Network Engineer

We are looking for a hands-on Network Engineer to support the day-to-day operation of a secure, on-premises network environment. This role will focus on BAU network support across core Cisco routing and switching infrastructure, carrying out Level 2 / Level 3 activities including troubleshooting, maintenance, standard changes, and physical network tasks such as cabling and patching. The successful candidate will be a solid all-round network engineer with a practical, proactive attitude and a willingness to pick up work where needed. This is not an automation-focused role; instead, we need someone comfortable working across traditional network engineering responsibilities in a highly secure environment. The engineer will work closely with wider infrastructure and firewall teams to help maintain network stability, performance, and service availability. This role requires the person to be on site 2 days per week in Gosport. Because of the nature of the environment, existing DV clearance is required. What you will be doing:

• Provide day-to-day BAU support for a secure on-prem network environment, ensuring the stability, performance, and availability of core network services.
• Carry out Level 2 / Level 3 network engineering activities across Cisco routers and switches, including configuration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and fault resolution.
• Support physical network infrastructure on site, including cabling, patching, rack-based equipment, hardware installs, swaps, and connectivity checks.
• Investigate and resolve network incidents, outages, and performance issues, taking ownership of tasks and working proactively to keep services running smoothly.
• Deliver standard network changes and operational tasks in line with technical and security standards, with a hands-on approach and willingness to pick up work across the team.
• Work closely with wider technical teams, including firewall and security specialists, to support integrated network operations within a highly secure environment.

• Hands on experience with Cisco routers and switches in an on-prem enterprise environment.
• Good understanding of routing and switching fundamentals, including VLANs, trunking, STP, port configuration, and basic Layer 2/Layer 3 troubleshooting.
• Ability to carry out network fault finding and incident resolution across BAU support, including diagnosing connectivity, hardware, and performance issues.
• Experience with physical network infrastructure, such as cabling, patching, rack installs, device swaps, and on-site hardware support.
• Familiarity with firewalls and secure network environments, with the ability to work alongside firewall/security teams even if not acting as the primary firewall engineer.
• Confidence in delivering standard network changes, maintenance, and operational support in a controlled environment.
• Ability to work at 2nd / 3rd line level, taking ownership of tickets, changes, and technical issues with minimal supervision.
• Strong practical approach and the right attitude: willing to pick up work, be hands-on, and support the team in a fast-paced BAU setting.

Sopra Steria's Aerospace, 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. We are given time for professional development activities, and we coach and mentor our colleagues, sharing knowledge and learning from each other. We foster a culture in which employees feel valued and supported and have pride in their work for the customer, delivering outstanding rates of customer satisfaction in the UK's most complex safety- and security-critical markets.