Network Engineer (Contract)
Role: Network Engineer – Data Centre & Network Security
Location: London (Hybrid/On-site as required)
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: 6–12 Months (Extendable)
Start Date: Immediate / Short Notice Preferred
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Network Engineer to support the delivery of complex Data Centre, Network Infrastructure, and Security projects within a large enterprise environment. The successful candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in Cisco Data Centre technologies, routing and switching, firewall platforms, network migrations, and basic network automation using Python.
This is a contract role based in London, requiring close collaboration with project teams, vendors, operations teams, and business stakeholders to deliver network transformation and migration initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, implement, and support enterprise and Data Centre network infrastructure.
* Deliver network migration projects involving application and infrastructure transitions.
* Configure and troubleshoot Cisco ACI, Cisco Nexus (NX-OS), and Cisco IOS-XE platforms.
* Deploy, manage, and support Fortinet, Juniper, and Cisco firewall solutions.
* Perform network assessments, implementation planning, and change execution.
* Support routing and switching environments, including BGP and IGP protocols.
* Work closely with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
* Produce technical documentation, implementation plans, migration runbooks, and handover documentation.
* Ensure all work complies with organisational standards, security policies, and operational controls.
* Provide knowledge transfer and support to operational teams following project completion.
* Assist with network automation and scripting activities using Python.
Required Skills & Experience
Essential
* 8–11+ years of hands-on network engineering experience.
* Strong experience with:
* Cisco ACI
* Cisco Nexus (NX-OS)
* Cisco IOS-XE
* Fortinet Firewalls
* Juniper Firewalls
* Cisco Firewalls
* Expert knowledge of TCP/IP and Ethernet networking.
* Strong understanding of enterprise and Data Centre network architectures.
* Experience with BGP and Interior Gateway Protocols (OSPF/EIGRP).
* Proven experience delivering large-scale network deployment and migration projects.
* Experience managing application traffic flows through secure firewalled environments.
* Working knowledge of Python scripting for network automation and operational tasks.
* Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred
* Experience within Banking, Financial Services, or highly regulated enterprise environments.
* Network automation experience using Python and API-based integrations.
* Relevant Cisco, Fortinet, or Juniper certifications.
Key Competencies
* Data Centre Networking
* Routing & Switching
* Network Security
* Infrastructure Migration
* Project Delivery
* Stakeholder Management
* Vendor Coordination
* Technical Documentation
* Knowledge Transfer
* Excellent Communication Skills