Rig IT Network Engineer

• We are seeking a highly skilled RigIT Network Engineer to support the design, implementation, and maintenance of critical network infrastructure for our client's offshore operations in the North Sea and beyond.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring continuous, robust connectivity across harsh environments, utilising a mix of submarine fibre optics, LEO satellite systems (e.g., Starlink/OneWeb), and SD-WAN technologies. You will act as the technical authority for rigs and vessels, managing complex network projects, ensuring cybersecurity compliance (ISO 27001/NIST), and bridging the gap between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities: Network Architecture & Engineering

• Design & Strategy: Design scalable, redundant network architectures capable of withstanding harsh offshore conditions. Ensure high availability through failover protocols and resilience planning.
• Advanced Routing & Switching: Configure and optimise complex network protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS, IPv6) and QoS policies on Cisco IOS and Juniper Junos platforms to ensure prioritisation of critical voice and data traffic.
• Cloud & SD-WAN Integration: Architect and manage hybrid connectivity solutions, integrating on-premise offshore networks with cloud environments (AWS/Azure) via Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) for seamless data transfer.

Offshore Connectivity & Operations

• Specialised Transport Systems: Manage and troubleshoot diverse backhaul technologies, including Submarine Cable Systems, traditional satellite links (VSAT), and Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) constellations.
• Field Deployment: Remotely supervise installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing of network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls) directly on rigs and vessels.
• Physical Layer Maintenance: Oversee the integrity of fibre optic cabling and physical infrastructure in challenging marine environments.
• Have the ability to travel between different client regions - UK, Africa, Middle East, Azerbaijan
• Travel offshore, sometimes for 2-3 weeks to complete network deployments (installation/testing / fault finding/acceptance testing / as-built documentation)

Security & Compliance

• Cyber Defence: Configure and manage firewalls, VPNs, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS/IPS) to protect sensitive operational data.
• Governance: Ensure all network designs and operations strictly adhere to international security standards (ISO 27001, NIST) and internal corporate governance.

Project Leadership & Incident Management

• Emergency Response: Act as the primary point of escalation for critical network outages offshore, demonstrating quick strategic thinking to restore services under pressure.
• Project Delivery: Lead network upgrades and deployments using Agile or Scrum methodologies to ensure timely delivery within operational windows.
• Stakeholder Communication: Translate complex technical risks and requirements into clear, actionable insights for operations managers and non-technical stakeholders.

• Network Design & Architecture
• Ability to design robust, scalable network infrastructures for offshore environments, integrating redundancy and resilience for harsh conditions.
• Routing & Switching Expertise
• Proven Knowledge of protocols like BGP, OSPF, and technologies such as MPLS, IPv6, and QoS. Familiarity with Cisco IOS and Juniper Junos platforms is essential.
• Submarine Cable Systems & Offshore Connectivity
• Understanding of fibre optics, satellite links, and low-earth-orbit (LEO) solutions for remote rigs and platforms.
• Network Security
• Proficiency in firewall configuration, VPN management, intrusion detection, and compliance with standards like ISO 27001 and NIST.
• Cloud & SD-WAN
• Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure) and software-defined WAN for hybrid offshore/onshore connectivity., * Environmental Adaptability: Ability to work in challenging offshore conditions, including compliance with safety standards and emergency response protocols (e.g., OPITO).
• Hands-On Equipment Testing & Assurance: Direct involvement in installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of network hardware on rigs and vessels.
• Resilience & Redundancy Planning: Designing networks that maintain uptime despite environmental and logistical constraints

Professional & Leadership Skills

• Project Management
• Familiarity with methodologies like Agile or Scrum for managing offshore network projects.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear language for non-technical stakeholders.
• Teamwork
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams and fostering collaboration across geographies.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
• Quick and strategic thinking to resolve unexpected network issues in remote environments.

Desirable

• Offshore safety certifications (e.g., BOSIET, HUET or T-HUET, CA-EBS) for compliance and operational readiness
• Cisco CCNP/CCIE, CompTIA Network+, or equivalent advanced networking certifications.