Network Engineer

Network Engineer (Contract)Role: Network Engineer - Data Centre & Network SecurityLocation: London (Hybrid/On-site as required)Employment Type: ContractContract Duration: 6-12 Months (Extendable)Start Date: Immediate / Short Notice Preferred Role OverviewWe are looking for an experienced Network Engineer to support the delivery of complex Data Centre, Network Infrastructure, and Security projects within a large enterprise environment. The successful candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in Cisco Data Centre technologies, routing and switching, firewall platforms, network migrations, and basic network automation using Python. This is a contract role based in London, requiring close collaboration with project teams, vendors, operations teams, and business stakeholders to deliver network transformation and migration initiatives. Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, and support enterprise and Data Centre network infrastructure.Deliver network migration projects involving application and infrastructure transitions.Configure and troubleshoot Cisco ACI, Cisco Nexus (NX-OS), and Cisco IOS-XE platforms.Deploy, manage, and support Fortinet, Juniper, and Cisco firewall solutions.Perform network assessments, implementation planning, and change execution.Support routing and switching environments, including BGP and IGP protocols.Work closely with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.Produce technical documentation, implementation plans, migration runbooks, and handover documentation.Ensure all work complies with organisational standards, security policies, and operational controls.Provide knowledge transfer and support to operational teams following project completion.Assist with network automation and scripting activities using Python.

Required Skills & ExperienceEssential8-11+ years of hands-on network engineering experience.Strong experience with:Cisco ACICisco Nexus (NX-OS)Cisco IOS-XEFortinet FirewallsJuniper FirewallsCisco FirewallsExpert knowledge of TCP/IP and Ethernet networking.Strong understanding of enterprise and Data Centre network architectures.Experience with BGP and Interior Gateway Protocols (OSPF/EIGRP).Proven experience delivering large-scale network deployment and migration projects.Experience managing application traffic flows through secure firewalled environments.Working knowledge of Python scripting for network automation and operational tasks.Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. PreferredExperience within Banking, Financial Services, or highly regulated enterprise environments.Network automation experience using Python and API-based integrations.Relevant Cisco, Fortinet, or Juniper certifications. Key CompetenciesData Centre NetworkingRouting & SwitchingNetwork SecurityInfrastructure MigrationProject DeliveryStakeholder ManagementVendor CoordinationTechnical DocumentationKnowledge TransferExcellent Communication Skills