Senior Specialist Engineer - Networks

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Specialist Engineer - Networks to lead the evolution of our enterprise network services, ensuring the resilient, secure and high-performing infrastructure that underpins critical scientific, operational and public health systems.

This is more than a network engineering role. It’s an opportunity to apply your expertise at a national scale, influencing the technology that helps safeguard the nation’s health.

Why This Role Matters

As the senior technical authority for network infrastructure, you’ll shape the design, security and future direction of a complex, multi-site enterprise environment.

Working alongside specialists across infrastructure, cloud, security and applications, you’ll help deliver network services that are secure, resilient and ready to support UKHSA’s mission both now and into the future.

If you’re passionate about solving complex technical challenges, driving innovation and mentoring others, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll play a pivotal role in leading and evolving our network capability by:

• Designing and developing enterprise network architectures across LAN, WAN, WLAN and security domains.
• Producing and maintaining architecture documentation, including High Level Designs (HLDs), Low Level Designs (LLDs) and technical standards.
• Acting as the senior technical lead during major incidents, driving resolution and supporting post-incident reviews.
• Delivering secure, resilient network solutions aligned to NCSC Secure by Design principles.
• Managing and optimising enterprise switching, routing, wireless and firewall technologies.
• Supporting cloud and hybrid networking across Azure, AWS and on-premises environments.
• Driving continuous improvement through automation, observability and performance monitoring.
• Evaluating emerging technologies and advising on strategic technology decisions.
• Coaching and mentoring engineers across the wider technology function.
• Working closely with suppliers, partners and stakeholders to deliver infrastructure projects and network services successfully.

We’re seeking a highly experienced network professional with deep technical expertise, strong leadership capability and a passion for delivering secure, enterprise-scale services.

Networking & Infrastructure

You’ll have expertise in areas such as:

• Enterprise routing and switching technologies
• OSPF, BGP, IS-IS and modern WAN/SD-WAN architectures
• LAN, WAN and WLAN design and support
• DNS, DHCP and IPAM services
• Load balancing and application delivery technologies, Palo Alto Networks firewalls, Panorama and GlobalProtect
• Network segmentation and Zero Trust architectures
• Secure network design aligned with industry best practice
• VPN technologies, remote access and perimeter security

Extreme Networks Technologies

Experience with any of the following is highly desirable:

• Extreme Fabric Engine (VOSS)
• EXOS Switching
• Extreme Wireless Solutions
• Extreme Site Engine

Equivalent experience with comparable enterprise networking technologies will also be considered.

Cloud & Automation

You should also have experience of:

• Hybrid networking across Azure, AWS or similar cloud environments
• Network and infrastructure automation using tools such as Ansible and Python
• Configuration-as-Code and automated operational practices

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Lead technical response during critical incidents
• Solve complex problems and make sound technical decisions
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and customers
• Operate within structured IT service management environments

Essential Requirements

You will have:

• A professional networking qualification at CCNP level or above, or equivalent senior-level experience
• Evidence of ongoing professional development within networking and infrastructure technologies
• The ability to meet the requirements for Security Check (SC) clearance

Desirable Qualifications

It would be beneficial if you hold one or more of the following:

• Palo Alto PCNSE
• Extreme Networks certifications
• ITIL Foundation (v3 or v4)
• Azure Network Engineer Associate
• AWS Advanced Networking Speciality
• Experience with SIEM, Zero Trust and network observability platforms

This is your opportunity to apply your technical expertise to work that genuinely makes a difference.

At UKHSA, you’ll be part of an organisation whose technology supports critical public services and helps protect the health and wellbeing of millions of people.

In return, you’ll benefit from:

• Working on nationally significant technology services
• A generous Civil Service pension, with employer contributions averaging 28.97%
• Exposure to complex, large-scale and diverse network environments
• Investment in learning, development and professional certifications
• A collaborative, supportive and inclusive culture
• Opportunities to influence the future of critical public sector technology

Discover more about our rewards and benefits on our website.