Job Description
Contract Network Engineer - Fortinet Specialist
Derby (Hybrid/Some Travel)
Contract Role | Network Transformation Projects
SC Clearance required & British Citizen or dual nationality
Are you a hands-on Network Engineer with deep Fortinet expertise who enjoys delivering real technical impact?
We're partnering with a fast-growing technology disruptor based in Derby, working with well-known blue chip organisations across the UK to deliver large-scale network transformation programmes. As part of their continued growth, they are looking for an experienced contract Network Engineer to take ownership of Fortinet implementations and play a key role in knowledge transfer to their internal team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a delivery-focused engineer who enjoys building and implementing modern network environments, while also mentoring and sharing expertise.
The Role: Implementation, Ownership & Knowledge Transfer
Working closely with an experienced Network Architect, you will focus on bringing network designs to life across customer environments. This is a highly practical role centred around implementation, deployment and technical expertise, rather than full architectural design.
Alongside project delivery, you will also support the onboarding and development of a permanent engineer, helping them build strong expertise across the Fortinet ecosystem.
Key responsibilities include:
Implementation & Delivery
* Take Low Level Designs (LLDs) and implement them across customer environments
* Deliver greenfield network installations and transformation projects
Fortinet Specialist
* Configure and deploy FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP and Fortinet SD-WAN solutions
* Support environments using FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, HA configurations, FortiLink and MCLAG
Technical Collaboration
* Work alongside the Network Architect, providing Fortinet-specific technical input during delivery phases
Knowledge Transfer & Mentoring
* Provide structured knowledge transfer and technical mentoring to a new permanent Network Engineer
* Help develop their understanding of Fortinet technologies, deployment processes and operational best practices
Autonomy & Ownership
* Manage your workload across multiple projects in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone with strong hands-on engineering experience, capable of delivering complex network implementations and sharing knowledge with internal teams.
Essential Experience
* Strong Fortinet expertise, including:
o FortiGate (including HA)
o FortiSwitch and FortiLink
o FortiAP
o FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer
o MCLAG
o Fortinet SD-WAN
* Solid networking fundamentals:
o TCP/IP
o VLANs
o OSPF/BGP routing
o VPN technologies
* Experience delivering greenfield network deployments and transformation projects
* Ability to produce clear and accurate as-built documentation
* Comfortable mentoring or transferring knowledge to less experienced engineers
* Based in or near Derby, with a full UK driving licence for occasional travel to customer sites and data centres
* SC Clearance (or eligibility) - candidates must meet UK residency requirements
Desirable
* Fortinet certifications (NSE4/FCP)
* Cisco networking knowledge (CCNA/CCNP level)
* Exposure to cloud networking in Azure or AWS
* Experience working within regulated or security-cleared environments