Principal Network Engineer — technical operations authority on a global defence account
£90,000 + £5,500 Car Allowance + 15% Bonus + 10% Pension | Hybrid | Manchester
Our client is delivering a major network transformation programme for a global defence customer — moving a legacy network onto a modern HPE Aruba and Cisco architecture. They need a Principal Network Engineer to fill the Technical Operations Authority (TOA) role on the account.
You sit between the Technical Design Authority and the support team. Designs come to you from the TDA — you challenge them, validate them technically, and translate them into operational reality for the support layer. You're the senior escalation point, the customer's trusted face under pressure, and the person keeping the transformation on track operationally. Cool head, deep technical credibility, and strong communication up and down the chain — that's what this role demands.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
* Act as Technical Operations Authority (TOA) — receive designs from the TDA, challenge them, validate them, and own the operational translation
* Communicate designs and changes clearly down to the support team, ensuring they can execute effectively
* Lead P1 incidents — take control, coordinate the response, and drive resolution
* Serve as the senior trusted advisor to a global defence customer — composed and credible under pressure
* Take over and stabilise the legacy network while the transformation to HPE Aruba and Cisco progresses
* Work alongside a dedicated Security TOA handling Palo Alto and Netskope — your lane is the network
* Put the customer's mind at ease — this account demands a presence that instils confidence
TECH STACK
* HPE Aruba (transformation target — will train the right person)
* Cisco (strong background required)
* Palo Alto & Netskope (covered by separate Security TOA)
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
* Very senior network support background — you've operated at the top of the escalation chain
* Strong Cisco networking essential — HPE Aruba experience a bonus, not a barrier, you'll learn it
* Able to receive, interrogate, and challenge technical designs — you don't just rubber stamp
* Experience translating complex designs into clear operational direction for support teams
* Proven P1 leadership — calm, authoritative, decisive when it matters most
* Trusted advisor qualities — senior stakeholders believe in you and rely on you
* UK SC clearable — client will sponsor clearance for the right person
* Defence, government, or critical national infrastructure background advantageous
THE PACKAGE
* 15% performance bonus
* 10% employer pension contribution
* Total package in excess of £115,000
* Hybrid: 3 days per week in Manchester
* SC Clearance sponsored by the client
If you're the person who belongs in this seat — let's talk.
Apply below or reach out directly — all applications handled in confidence
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