> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2263985-principal-network-backbone-edge-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2263985-principal-network-backbone-edge-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Network Backbone & Edge Lead - **Company:** Nscale Ltd. - **Location:** UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £74,214.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Border Gateway Protocol, Big Data, Continuous Integration, Data Centers, Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, Network Architecture, Routing, Network Service, Ansible, Service Design, AI Infrastructure, Git, Open Network Automation Platform - **Published:** August 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5856975511 ## About the Role * 10+ years of hands-on network engineering experience, including at least 2 years in a senior or lead role managing teams and regional or multi-site infrastructure. * Deep technical knowledge across data centre networking, WAN edge, and connectivity engineering within hyperscale or large-scale data centre environments. * Proven experience with Nokia SR routing platforms, including BGP, VRF, and service segmentation. * Strong knowledge of cloud exchange platforms such as Megaport and Equinix Fabric and customer direct-connect services. * Experience managing carrier and vendor relationships across technical delivery, validation, and escalation. * Demonstrated ability to lead and develop network engineers while remaining hands-on technically. * Strong commercial awareness and ability to translate network capabilities into customer and business value. * Experience with network automation including Ansible, Python, Network-as-Code, and CI/CD. * Comfortable working in Linux environments and using tools such as Git. * Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Preferred Experience * Regional carrier and connectivity market expertise relevant to EMEA, APAC, or the Americas. * Knowledge of major regional Internet exchanges and connectivity ecosystems. * Experience supporting hyperscale cloud or AI infrastructure environments. * Additional language skills relevant to the region are advantageous. ## Description We are hiring a Regional Principal Network Backbone & Edge Lead to own the delivery, performance, and continuous improvement of Nscale's network infrastructure and connectivity services across a defined global region. This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You'll lead network engineers across core/optical, data centre connectivity, and service delivery while acting as the primary escalation point and technical authority for your region. You'll balance engineering execution with operational oversight, carrier and vendor management, customer engagement, and close collaboration with Sales, Product, Data Centre Operations, and global network teams. Working closely with global Network Architecture, Network Platform, and Network Service Delivery teams, you'll ensure your region operates consistently with Nscale's global standards while meeting the specific commercial and operational needs of your market. Regional Leadership & Delivery * Own end-to-end delivery of network infrastructure within your region, from new site buildouts and backbone expansions through ongoing operations, incidents, and capacity management. * Lead and develop network engineers across core/optical, DC connectivity, and service delivery disciplines. * Set objectives, support career development, and build a high-performing engineering culture. * Serve as the primary escalation point for complex regional network incidents and service delivery issues. * Maintain regional network performance against global SLA and KPI frameworks. * Represent your region in global network leadership discussions. Network Engineering & Operations * Remain hands-on in the deployment, configuration, testing, and commissioning of network infrastructure. * Support Nokia SR WAN edge, cloud exchange connectivity, and carrier circuit delivery. * Oversee change management, maintenance windows, and capacity planning across regional network assets. * Maintain accurate infrastructure documentation including as-built designs, configuration records, and asset inventories. * Drive automation adoption in partnership with the Network Platform team. Supplier & Carrier Management * Own senior technical relationships with carriers, wavelength providers, colocation partners, and equipment vendors. * Manage circuit delivery, service activation, and SLA performance across regional connectivity suppliers. * Partner with Sourcing and Commercial teams on carrier procurement, capacity planning, and supplier contract management. * Lead technical escalations with carriers and vendors to ensure timely resolution. Customer & Stakeholder Engagement * Engage directly with enterprise customers and hyperscalers on onboarding, connectivity design, technical due diligence, and ongoing service management. * Partner with regional Sales and Product teams on customer acquisition, pre-sales technical engagement, and service design. * Collaborate with Data Centre Operations, GPU Production, and Facilities teams to embed network requirements into regional planning. * Act as the regional voice of the customer within the global network organisation., The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and are intended to provide a general overview of the position. The employee may be required to perform additional duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by management, consistent with the skills and qualifications required for the role. ## Related Videos - [From Factory Floor to Kubernetes Core: Building an Edge Platform One Step at a Time](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1415-from-factory-floor-to-kubernetes-core-building-an-edge-platform-one-step-at-a-time) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Dev & Test in the Cloud? Deploy your cloud environments with Ansible & Terraform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1607-dev-test-in-the-cloud-deploy-your-cloud-environments-with-ansible-terraform) - [Creating a routing app with Google Maps API from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/831-creating-a-routing-app-with-google-maps-api-from-scratch) - [Embracing the Hybrid Cloud: Unlocking Success with Ansible](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/932-embracing-the-hybrid-cloud-unlocking-success-with-ansible) - [Unlocking the potential of Digital & IT at Vodafone](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/602-unlocking-the-potential-of-digital-it-at-vodafone) ## Related Articles - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [7 Most Popular Web Developer Jobs in Europe](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/163-7-most-popular-web-developer-jobs-in-europe)