Senior Network Engineer

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 Provide support to other Infrastructure team members responsible for Endpoint IPAM/DHCP/DNS services 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 ideal but experience with other equivalent enterprise networking technologies is also acceptable Experience of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Stellar Wi-Fi or similar Wi-Fi networks Stateful and Next Gen Firewalls (NPL uses Fortinet) and IPSec 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 implementing 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) Key required experience, knowledge and skills: Network protocols and topologies including OSPF, BGP, VRFs Experience with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise switching and OmniVista management is ideal but experience with other equivalent enterprise networking technologies is also acceptable Experience of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Stellar Wi-Fi or similar Wi-Fi networks Stateful and Next Gen Firewalls (NPL uses Fortinet) and IPSec 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 implementing 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) 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) Active Directory, DNS, DHCP Microsoft 365 E5, Azure, Entra ID Experience of Cloud Virtual Networking (Azure) Soft Skills: The role requires excellent problem-solving and analytical skills coupled with strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. 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. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. 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.

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

Provide support to other Infrastructure team members responsible for Endpoint IPAM/DHCP/DNS services

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

Network protocols and topologies including OSPF, BGP, VRFs

Experience with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise switching and OmniVista management is ideal but experience with other equivalent enterprise networking technologies is also acceptable

Experience of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Stellar Wi-Fi or similar Wi-Fi networks

Stateful and Next Gen Firewalls (NPL uses Fortinet) and IPSec 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 implementing 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)

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)

Active Directory, DNS, DHCP

Microsoft 365 E5, Azure, Entra ID

Experience of Cloud Virtual Networking (Azure)

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page. We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits . Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.