network automation or Scripting tools (eg Ansible, Python) is a strong plus.
* Working knowledge of network telemetry and management protocols (SNMP, Syslog, TACACS+).
* Hands-on experience with complex network troubleshooting tools and techniques.
Desirable Certifications
* CCIE/JNCIE/SRA or equivalent experience.
* Cloud or Automation certifications (AWS Networking, Terraform, DevNet, etc.) advantageous.
Key Attributes
* Delivery-focused, technically curious, and highly motivated.
* Excellent communication and documentation skills.
* Ability to manage multiple projects in parallel with minimal supervision.
* Willingness to occasionally work outside standard hours for deployments or incident response.