Technical Expert - Network Specialist

The role

As a network engineer you will enable academic endeavours by delivering high-level professional expertise and carrying out sophisticated techniques.  Interpret, evaluate and present data from outputs based on expert knowledge in area of practice.

This role demands a high level of expertise in computer networks, focusing on creating, managing, and optimizing large-scale WAN networks based on SD-WAN technology, that support business objectives of the JOINER project. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of networking and a strong background in designing and implementing large-scale WAN networks. This role requires hands-on experience with Juniper and Fortinet technologies, as well as expertise in MPLS, L2 VPN, SD-WAN, virtualization, and virtual networks in cloud environment such as VMWare, etc.

What will you be doing?

You will provision of specialist solutions of specialist solutions within computer networks including SD-WAN and virtual networks; typical duties might include:

• Using high-level expertise, collaborate with key stakeholders including Principal Investigators, researchers, external customers, or other service users to deliver specialist technical services.
• Develop creative and innovative solutions in area of expertise, to advance research methods and practices.
• Evaluate, interpret, analyse, and present complex data from outputs
• Contribute to wider developments and changes in the JOINER hybrid cloud environment.
• Operate, service, maintain and develop JOINER Fabric environment (a complicated SD-WAN overlay on top of an advanced high capacity L2VPN underlay) to support experimental research, and software development to maintain and develop the JOINER Brain (an advanced multi-tenant orchestrator);
• diagnose and rectify complex problems to find short and long-term solutions.
• Design, build and/or adapt specialist architectures and functions to provide innovative solutions.
• Expert technical input into specialist purchases, liaise with relevant contacts and suppliers to ensure fit for purpose solutions and cost effectiveness.
• Contribute to or lead on grant applications.
• Write risk assessments and method statements/standard operating procedures (SOPs), or provide guidance to service users, ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines.
• Share professional expertise and contribute to knowledge exchange in specialist field.

You should apply if

If you have extensive experience in the specific area of practice including:

• Proven hands-on experience with Juniper, and Fortinet technologies.
• Strong experience in architecting and designing large-scale WAN networks.
• Expert knowledge of MPLS, L2 VPN, and SD-WAN concepts.
• Hands-on experience in network virtualization.
• Deep knowledge and experience in virtualization, network services, and virtual network functions including VMWare NSXT etc.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and containerization solutions.
• Expert knowledge of AWS VPC and AWS direct connect via control tower
• Strong skills in creating and maintaining design documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Please evidence the above in your cover letter.

Additional information

For informal queries, please contact: Ildi Fogel ildiko.fogel@bristol.ac.uk 

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

Contract type: Open-ended (fixed funding until 30/06/2026)

Hybrid working: The working pattern for this role is hybrid with at least 3 days in the office per week.

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 15/06/2025

Interviews are expected to take place on the 25th and 30th June 2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

Advert information