Network Engineer II – Juniper & Meraki (Restaurants) at McDonald's Corporation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Engineer II – Juniper & Meraki (Restaurants)
Company: McDonald's Corporation
Location: London, London, City of, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Network Infrastructure & Security
Date Posted: 2025-06-25
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Monitor and maintain network performance for global restaurant operations
Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, ensuring high availability and reliability
Implement and manage network security measures to protect data and systems
Collaborate with global teams to develop and deploy innovative network solutions
Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and propose their integration into current projects

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on network performance monitoring, issue resolution, and security management. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in large-scale network environments and experience with Juniper and Meraki solutions.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Infrastructure Management: Develop, manage, and implement network infrastructure supporting restaurant operations, including point-of-sale systems and other business-critical applications
Network Hardware Management: Manage and maintain network hardware, such as routers, access points, switches, and firewalls
Network Troubleshooting & Deployment: Troubleshoot, test, implement, design, deploy, and maintain network configurations and traffic flows
Collaboration & Solution Development: Collaborate with fellow engineers to apply best practices and develop solutions for applications that leverage the latest network technologies
Proof of Concepts & Technical Feasibility Studies: Drive proof of concepts and conduct technical feasibility studies for business requirements
Stakeholder Management & Communication: Effectively communicate project health, risks, and issues to program stakeholders, sponsors, and management teams
Emergency Support: Provide urgent support and troubleshooting for customers outside of regular business hours

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (or related field) is preferred but not required

Experience: Extensive experience required in the following areas:

Routing and switching technologies (supporting large networks with hundreds of sites)
Meraki and Juniper L2 & L3 switch installation, administration, and management
Meraki and Juniper security appliances configuration and management
Meraki and Juniper wireless solutions and access points configuration and management
Familiarity with Meraki Dashboard and Juniper Mist Dashboard, and knowledge of using configuration templates
Knowledge of networking protocols such as OSPF, BGP, VTP, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, LAN/WAN, and VPN design
Experience with Palo Alto firewalls and Palo Alto Prisma (cloud-based version)

Required Skills:

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
Proven ability to thrive in agile environments
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Experience with Juniper and Meraki solutions
Familiarity with network performance monitoring tools and techniques

Preferred Skills:

Cisco Professional Level Designation (CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, CCNP Data Center, etc.)
Experience with large-scale network deployments and management
Familiarity with network automation and orchestration tools

📊 Network Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Specific examples of network performance monitoring and optimization projects
Case studies demonstrating network issue resolution and problem-solving skills
Projects showcasing network security implementation and management
Examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams on network infrastructure projects

Technical Documentation:

Detailed network diagrams and topology maps
Network configuration and management documentation
Network performance monitoring and optimization reports
Network security policies and procedures

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £55,000 - £70,000 per annum (based on market research for network engineering roles in London with 5-10 years of experience)

Benefits:

Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans
Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a global organization
A dynamic and inclusive work environment that values diversity and fosters innovation

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, with on-call rotation for emergency support

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: McDonald's is a global fast-food restaurant chain, operating in over 100 countries worldwide. The company's technology division focuses on delivering modern and relevant technology that supports the way McDonald's works.

Company Size: McDonald's Corporation is a large, multinational organization with over 38,000 restaurants in over 100 countries. The Global Technology Infrastructure & Operations (GTIO) team is responsible for delivering foundational technology products and services that support the restaurant network globally.

Founded: 1940, with the first restaurant opened by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California

Team Structure:

The Global Technology Infrastructure & Operations (GTIO) team is responsible for delivering foundational technology products and services that support the restaurant network globally
The Restaurant Network Products (RNP) team focuses on delivering modern and relevant technology that supports the way McDonald's works
The Network Engineer role reports to the Sr. Technical Product Manager

Development Methodology:

Agile methodologies, including Daily Scrums, management of Backlogs, Sprints, and User Stories, using JIRA and Confluence
Collaborative cross-functional teamwork, with a focus on stakeholder management and communication

Company Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: McDonald's is a large, global organization with a strong focus on technology innovation and digital transformation. The company values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, providing opportunities for professional development and career growth within a dynamic and inclusive work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineering Career Level: This role is at the intermediate to senior level, with a focus on network performance monitoring, issue resolution, and security management. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in large-scale network environments and experience with Juniper and Meraki solutions.

Reporting Structure: The Network Engineer reports to the Sr. Technical Product Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, product managers, and other network engineers.

Technical Impact: The Network Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of the global restaurant network. Their work directly impacts the customer experience and the overall success of the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific network technologies, such as Juniper or Meraki solutions, or specialize in network security, performance optimization, or automation
Technical Leadership: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior team members, leading projects, or taking on more strategic roles within the organization
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expand knowledge and skills by working with other teams, such as software development, data analytics, or cybersecurity

📝 Enhancement Note: McDonald's offers opportunities for professional development and career growth within a global organization. The Network Engineer role provides a strong foundation for building a successful career in network infrastructure and security.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office environment with a focus on agile methodologies and cross-functional teamwork

Office Location(s): London, with the possibility of remote work for specific projects or tasks

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: Open-plan offices with dedicated team spaces and meeting rooms
Technology & Tools: Modern hardware and software, including Juniper and Meraki solutions, network performance monitoring tools, and collaboration platforms (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)
Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and remote work options to support work-life balance

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, with on-call rotation for emergency support

📝 Enhancement Note: McDonald's offers a modern, collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and cross-functional teamwork. The organization values work-life balance and provides flexible working arrangements to support employees' personal and professional growth.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone or Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess communication skills and cultural fit (30-45 minutes)
Technical Assessment: A hands-on network configuration and troubleshooting exercise, focusing on Juniper and Meraki solutions (60-90 minutes)
On-site Interview: A comprehensive discussion of the candidate's experience, skills, and career aspirations, including a tour of the office and the opportunity to meet the team (2-3 hours)
Final Decision: A decision will be made within one week of the final interview, with an offer extended to the successful candidate

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight specific network performance monitoring and optimization projects, demonstrating the ability to identify and resolve network issues
Showcase network security implementation and management projects, emphasizing the ability to protect data and systems from threats
Provide examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams on network infrastructure projects, demonstrating strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on Juniper and Meraki solutions, focusing on network performance monitoring, configuration, and management
Familiarize yourself with network protocols, such as OSPF, BGP, VTP, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, LAN/WAN, and VPN design
Prepare for questions about network security, performance optimization, and automation

ATS Keywords: See the comprehensive list of network infrastructure and security-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category: Routing & Switching, Network Security, Network Protocols, Network Management, Network Performance Monitoring, Juniper Solutions, Meraki Solutions, Palo Alto Firewalls, Agile Methodologies, Stakeholder Management, etc.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Network Engineer role at McDonald's is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in network infrastructure and security, with a proven track record in large-scale network environments and experience with Juniper and Meraki solutions.

🛠 Technology Stack & Network Infrastructure

Network Hardware:

Juniper MX, SRX, EX, and QFX series routers and switches
Meraki MX, MS, and MR series routers, switches, and access points
Palo Alto PA-Series and VM-Series firewalls

Network Protocols:

OSPF, BGP, VTP, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, LAN/WAN, and VPN design

Network Performance Monitoring Tools:

Meraki Dashboard and Juniper Mist Dashboard
SolarWinds, Nagios, or other network performance monitoring platforms

Network Management Tools:

JIRA and Confluence for project management and collaboration
Ansible, Puppet, or Chef for network automation and configuration management

📝 Enhancement Note: The Network Engineer role at McDonald's requires expertise in Juniper and Meraki solutions, as well as a strong understanding of network protocols, performance monitoring, and management tools. The ideal candidate will have experience in large-scale network environments and a proven track record in network infrastructure and security.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineering Values:

Customer Focus: Prioritize network performance, reliability, and security to ensure the best possible customer experience
Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative network solutions that meet business requirements
Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices in network infrastructure and security
Resilience: Demonstrate adaptability and problem-solving skills in the face of network challenges and unexpected events

Collaboration Style:

Agile Methodologies: Work within an agile framework, using Daily Scrums, management of Backlogs, Sprints, and User Stories, JIRA, and Confluence
Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborate with software engineers, product managers, and other network engineers to deliver innovative network solutions
Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing: Share expertise and learn from colleagues through mentoring, training, and knowledge-sharing sessions

📝 Enhancement Note: The Network Engineer role at McDonald's requires strong collaboration skills, with a focus on working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative network solutions. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in large-scale network environments and experience with Juniper and Meraki solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Performance Optimization: Identify and resolve network performance issues, ensuring high availability and low latency for business-critical applications
Network Security Enhancement: Implement and manage network security measures to protect data and systems from evolving threats
Emerging Technologies Integration: Stay up-to-date with emerging network technologies and propose their integration into current projects
Large-Scale Network Management: Manage and maintain network hardware, configurations, and traffic flows across a global restaurant network

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Participate in training programs and certifications to deepen expertise in network infrastructure and security
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to network with peers and learn about emerging technologies and best practices
Mentoring & Coaching: Seek mentorship from experienced network engineers and other technical leaders within the organization
Leadership Development: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior team members, leading projects, or taking on more strategic roles within the organization

📝 Enhancement Note: The Network Engineer role at McDonald's presents numerous technical challenges and growth opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in network infrastructure and security, with a proven track record in large-scale network environments and experience with Juniper and Meraki solutions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Performance Monitoring: Describe your experience with network performance monitoring tools and techniques, and how you have used them to identify and resolve network issues
Network Configuration & Management: Walk through a network configuration or management scenario, explaining your approach to designing, deploying, and maintaining network infrastructure
Network Security: Discuss your experience with network security implementation and management, and how you have protected data and systems from threats
Network Troubleshooting: Describe a complex network issue you have faced and how you diagnosed and resolved it

Company & Culture Questions:

Agile Methodologies: Explain your experience with agile methodologies and how you have used them to deliver network solutions that meet business requirements
Cross-Functional Teamwork: Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams, and how you have collaborated to deliver innovative network solutions
Network Infrastructure & Security: Discuss your understanding of network infrastructure and security, and how you have applied this knowledge to support business objectives

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Network Performance Monitoring: Highlight specific network performance monitoring and optimization projects, demonstrating your ability to identify and resolve network issues
Network Security Implementation: Showcase network security implementation and management projects, emphasizing your ability to protect data and systems from threats
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Provide examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams on network infrastructure projects, demonstrating strong communication and stakeholder management skills

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Network Engineer role at McDonald's is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in network infrastructure and security, with a proven track record in large-scale network environments and experience with Juniper and Meraki solutions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Network Engineer II – Juniper & Meraki (Restaurants) position at McDonald's:

Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing
Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant network infrastructure and security experience, with a focus on Juniper and Meraki solutions
Prepare for the interview process by reviewing the technical interview preparation guide and practicing common network configuration and troubleshooting scenarios
Research McDonald's, the Global Technology Infrastructure & Operations (GTIO) team, and the Restaurant Network Products (RNP) team to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its technology initiatives

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

Network Engineer II – Juniper & Meraki (Restaurants)