Senior Network Engineer

The National Physical Laboratory is the UK's leading centre for measurement science, engineering, and technology. We develop national measurement standards, support scientific and commercial innovation, and collaborate with industries to ensure precision in products and processes. Through our important scientific and research work we address key challenges in health, energy, security, telecommunications and sustainability, driving economic growth and enhancing quality of life.  

 

We’re seeking a talented and experienced Senior Network Engineer to join our growing Technical Operations team. The primary focus of the role is network engineering, with a secondary requirement to provide on-premises infrastructure support. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing and supporting complex network environments and ideally have some experience of working in a hybrid network role.  

 

The role offers exposure to a wide range of technologies across networks, physical infrastructure and cloud computing and will be instrumental in ensuring that the critical technical systems supporting the essential work our scientists do, is maintained to a high standard.  

 

Key responsibilities:  

• Design, implement, and manage on-premises network infrastructure which is primarily based on Alcatel-Lucent network switches and Wireless Access Points
• Configure and maintain Fortinet firewalls to ensure network security 
• Monitor, manage and maintain network performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure optimal operation 
• Implement network and infrastructure improvements and manage changes to support all users with minimal downtime  
• Undertake project work, maintenance and remediation on NPL’s on-prem infrastructure including virtualisation, storage and backup systems (e.g. VMWare, Hitachi Storage Array, Rubrik, Nimble)   
• Ensure that all network systems and equipment are appropriately patched and secured 
• Collaborate with cybersecurity to ensure internal and external networks are fully secured using network access control and segmentation technologies  
• Manage and report on network utilisation and performance of wired and wireless infrastructure to ensure that business requirements are met, and solutions are developed that are fit for purpose  
• Create and maintain operational documentation and diagrams relating to all of NPL’s network and telephone systems  

 

 

Key required experience, knowledge and skills:

• Network protocols and topologies including OSPF, BGP, VRFs
• Experience with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise switching and OmniVista management is deal but experience with other equivalent enterprise networking technologies is acceptable
• Experience of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Stellar Wi-Fi or similar networks
• Stateful and Next Gen Firewalls (NPL uses Fortinet) and VPN
• Network security concepts such as NAC, 802.1x and segmentation systems and any experience with Forescout is beneficial
• Protocols used in resilient systems e.g. VRRP, LACP, Virtual-Chassis
• Proficiency in using network management tools (e.g., SolarWinds)
• Experience of implementation of SD-WAN, MPLS technologies
• Experience with network segmentation, zero trust principles and micro-segmentation
• Knowledge of IPv6 implementation and transition strategies
• Familiarity with wireless security protocols (e.g., WPA3, 802.1X)

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Additional experience beneficial to the role: 

• Any experience with Allied Telesis EPSR Ring topologies and network management tools
• Experience with Quality of Service (QoS) configuration and management 
• VMWare VCenter virtualisation platform
• On Prem storage arrays (NPL uses Hitachi) 
• Managed backup solutions (NPL uses Rubrik and Commvault) 
• Active Directory, DNS, DHCP 
• Microsoft 365 E5, Azure, Entra ID
• Experience of Cloud Virtual Networking (Azure) 

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The ideal candidate will live within commuting distance to our Teddington site and able to work 3 days a week on-site. We welcome applications from experienced candidates, who have a wide range of technology experience even if that experience does not include some of the technologies listed below.  

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We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. 

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Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.”