Senior Network Engineer

Our SmartHire team is looking for a Senior Network Engineer to join a leading IT services and consulting company, supporting a major data centre implementation project.
This position is based in Central London, requiring up to four days a week onsite. It's a fantastic opportunity to become part of a consultancy that champions technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning, delivering projects across sectors like finance, broadcast media, and telecommunications.
What You’ll Be Doing:

• Building and configuring cutting-edge data centre network technologies.
  
• Delivering global WAN and cloud connectivity solutions.
  
• Working on ultra-low latency network environments, including Layer 1 switching.
  
• Setting up and maintaining precise timing systems (GPS, PTP, NTP, PPS).
  
• Installing packet capture tools using optical taps, SPAN, and aggregation platforms.
  
• Analysing network traffic with Wireshark to ensure performance and reliability.
  
• Managing connections for market data feeds and order entry across exchange colocation sites.
  
• Troubleshooting and configuring multicast networking.
  
• Using automation frameworks like Git, Python, Golang, Jenkins, Terraform, and Ansible for efficient deployment and management.
  What You’ll Need:
  
• Industry certifications at CCNP level or above.
  
• Deep understanding of BGP routing protocols and WAN technologies.
  
• Experience working hands-on with Cisco IOS-XR, Cisco NXOS, and/or Arista EOS devices.
  
• Strong background in low-latency networking, ideally supporting critical environments.
  
• Proven ability to deliver new WAN circuits and manage seamless migrations.
  
• Familiarity with automated deployment and network operations using Ansible and Python.
  
• Previous exposure to trading networks, market data infrastructure, or exchange connectivity would be highly beneficial.
  What’s On Offer:
  
• A competitive base salary plus a discretionary bonus.
  
• 23 days' annual leave, in addition to bank holidays.
  
• Comprehensive private healthcare and dental insurance.
  
• Access to a company pension scheme.
  
• Salary sacrifice schemes covering EV cars, workplace nursery, cycling, and tech purchases.
  
• Free, unlimited access to labs, training, and certifications — including CCNP, CCIE, Python, Cloud technologies, and more.
  
• Regular team events and social activities to keep connected.
  
• Participation in an EMI share scheme offering long-term growth incentives.
  Diversity and Inclusion:
  The company is proud to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace and warmly welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, the SmartHire team is available to support you