Network Engineer at STAR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY P.J.S.C.

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Engineer
Company: STAR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY P.J.S.C.
Location: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job Type: On-site
Category: Network Infrastructure & Operations
Date Posted: 2025-07-30
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Day-to-day management and maintenance of network devices, ensuring high availability, and maintaining configuration baselines.
Key Skills: Routing and Switching, Network Security, Encryption, Firewalls & IPS/IDS, Network Access Control, Wireless Infrastructure, Telephony/VoIP Infrastructure, VPN Technologies, Cloud Networking Technologies.
Key Challenges: Working in a highly pressurized yet fulfilling environment, collaborating with various teams, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of networking technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on network operations, security, and collaboration with multiple teams to ensure high network availability and performance.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Management: Derive configurations from low to high-level designs and change requests, maintain LAN/WAN and telephony infrastructure/devices, and manage virtual private networks, firewalls, email gateway security, and telephony.
Project Delivery: Proactively engage with the Project Management Office, Design Authority, and external suppliers/vendors to ensure timely delivery of allocated projects within specified timelines and budgets.
Security & Compliance: Devices configuration hardening as per security team requirements and vendors' best practices, maintain up-to-date documentation about current infrastructure design, assets, and topology.
Capacity Management: Keep up with capacity-sizing changes and violations, initiate needed actions to notify vendors and IT management.
Troubleshooting & Problem Diagnosis: Supervise the installation of new hardware equipment, responsible for the implementation of new changes solely or with the help of service delivery, and maintain and own configuration of various network devices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on network operations, security, and collaboration with multiple teams to ensure high network availability and performance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer/IT Network Engineering or Computer Science.

Experience: A minimum of 6 years' experience in the field.

Required Skills:

Routing and Switching (Cisco, Juniper, and HP)
Network Security (L2/L3)
Encryption
Firewalls & IPS/IDS (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Barracuda, Forcepoint)
Network Access Control (Aruba & Cisco)
Wireless Infrastructure
Telephony/VoIP Infrastructure
VPN Technologies (IPSEC, MPLS, SSL, etc.)
Cloud Networking Technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Preferred Skills:

Working knowledge and/or accreditation in Networking (CCIE, CCNP, CCNA) and IT Operations Management (ITIL Foundation)
Strong problem diagnosis and troubleshooting skills
Ability to work in a highly pressurized but fulfilling environment
Proven collaboration skills, strong written/oral English communication, documentation/reporting skills, and the ability to influence at a management level

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background in various networking technologies, with a focus on security and collaboration with multiple teams to ensure high network availability and performance.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of network infrastructure, security, and troubleshooting.
Showcase projects that highlight your experience in network management, security, and collaboration with multiple teams.
Include any relevant certifications (CCIE, CCNP, CCNA, ITIL Foundation) and their impact on your network engineering projects.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of network infrastructure, including diagrams, topology, and configuration files.
Include any security policies, procedures, and best practices implemented in your projects.
Showcase your problem-solving skills and the approach you took to resolve network issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on network operations, security, and collaboration with multiple teams to ensure high network availability and performance. Your portfolio should reflect these aspects and demonstrate your technical expertise in network engineering.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for a Network Engineer in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with 5-10 years of experience is approximately AED 25,000 - 40,000 per month (USD 6,800 - 10,900). This estimate is based on regional market standards and industry benchmarks.

Benefits:

Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
A dynamic and innovative work environment in the space technology industry.

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours, potentially requiring out-of-hours work as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on regional market standards and industry benchmarks. Actual compensation may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and the company's benefits package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Space technology, satellite communications, and geospatial analytics.

Company Size: Medium to large-sized company with a global reach, addressing the evolving needs of governments, enterprises, and communities.

Founded: 2024 (following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat).

Team Structure:

Yahsat Space Services unit focusing on upstream satellite operations for both fixed and mobility satellite solutions.
Bayanat Smart Solutions unit integrating geospatial data acquisition and processing with AI to inform decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency.

Development Methodology:

Agile project management with a focus on timely delivery, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Strong emphasis on network security, compliance, and best practices.

Company Website: www.space42.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: Space42's unique position in the space technology industry offers network engineers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to innovative solutions that connect people, inform decisions, and enable action.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineer Career Level: Mid-Senior level role responsible for day-to-day network management, security, and collaboration with multiple teams to ensure high network availability and performance.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Network Operations Manager or a similar role, with potential oversight of junior network engineers or network operations associates.

Technical Impact: Responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of network infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and compliance with industry standards and best practices.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical growth through exposure to cutting-edge technologies and projects in the space technology industry.
Career progression into senior network engineering roles, network architecture, or network management positions.
Opportunities to specialize in specific areas of network engineering, such as security, cloud networking, or satellite communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Space42's unique position in the space technology industry offers network engineers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to innovative solutions that connect people, inform decisions, and enable action. This role provides a strong foundation for technical growth and career progression in the network engineering field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office environment with a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology.

Office Location(s): Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Workspace Context:

Access to state-of-the-art network infrastructure, tools, and technologies.
Collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate teamwork, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
Opportunities to work with cross-functional teams, including satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and AI specialists.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard working hours, potentially requiring out-of-hours work as needed for network maintenance and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Space42's work environment fosters collaboration, innovation, and technical growth, providing network engineers with the resources and support needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the company's mission.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: Assessment of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of network infrastructure and security.
On-site Technical Interview: In-depth discussion of network engineering projects, security best practices, and troubleshooting scenarios. Hands-on exercises may be included to evaluate technical skills.
Behavioral Interview: Assessment of communication skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within the Space42 organization.
Final Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager or a senior network engineering team member to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the company's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight network engineering projects that demonstrate your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and collaboration with multiple teams.
Include any relevant certifications (CCIE, CCNP, CCNA, ITIL Foundation) and their impact on your network engineering projects.
Showcase your understanding of network security, compliance, and best practices.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of network infrastructure, security, and troubleshooting.
Review relevant network engineering concepts, protocols, and best practices.
Prepare for hands-on exercises that assess your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise in network engineering, security, and collaboration with multiple teams. The portfolio review and technical challenge preparation should reflect these aspects and demonstrate the candidate's fit for the role and the company's long-term goals.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Network Infrastructure:

Routing and Switching: Cisco, Juniper, and HP
Network Security: L2/L3, Encryption, Firewalls & IPS/IDS (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Barracuda, Forcepoint)
Network Access Control: Aruba & Cisco
Wireless Infrastructure
Telephony/VoIP Infrastructure
VPN Technologies: IPSEC, MPLS, SSL, etc.
Cloud Networking Technologies: AWS, Azure, GCP

Network Management & Monitoring Tools:

Network management platforms (e.g., SolarWinds, Zabbix, Nagios)
Network monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump, Nagios)
Configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role focuses on network infrastructure, security, and cloud networking technologies. Familiarity with these technologies and relevant tools is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineering Values:

Expertise: Demonstrate a deep understanding of network infrastructure, security, and troubleshooting.
Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams, including satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and AI specialists.
Innovation: Contribute to cutting-edge projects and solutions that connect people, inform decisions, and enable action.
Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in network engineering.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and AI teams to ensure seamless network integration and performance.
Code Review Culture: Collaborate with team members to review network configurations, security policies, and best practices.
Knowledge Sharing: Share technical expertise and best practices with team members to enhance overall network engineering capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Space42's team culture fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, providing network engineers with the resources and support needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the company's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Security: Implement and maintain robust network security measures to protect against evolving threats and comply with industry standards and best practices.
Network Performance: Optimize network performance to ensure high availability, low latency, and efficient resource utilization.
Cloud Networking: Design and implement cloud networking solutions that integrate seamlessly with on-premises infrastructure and meet the company's scalability and security requirements.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging network technologies and adapt to changes in the space technology industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Attend workshops, webinars, and online courses to enhance your technical skills and knowledge in network engineering.
Certification Programs: Pursue relevant certifications (CCIE, CCNP, CCNA, ITIL Foundation) to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development.
Mentorship & Leadership: Seek mentorship opportunities from senior network engineering team members and develop your leadership skills through team projects and initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Space42's technical challenges and growth opportunities provide network engineers with the chance to work on cutting-edge projects, contribute to innovative solutions, and advance their careers in the network engineering field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Infrastructure: Describe your experience with network infrastructure, including routing, switching, and network security.
Network Security: Discuss your approach to network security, including encryption, firewalls, and IPS/IDS.
Troubleshooting: Share examples of network troubleshooting scenarios you've encountered and how you resolved them.
Cloud Networking: Explain your experience with cloud networking technologies and how you've integrated them with on-premises infrastructure.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Mission: Describe how your role as a network engineer contributes to Space42's mission to connect people, inform decisions, and enable action.
Team Dynamics: Discuss how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams in previous roles and how you would apply that experience at Space42.
Adaptability: Explain how you've adapted to changes in network technology and industry trends in your previous roles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Selection: Choose network engineering projects that demonstrate your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and collaboration with multiple teams.
Storytelling: Prepare a compelling narrative that highlights your role in each project, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you implemented.
Visual Aids: Use diagrams, screenshots, and other visual aids to illustrate your network engineering projects and concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation for this role focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise in network engineering, security, and collaboration with multiple teams. The portfolio presentation strategy should reflect these aspects and demonstrate the candidate's fit for the role and the company's long-term goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Network Engineer position at Space42:

Update Your Resume: Highlight your network engineering experience, technical skills, and relevant certifications (CCIE, CCNP, CCNA, ITIL Foundation).
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your network engineering projects, focusing on your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and collaboration with multiple teams.
Research Space42: Familiarize yourself with Space42's mission, company culture, and the space technology industry.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your network engineering knowledge, review relevant concepts, and practice hands-on exercises to assess your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Apply: Submit your application through the provided link, including your resume and portfolio.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Network Engineer