Senior Network and Security Engineer

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals. 

About the role:

We are seeking someone with exceptional technical deployment and troubleshooting skills covering a wide range of technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of network security and associated technologies and be able to demonstrate a logical and methodical approach to design, implementation and troubleshooting.

Here’s what the role looks like:

• Design and implement Cisco-based network architectures that support current and future business requirements

• Manage the full lifecycle of network devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls
• Monitor network performance and capacity to ensure optimal utilisation and scalability
• Conduct regular maintenance and updates to ensure network reliability and security

• Configure and optimise BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) for inter-domain routing and VPNv4/IPv4 address management

• Implement OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) with routing redistribution for efficient intra-domain routing
• Set up and manage MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) for improved traffic management and quality of service
• Troubleshoot and resolve routing issues to minimise network downtime
• Configure VRFs (Virtual Routing and Forwarding) to segment network traffic and improve security
• Optimise and configure MST (Multiple Spanning Tree) to enhance network redundancy and resilience
• Implement and manage Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) to prevent network loops and ensure efficient traffic flow
• Utilise advanced diagnostic tools to identify and resolve network issues
• Conduct root cause analysis for recurring problems and implement corrective actions

• Validate network implementations against industry best practices and vendor guidelines
• Perform regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate risks
• Develop and maintain network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and standard operating procedures

Requirements

Here are the key skills and experience relevant to this role:

• Extensive hands-on experience in enterprise network engineering

• Strong operational experience with Cisco, Checkpoint and Palo Alto products
• Proven expertise in ACLs, network segmentation, and perimeter defence
• Deep understanding of Layer 2/3 networking, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), and high availability
• Strong troubleshooting skills across routing and switching protocols
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Benefits

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success.

We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life.

In addition to aCompetitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

Personalised Career Development:We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.

Flexible working:Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance.  We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.

A Fantastic Benefits Package:This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes, an employee assistance programme, discounted cash plan and more…..

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement.  If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience.  We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.

If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.