Network Architect (Data Centre) - SC Cleared

We are seeking an experienced Network Architect (Data Centre) to support a UK defence programme involving the review and assessment of a live, multi-site data centre network environment.

The infrastructure is built around Cisco ACI across two data centres and includes Cisco routing and switching, Cisco ASA firewalls and F5 BIG-IP load balancing.

This is primarily an architecture, assessment and documentation assignment, rather than an operational network support role.

The successful candidate will assess the existing network environment, validate the current architecture against available documentation, produce formal design documentation, identify practical improvements, and assess the requirements for achieving true active/active resilience across both data centres.

The role will be delivered on a hybrid basis from Bristol or Milton Keynes, with on-site attendance required as appropriate., * Assess the existing network estate across two data centres, including Cisco ACI fabric, routing, firewalling and load balancing.

• Review and validate existing and legacy network documentation against the live environment.
• Produce high-quality High Level Design (HLD) and Low Level Design (LLD) documentation.
• Take technical documentation through architecture review and formal sign-off.
• Identify low-risk network improvement opportunities and develop a structured, dependency-aware improvement roadmap.
• Assess the current implementation of the Cisco ACI application-centric policy model and recommend opportunities for improved utilisation.
• Review the existing Disaster Recovery capability and define the requirements for active/active operation across both data centres.
• Identify architectural constraints, migration requirements, potential service impacts and any additional hardware, software or licensing requirements.
• Work closely with architecture and network teams, participating in technical reviews and governance sessions.
• Respond to technical review comments and ensure agreed deliverables are completed to the required standard and timescale.

• Active UK SC Clearance - current and transferable. This is mandatory.
• Candidates who are only eligible for SC clearance cannot be considered for this assignment.
• Strong hands-on experience with Cisco ACI in production environments.
• In-depth understanding of the Cisco ACI policy model, including:
• Tenants
• VRFs
• Bridge Domains
• EPGs
• Contracts
• Strong experience with Cisco routing and switching.
• Experience with Cisco ASA firewalls.
• Experience with F5 BIG-IP load balancing.
• Demonstrable network architecture and design experience across multiple data centres.
• Strong understanding of Disaster Recovery and active/active data centre architectures.
• Proven experience producing professional HLDs, LLDs and technical assessment reports.
• Experience working directly with architecture teams and taking technical documentation through formal review and sign-off.
• Ability to work on a hybrid basis from Bristol or Milton Keynes, including on-site attendance when required.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience with Cisco ACI Multi-Pod or Multi-Site design and deployment.
• CCIE Data Center, CCNP Data Center, or equivalent relevant certification.
• Relevant F5 certification.
• Experience assessing and documenting live brownfield environments, particularly where existing documentation is incomplete or outdated.
• Previous experience within defence, government or other regulated environments.
• Experience working across different security classifications and within multi-supplier technical teams.