Job description
Network Engineer - Onsite | Inside IR35 | NPPV3 Cleared
We're seeking a highly capable Network Engineer to support a secure, high-availability environment for a critical UK public sector programme. This role sits within a technically mature infrastructure team delivering network design, build, and operational support across multiple secure sites.
You'll be joining an environment where reliability, scalability, and compliance are non-negotiable. The successful engineer will play a central role in shaping and maintaining the organisation's LAN architecture, ensuring resilience, performance, and security throughout the network estate.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, implement, and maintain secure LAN infrastructures across multiple physical locations
* Configure and manage FortiGate firewalls, including rule sets, VPNs, and policy optimisation
* Deploy, integrate, and manage Cisco LAN switches to enterprise standards
* Lead the build-out of new LAN environments from scratch, including configuration, testing, and documentation
* Conduct proactive performance monitoring, capacity planning, and incident response
* Collaborate closely with infrastructure, security, and project delivery teams to ensure seamless service transitions
* Support audits, compliance checks, and vulnerability remediation within secure networks
Essential Skills and Experience
* Proven experience in enterprise networking with a strong focus on FortiGate firewalls and Cisco switch configuration
* Hands-on experience designing and deploying LAN environments (from greenfield through to production)
* Excellent understanding of routing, switching, VLANs, subnetting, VPNs, and network segmentation
* Strong knowledge of network security principles, high-availability design, and resilience planning
* Experience working within secure or regulated environments (Public Sector, Defence, or similar)
* Ability to produce detailed technical documentation and handover materials
Clearance Requirement
* Active NPPV3 clearance is essential for this role (cannot consider applicants without this level).
Contract Details
* Location: Onsite
* Contract Type: Inside IR35
* Duration: Initial 6 months with likely extensions