Network Test Engineer/Analyst (SC (Security Cleared) or eligible)
Location: London, Newbury, Birmingham, Manchester (Onsite with hybrid flexibility)
Contract Type: 3 to 6-Month Contract (strong likelihood of extension)
Rate: UK Standard (Inside IR35)
Security Clearance: Must currently hold or be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC minimum)
Overview
We are recruiting a Network Test Engineer (SC (Security Cleared) or eligible) for a high-priority programme within the Telecom & Government Sector.
Overview Test Analyst Role has to be based in the UK and can start to gain SC clearance or has SC clearance already.
The role is to support a Programme in the transition & transformation of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) network connectivity. Any experience of working on National Grid would be advantageous but not essential.
Key Responsibilities
Test Analyst skills:
* Create test scripts from Test Plans/Low Level Designs for Network infrastructure (Routers/Switches/Firewalls)
* Understand Test phases purposes: Unit, System Integration, Functional, Non-Functional, Disaster recovery, Operation Acceptance)
* Import test cases to ALM and link to requirements
* Collect Test execution evidence, Reporting execution/defect in ALM
Practical skills
* Cisco Switch/Router console commands/CCNA
* Working on Routing Protocols BGP, OSPF, VPN, MPLS, QOS, LAN, WAN, VLAN
* Handling Fibre optic cables & Transceivers knowledge
* Understanding of Data Centre operating procedures
* Set up network test equipment for RFC 2544 testing
* Network and Service Management tool set (eg StableNet) Knowledge Cont.
* Interpret Network infrastructure design from HLD/LLD
* ALM Test case management
* Defect Management, Reporting
* Design & Execute test plans & scripts to validate Routing Protocols, Switching, Firewall configurations, Network Segmentation across multiple domains
* Support the setup, configuration, and maintenance of test environments and lab infrastructure.
* Review and contribute to Test cases, Traceability matrices, Risk assessments, Test exit criteria
* Produce detailed test reports, results analysis, and defect logs to support go/no-go decisions.
* Ensure testing activities comply with standards and guidance for secure and safety-critical environments (eg ISO standards, NCSC guidance).
Strong understanding of:
* Network performance metrics
* Latency and packet loss analysis
* Root cause identification in degraded or failing networks
* Comfortable working in secure, safety-critical, or regulated environments.
* Strong communication skills, able to engage confidently with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
* Excellent documentation skills, including test plans, reports, risk assessments, and traceability matrices.
Desirable Qualifications & Certifications
* CCNA/CCNP (or equivalent level of knowledge)
* ISTQB (or equivalent testing certification)
* Any experience of working on National Grid would be advantageous but not essential