[Hiring] Network Operations Engineer @SysGroup plc

Role Description

The Network Operations Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, configuration, monitoring, and support of network and connectivity services across client and internal environments. This is a hands-on technical role combining day-to-day operational management with project delivery, ensuring SysGroup's network infrastructure is secure, reliable, and continuously improving.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Monitoring & Operations
  • Monitor network infrastructure and connectivity services to ensure high availability and performance.
  • Respond to alerts and incidents affecting network services.
  • Maintain operational oversight of managed network platforms including WAN, LAN, and wireless.
  • Use network monitoring platforms (e.g. Nagios, PRTG, Meraki Dashboard) to maintain service health.
• Project Delivery
  • Deliver end-to-end network projects including WAN provisioning, LAN and wireless deployment, and firewall configuration.
  • Build and configure routers, firewalls, switches, and access points based on approved HLTDs/LLTDs and governance standards.
  • Coordinate with ISPs, carriers, and vendors for circuit activation, hardware delivery, and configuration validation.
  • Conduct testing, cutover, and post-deployment verification to ensure stability and service readiness.
  • Manage change windows and implementation plans, including rollback and communication procedures.
• Incident & Problem Management
  • Investigate and resolve network incidents and service disruptions.
  • Perform root cause analysis for recurring network problems and feed improvement recommendations back to design and architecture.
  • Act as a 3rd-line escalation point for complex connectivity issues when not engaged in project delivery.
  • Escalate unresolved or critical issues appropriately within the support chain.
• Network Infrastructure Management
  • Configure and maintain networking components including routers, switches, firewalls, and connectivity services.
  • Manage WAN, LAN, and VPN connections across client environments.
  • Support the onboarding of new clients to managed network services.
  • Assist with network upgrades, configuration changes, and platform improvements.
• Network Security
  • Support the secure configuration of network infrastructure including firewall policies, VPN, and access controls.
  • Work with the cyber security team to ensure network security best practices are maintained.
  • Monitor network environments for potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
• Documentation & Transition to Service
  • Produce comprehensive handover documentation including topology diagrams, configuration exports, and monitoring templates.
  • Deliver knowledge transfer sessions and technical briefings to Service Engineers.
  • Ensure all configurations are labelled, version-controlled, and recorded in the CMDB.
  • Update internal templates and SOPs to reflect lessons learned from project execution.
• Collaboration & Project Support
  • Work closely with the Connectivity Architect to ensure all deployments align with SysGroup's design standards and security posture.
  • Support infrastructure, cloud, and platform teams with networking expertise.
  • Participate in internal QA reviews and continuous improvement cycles.
  • Provide feedback on design practicalities and propose operational optimisations.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Identify opportunities to improve monitoring, automation, and operational efficiency.
  • Contribute to improving the reliability and resilience of network services.
  • Contribute to improvements in network operational procedures and standards.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years' experience managing enterprise or managed network infrastructure, ideally within an MSP environment.
• Proven track record in both operational network management and project-based delivery.
• Experience working with connectivity providers and networking vendors.
• Ability to work in operational environments supporting client infrastructure.

Requirements

• Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of networking principles including routing, switching, and secure connectivity.
  • Firewalls – Cisco, Meraki, or WatchGuard (policy creation, VPNs, NAT, HA setup).
  • Routing & Switching – VLANs, spanning tree, QoS, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), trunking, and redundancy.
  • WAN & ISP Coordination – circuit provisioning, handover testing, and vendor escalation.
  • Wireless – AP deployment, SSID configuration, controller management, and coverage validation.
  • Network monitoring and diagnostic tools (Nagios, PRTG, Meraki Dashboard, or equivalent).
  • Comfortable producing network documentation and topology diagrams.
  • Knowledge of change management processes and ITIL service transitions.
  • Scripting or automation exposure (Python, Ansible, PowerShell) is advantageous.
• Desirable – Connectivity Security & Zero Trust
  • Exposure to SASE/SSE platforms (e.g. Zscaler ZIA/ZPA, Netskope, Palo Alto Prisma Access) and how they integrate with traditional WAN and firewall estates.
  • Understanding of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) principles and experience supporting migration away from legacy VPN and perimeter-based access.
  • Familiarity with SD-WAN security overlays and secure application segmentation for distributed client environments.
  • Awareness of identity-aware networking, integrating connectivity with identity providers (Entra ID, Okta) for policy-based access decisions.
  • Vendor certifications such as Zscaler ZCCA/ZCCP, Palo Alto PCNSE, or equivalent SASE/SSE credentials.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, including performance-based incentives.
• Private Healthcare
• Life insurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• Pension
• Growth opportunities with access to various training material and ongoing career advancement opportunities.