Sopra Steria
Lead Network Engineer - Secure Infrastructure
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Lead Network Engineer - Secure Infrastructure
Senior Network Engineer
Are you a Network Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems and wants to play a key role in modernising enterprise networks through automation?
You’ll be joining a dedicated network team based in Salisbury, working as part of a wider platform engineering function within a highly secure environment. This Senior Network Engineer role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge network platforms that support critical defence activities, while developing your skills as the organisation moves towards a more automated and software-driven approach.
You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues and customers, contributing to meaningful work where reliability, security, and continuous improvement are key.
Loved reading about this job and want to know more? Sopra Steria’s Aero s pace, Defence and Security business designs, develops, and deploys digital solutions to Central Government clients. The work we do makes a real difference to the client’s goal of National Security, and we operate in a unique and privileged environment. Knowledge sharing, mentoring, and professional development are encouraged, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and supported—delivering exceptional customer satisfaction in the UK’s most complex safety- and security-critical markets.
About the Role
We’re looking for a technical and solutions-focused engineer to support network modernisation through automation and cloud integration. The successful candidate will drive adoption of automated network deployment, ensure operational reliability, and mentor team members.
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What You’ll Be Doing
- Assisting with the design, build, deployment, and support of enterprise network platforms
- Driving the adoption of automation using tools such as Ansible and Terraform
- Supporting operational requirements within a fast-paced, secure environment
- Investigating complex issues, producing root cause analysis, and implementing solutions
- Proactively monitoring and maintaining production systems while managing escalations
- Mentoring colleagues and contributing to service improvement and innovation
Requirements & Essential Skills
To be considered for this role, your skill set should include:
Required
- Experience with Cisco networking technologies, including routing, switching, firewalls, and wireless
- Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, including:
- TCP/IP, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, and ACLs
- Automation or scripting experience using tools such as:
- Ansible, Python, Bash, or PowerShell
- Knowledge of:
- Routing protocols such as BGP
- Network segmentation using VRFs
- CCNA certification, with CCNP either achieved or in progress
- Ability to produce technical documentation, including designs and root cause analysis reports
Desirable (If You Fit Them, Even Better)
✔ Exposure to cloud networking principles (e.g., Azure or AWS)
✔ Experience working within an ITIL environment
✔ Knowledge of software-defined networking technologies, such as:
- Cisco ACI
- VMware NSX
What We Offer
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Core Benefits
- Salary: Up to £65,000 per year (dependent on experience and qualifications)
- Car Allowance: £5,400 annually
- Annual Leave: 25 days per year, with the option to purchase additional days
- Health & Wellbeing: Access to private medical insurance
- Pension: Generous retirement scheme
- Life Insurance & Other Perks: Includes life assurance
- Flexible Benefits Fund: Generous allowance for personal expenses
Work Environment
- Location: Based near Salisbury, with an expectation of working 3 days per week onsite
- Security Clearance: Developed Vetting (DV) required or eligibility for this level of clearance
Culture & Flexibility
We harness the power of collective belongsing and transformation. Our goal is not just to be a thriving workplace but an appliance for change.
We pride ourselves on coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing with colleagues, while supporting the principle that flexibility drives personal and professional success.
- Flexible Working: We support flexible working arrangements to promote work/life balance, motivation, and wellbeing.
- Learning & Development: Encouraged and funded opportunities to grow and upskill.
- Sense of Purpose: Your work contributes directly to national security in high-stakes environments.
If you’re interested but unsure if your experience fully aligns with this role, we still invtiret you to apply—we’d love to explore how you can support our mission.
Key Contact for Enquiries
Internal Recruiter Name: Paul
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