My new client is looking for a highly skilled Network Engineer to join their engineering team ASAP. Role: Senior Network Engineer, Hybrid Daily rate: £350 to £400 (Outside IR35) Location: Newbury Duration: 6 months Start: ASAP Visa/Sponsorship offered: NO Role Overview We are urgently seeking 6 experienced Network Engineers with deep expertise in Cisco Catalyst technologies to join our team supporting Vodafone's critical network infrastructure. This role is crucial for maintaining high availability and optimal performance, operating on a dedicated 24/7 shift rota to ensure continuous, uninterrupted service delivery. Key Responsibilities * Network Operations & Support: Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco Catalyst series switches and related network infrastructure within a demanding, high-availability environment. * 24/7 Rota Coverage: Work as part of a dedicated shift rotation (including nights, weekends, and holidays) to provide continuous monitoring, incident response, and resolution. * Incident Management: Act as the primary point of contact for network fault isolation and resolution during your shift. Escalate complex issues effectively while maintaining clear communication with Vodafone stakeholders. * Network Monitoring: Proactively monitor network performance, identify potential bottlenecks, and implement optimization strategies. * Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date network diagrams, configuration backups, and shift handover logs. Required Skills & Experience * Technical Expertise: Strong, hands-on experience deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting Cisco Catalyst switches (e.g., Catalyst 9000 series, 3850, 9300, 9500). * Operational Experience: Proven track record working in a Network Operations Center (NOC) or similar 24/7 operational environment. * Core Networking: Deep understanding of Layer 2/Layer 3 protocols, VLANs, STP, OSPF, BGP, and QoS. * Certifications: Cisco certifications such as CCNA or CCNP Enterprise are highly desirable. * Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving abilities, ability to work well under pressure during critical outages, and strong communication skills for seamless shift handovers and client reporting.