Senior Network Engineer

Job Description:

Your impact 

Do you want to grow your career in network engineering and work on projects that safeguard the UK’s most critical systems? At Leonardo, our Network Engineers are at the heart of designing, configuring, and supporting secure networks that keep our customers connected and protected. 
 

Your work at Leonardo UK will see you take the lead in solving customer problems in an agile, innovative and team-centric manner. The role may involve a blended hybrid working model, with a mixture of working from home and working on site at one of our Leonardo offices to ensure close collaboration with the wider team and with our customers. 

What you will do as a Senior Network Engineer 

• Lead the design, configuration, and support of secure networks across on-premise, hybrid, and cloud environments. 

• Take ownership of engineering delivery for one or more work packages, including planning, estimation, execution, and reporting. 

• Develop and review high- and low-level network designs and technical documentation. 

• Integrate and test network components, ensuring compliance with performance and security requirements. 

• Provide mentoring, guidance, and technical leadership to Network Engineers and Technicians. 

• Collaborate with stakeholders, project teams, and customers to ensure solutions meet requirements. 

• Drive continuous improvement and contribute to engineering standards and governance. 

What you’ll bring 

• Strong technical ability with demonstrable experience of delivering and supporting complex networks. 

• Ability to balance hands-on engineering with technical leadership and mentoring responsibilities. 

• Confidence to take ownership of solutions and represent networking in technical discussions. 

Core areas (must have): 

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, OSI model, and routing/switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, HSRP, QoS, VPNs, VLANs, MCLAG). 

• Hands-on experience with Cisco (CCNA/ CCNP level) or equivalent multi-vendor equipment (Dell, Palo Alto, Fortinet). 

• Experience with network security technologies (firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPN, NAC). 

• Familiarity with virtualisation and cloud networking concepts. 

• Experience with network monitoring, diagnostic, and analytics tools. 

• Understanding of ITIL and service management frameworks. 

Desirable: 

• CCNA/At least one Cisco CCNP module or equivalent certification/experience (2-4 years). 

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and hybrid networking. 

• Knowledge of software-defined networking (SDN, SD-WAN) and cloud-native networking. 

• Familiarity with scripting and automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform). 

• Exposure to SIEMs and wider cyber security toolsets. 

• Experience mentoring engineers and contributing to technical governance. 

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.  

Security Clearance 

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting 

Location 

This role is based at our Bristol site, with hybrid/custom working options where appropriate. 

Why join us 

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive. 

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year. 

• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution. 

• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).  

• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme. 

• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. 

• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme. 

• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more. 

• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role. 

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. 

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
 
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. 

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know. 

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

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Primary Location:

GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid