Job Description
Network Engineer
Rate - £500 (A day)
Duration - 6 Months (Initially)
Location - SW London
IR35 - Outside
Role Overview
We are looking for a Senior Network Engineer to support a network refresh and transformation programme within a university environment. This role is hands-on and will involve working closely with internal IT teams and key stakeholders across the institution.
The successful candidate will contribute to the migration from Cisco to Extreme Networks infrastructure, with a strong focus on delivering robust, high-performing wired and wireless services that meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the design and implementation of network infrastructure as part of the Cisco to Extreme Networks migration.
* Configure and deploy wired and wireless network solutions across campus environments.
* Work collaboratively with key university stakeholders to understand requirements and minimise disruption during change.
* Assist in network assessments, site surveys, and optimisation activities.
* Execute migration activities, including staging, deployment, testing, and validation.
* Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues across LAN, WAN, and WLAN.
* Ensure high availability and performance of wireless networks, particularly in high-density environments (e.g., lecture halls, student accommodation).
* Assist with the production and maintenance of technical documentation (LLDs, configurations, operational guides).
* Adhere to network security standards and best practices.
* Support knowledge transfer to internal IT teams.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Strong experience as a Network Engineer in enterprise or campus environments.
* Hands-on experience with Extreme Networks (switching, routing, and wireless).
* Solid background in Cisco networking technologies.
* Hands-on experience working with ClearPass NAC
* Hands-on experience working with Palo Alto firewalls
* Proven expertise in wireless networking, including design, deployment, and troubleshooting.
* Experience working in Higher Education (HE) or similar large, multi-site campus environments.
* Strong knowledge of:
o Layer 2 & Layer 3 networking (VLANs, STP, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP)
o Wireless standards and RF optimisation
o Network security fundamentals (ACLs, segmentation, NAC)
* Experience supporting network migration or transformation projects.
* Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
Desirable Skills
* Experience with ExtremeCloud IQ or equivalent network management platforms.
* Understanding of automation/scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible).
* Relevant certifications (e.g., Extreme Networks, Cisco CCNP, CWNA/CWNP).
* Experience supporting large-scale wireless deployments in high-density environments.