Lead network engineer

📍 Hybrid – South of England

💷 £65,000–£75,000 + £4,800 Car Allowance + Benefits


We’re partnering with a specialist technology integrator that delivers high-quality, complex network solutions for premium clients across the UK and Europe. They’re now looking to appoint a Lead Network Engineer to take ownership of network design, technical leadership, and project delivery.


This is a hands-on technical leadership role, ideal for a senior engineer who wants to lead on design and innovation without formal people management.


🔧 The Role

As Lead Network Engineer, you’ll act as the senior technical authority across network projects, working closely with design and operations teams to ensure solutions are robust, scalable, and future-proof.


Key responsibilities include:

* Leading and validating network designs end to end
* Designing, building, configuring, and implementing networks
* Translating business and service requirements into technical solutions
* Driving technical standards, best practices, and innovation
* Supporting R&D, hardware reviews, and technical decision-making
* Remaining hands-on within a small, highly skilled engineering team

🧠 What We’re Looking For

Essential:

* Strong core Routing & Switching experience
* Cisco-focused background
* Proven experience operating at senior or lead engineer level
* Confidence owning designs and leading technical delivery


Desirable:

* Firewall experience (Palo Alto or Fortinet)
* Wireless (Ekahau), SIP/Voice
* WAN connectivity
* Exposure to 4G / 5G or satellite technologies


🎁 Package & Benefits

* £65,000–£75,000 base salary
* £4,800 car allowance
* Overtime paid (time and a half)
* Fully funded training & certifications (including CCNP)
* Training on emerging technologies (4G / 5G)


🏢 Working Pattern

* Hybrid working model
* Greater office presence during initial onboarding period
* Long-term flexibility once established
* South of England–based team


⭐ Why Join?

* High-quality technical work with real ownership
* Opportunity to shape technical direction and standards
* Small, expert team environment
* Strong investment in training and development