Senior Cisco Network Engineer – SD-WAN, Wireless & Ekahau / Senior Network Engineer – Cisco SD-WAN / Wireless / Ekahau
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Cisco Network Engineer to join a major technology transformation programme supporting National Grid in the UK.
The programme is focused on modernising and enhancing network infrastructure to improve reliability, security, connectivity and user experience across UK sites.
The successful candidate will bring strong expertise across Cisco networking, SD-WAN, enterprise wireless, LAN/WAN, RF design and network infrastructure, with significant hands-on experience using Ekahau for wireless surveys and design.
Role Details:
- Job Title: Senior Cisco Network Engineer – SD-WAN, Wireless & Ekahau / Senior Network Engineer – Cisco SD-WAN / Wireless / Ekahau
- Client Industry: Energy / Utilities
- Reports to: Programme / Project Delivery
- Contract Duration: 6 months (high possibility of extension)
- Work Mode: Hybrid (2–3 days per week in the London office)
- Clearance: SC Clearance desirable, or candidates able to obtain SC Clearance
- Location: London, United Kingdom (Outside IR35)
- Start Date: ASAP
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement and support enterprise-grade Cisco network infrastructure across multiple UK locations.
- Support the modernisation and replacement of end-of-life network hardware.
- Design and deploy advanced Cisco SD-WAN / Viptela solutions.
- Conduct detailed Wi-Fi surveys, RF assessments and wireless network designs using Ekahau.
- Perform physical site surveys and desktop surveys across National Grid locations.
- Design, configure and troubleshoot Cisco and Aruba wireless solutions.
- Work with Cisco ISE and Aruba ClearPass for network access control and authentication.
- Support alternative connectivity solutions, including 5G, private 5G and satellite connectivity, for disaster recovery and rapid deployment scenarios.
- Design and support high-speed Internet and carrier WAN connectivity.
- Configure and troubleshoot enterprise LAN switching environments.
- Work with routing protocols including BGP and OSPF.
- Implement and troubleshoot VLANs, STP, RSTP, MSTP, EtherChannel and switch stacking.
- Implement QoS, network segmentation, redundancy and resilient network architectures.
- Develop detailed high-level and low-level network designs, implementation plans and operational support models.
- Provide technical input into infrastructure expansion and transformation projects.
- Troubleshoot complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 network issues.
- Work closely with project managers, architects, suppliers, service providers and other technical stakeholders.
- Provide technical documentation and contribute to operational handover and support processes.
- Travel to UK National Grid sites as required for surveys, implementation and technical activities.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong experience as a Senior Network Engineer / Cisco Network Engineer in large enterprise environments.
- CCNP-level networking knowledge and experience is essential.
- Strong hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies.
- Extensive experience with Cisco SD-WAN / Viptela.
- Strong enterprise Wireless LAN / WLAN experience.
- Hands-on experience with Ekahau for Wi-Fi surveys and RF design.
- Strong understanding of RF design, wireless deployment and troubleshooting.
- Experience with Cisco WLAN and/or Aruba WLAN.
- Experience with Cisco ISE and/or Aruba ClearPass.
- Strong knowledge of BGP and OSPF.
- Strong Cisco LAN switching experience, including:
- VLANs
- STP / RSTP / MSTP
- EtherChannel
- Switch stacking
- Layer 2 / Layer 3 switching
- QoS
- Network segmentation
- High availability and redundancy
- Experience with carrier WAN and Internet connectivity services.
- Understanding of cloud network services and enterprise connectivity.
- Ability to produce technical designs, implementation plans and operational documentation.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel to UK sites when required.
Desirable Skills
- CCIE certification.
- CWNP certification or equivalent wireless networking expertise.
- Experience with Private 5G / Cradlepoint solutions.
- Experience with satellite connectivity and disaster recovery networking.
- Experience within energy, utilities or other critical national infrastructure environments.
- Previous experience working on large-scale network transformation programmes.
- SC Clearance or eligibility/ability to obtain SC Clearance.