Role: Network Architect
Type: Contract Inside IR35
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Job Description –
The Network Architect/ SME will be responsible for the design, deployment, and support of network infrastructure as part of corporate real estate initiatives. This includes new site builds, expansions, relocations, and integration/separation activities in collaboration with global and local facilities teams and project managers.
Key Responsibilities:
• Design and implement network infrastructure for real estate projects including new facilities (Greenfield), expansions, relocations, co-locations, and other transformation activities.
• Collaborate with project managers to support technical design and execution of network solutions aligned with organizational standards.
• Deploy and configure network components including (but not limited to):
o Local Area Network (LAN)
o Wireless LAN (WLAN)
o Wide Area Network (WAN)
o Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN)
o Routers, switches, firewalls, wireless controllers, and access points
• Prepare detailed Bill of Materials (BoM) based on site layouts and infrastructure standards.
• Ensure adherence to organizational network standards and best practices during implementation.
• Execute network upgrades and enhancements as part of approved real estate projects.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation for all network deliverables, including Transition-to-Operations (TTO) records.
• Participate in site surveys, installations, configuration management, and ongoing maintenance of enterprise network infrastructure.
• Support additional network-related tasks as required by evolving real estate programs.
Qualifications:
• Minimum 10-15 years of hands-on experience in network and infrastructure implementation within real estate or facilities projects.
• Strong understanding of passive and active network components and their integration into physical environments.
Technical Skills:
• Deep knowledge of networking fundamentals: routing, switching, subnetting, VLANs, STP, VTP, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP.
• Proven experience in network design and implementation, including resilient topologies and SD-WAN solutions.
• Hands-on experience with major networking platforms such as Cisco, Arista, and Palo Alto.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles including firewalls, VPNs, and secure network design.
• Scripting and automation skills (e.g., Python, Ruby, Perl) for network task automation.
• Ability to design physical and logical network layouts based on site plans and MEP diagrams for offices, workshop, or industrial environments.
• Experience across full project lifecycle including planning, deployment, and operational transition.
Soft Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in fast-paced environments.
Education & Certifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Professional certifications preferred:
o Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
o Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
o CompTIA Network+
o Advanced certifications such as CCIE or JNCIE-ENT are a plus