Network Engineer - Inside IR35 - Government

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Network Engineer - Inside IR35 - Government
• Company: Methods Business and Digital Technology
• Location: Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
• Job Type: Contract (On-site, 5 days a week)
• Category: Network Engineering
• Date Posted: 2025-06-29
• Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, implement, and support on-premises network infrastructure for a government client.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues across switching, routing, and firewall layers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain network performance and security.
• Provide documentation and support for ongoing network changes and upgrades.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on on-premises networking, with a proven track record in complex environments and hands-on experience with enterprise-grade hardware and security platforms.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Network Infrastructure Management: Design, implement, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure, ensuring high availability and optimal performance.
• Network Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve network issues across switching, routing, and firewall layers, minimizing downtime and service disruptions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with various teams to ensure network performance and security align with overall project goals and objectives.
• Documentation and Support: Document network changes, configurations, and troubleshooting steps, providing support for ongoing network upgrades and maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong commitment to maintaining network performance and security.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Relevant degree or certifications in Network Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (e.g., CCNP, CCIE).

Experience: Proven track record as a Network Engineer in complex environments, with at least 5-10 years of experience in on-premises networking.

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of on-premises networking, including:
  • Layer 2/3 switching and routing
  • VLANs, VPNs, BGP, OSPF
  • Network segmentation and high availability design
• Hands-on experience with Cisco network equipment (CCNP level or equivalent knowledge preferred)
• Good working knowledge of Fortinet (FortiGate) and Palo Alto Networks firewalls
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
• Experience with network documentation and support processes

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in government or highly secure environments
• Familiarity with government networking standards and compliance requirements
• Knowledge of network automation and scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible)
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios)

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in government networking and security standards will have a competitive advantage for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Detailed network diagrams and schematics, demonstrating your understanding of network architecture and design.
• Case studies or examples of network troubleshooting, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to minimize downtime.
• Documentation of network changes, configurations, and troubleshooting steps, showcasing your attention to detail and commitment to knowledge sharing.

Technical Documentation:

• Network design and architecture documents, outlining your approach to network segmentation, high availability, and performance optimization.
• Network change management processes, demonstrating your ability to manage network upgrades and maintenance effectively.
• Network troubleshooting guides, showcasing your ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a traditional web portfolio may not be applicable for this role, candidates should focus on demonstrating their network engineering skills through relevant documentation, case studies, and examples of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £700 per day (Inside IR35)

Benefits:

• On-site work arrangement in Stevenage, with a full-time presence required (5 days a week).
• Opportunity to work on high-impact government projects, with a focus on network security and compliance.

Working Hours: Standard working hours, with flexibility for on-call duties and maintenance windows as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is inside IR35, with a daily rate of £700. Candidates should be prepared to commit to full-time on-site presence in Stevenage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government and public sector technology services.

Company Size: Medium-sized organization with a focus on digital transformation and technology-enabled business solutions.

Founded: Methods Business and Digital Technology was founded in 1999, with a strong track record in delivering complex technology projects for government and public sector clients.

Team Structure:

• The network engineering team is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining on-premises network infrastructure for government clients.
• The team works closely with other technical teams, including security, software development, and project management, to ensure network performance and security align with overall project goals and objectives.
• The team is led by experienced network engineering managers, who provide guidance and support to team members.

Development Methodology:

• Agile methodologies are used to manage network projects, with a focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Network changes and upgrades are managed through a structured change management process, ensuring minimal disruption to services and optimal network performance.
• Network monitoring and management tools are used to proactively identify and resolve network issues, minimizing downtime and service disruptions.

Company Website: methods.co.uk

📝 Enhancement Note: Methods Business and Digital Technology has a strong focus on delivering technology-enabled business solutions to government and public sector clients. The company values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with a commitment to delivering high-quality services to its clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineering Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, with a focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining on-premises network infrastructure for government clients. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in complex network environments and a strong commitment to maintaining network performance and security.

Reporting Structure: The Network Engineer will report directly to the Network Engineering Manager, who is responsible for guiding and supporting the team's technical development and ensuring network performance and security align with overall project goals and objectives.

Technical Impact: The Network Engineer will play a critical role in maintaining network performance and security for government clients, ensuring optimal service delivery and minimizing downtime. The role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure network infrastructure aligns with overall project goals and objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: The role offers opportunities to develop technical skills in on-premises networking, with a focus on enterprise-grade hardware and security platforms. Candidates will have the chance to work on high-impact government projects, with a focus on network security and compliance.
• Leadership Potential: With experience and strong performance, candidates may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the network engineering team, guiding and supporting the technical development of junior team members.
• Career Progression: The role offers opportunities for career progression within the network engineering team, with a focus on developing technical expertise and leadership skills. Candidates may also have the opportunity to explore other technical roles within the organization, such as security engineering or software development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical skill development and career progression within the network engineering team. Candidates with a strong commitment to maintaining network performance and security, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, will be well-positioned for success in this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site office environment in Stevenage, with a full-time presence required (5 days a week).

Office Location(s): Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Workspace Context:

• The on-site office provides a collaborative work environment, with dedicated spaces for team meetings and workshops.
• Network engineers have access to enterprise-grade hardware and security platforms, enabling them to design, implement, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure effectively.
• The office is equipped with modern technology, including high-speed internet access and state-of-the-art network management tools.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours, with flexibility for on-call duties and maintenance windows as required. The role requires a full-time on-site presence in Stevenage (5 days a week).

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work arrangement in Stevenage offers a collaborative and supportive work environment, with access to enterprise-grade hardware and security platforms. Candidates should be prepared to commit to full-time on-site presence in Stevenage.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and interest in the role. Be prepared to discuss your network engineering background and relevant projects.
2. Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on your ability to design, implement, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure. Be prepared to discuss your approach to network segmentation, high availability, and performance optimization.
3. Behavioral Interview: A structured interview focusing on your problem-solving skills, communication, and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss your approach to network troubleshooting, change management, and stakeholder engagement.
4. Final Interview: A final interview with the Network Engineering Manager, focusing on your fit with the team and overall project goals and objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on demonstrating your network engineering skills through relevant documentation, case studies, and examples of your work.
• Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to minimize downtime, with a focus on network troubleshooting and change management.
• Showcase your attention to detail and commitment to knowledge sharing, with a focus on network documentation and support processes.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your knowledge of on-premises networking, including Layer 2/3 switching, routing, VLANs, VPNs, BGP, and OSPF.
• Familiarize yourself with Cisco network equipment and enterprise-grade security platforms, such as Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks.
• Prepare for network troubleshooting scenarios, demonstrating your ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.

ATS Keywords:

• Network Engineering
• On-Premises Networking
• Layer 2/3 Switching
• Routing
• VLANs
• VPNs
• BGP
• OSPF
• Network Segmentation
• High Availability Design
• Cisco Equipment
• Fortinet
• Palo Alto Networks
• Problem Solving
• Network Documentation
• Change Management
• Network Troubleshooting
• Network Performance Optimization
• Network Security
• Government Networking Standards
• Network Automation
• Network Monitoring

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for this role will focus on assessing your network engineering skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to maintaining network performance and security. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise through relevant documentation, case studies, and examples of their work.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Networking Technologies:

• Cisco network equipment (routers, switches, firewalls)
• Fortinet (FortiGate) firewalls
• Palo Alto Networks firewalls
• Layer 2/3 switching and routing protocols (VLANs, VPNs, BGP, OSPF)
• Network segmentation and high availability design

Network Management Tools:

• SolarWinds
• Nagios
• Other enterprise-grade network management tools

Network Automation Tools:

• Python
• Ansible
• Other scripting languages and automation tools

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on enterprise-grade hardware and security platforms, with a strong emphasis on on-premises networking. Candidates should have hands-on experience with Cisco network equipment and enterprise-grade firewalls, as well as familiarity with network management and automation tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineering Values:

• Expertise: A deep understanding of on-premises networking, with a commitment to maintaining network performance and security.
• Collaboration: Working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure network infrastructure aligns with overall project goals and objectives.
• Problem-solving: A proactive approach to network troubleshooting, with a focus on minimizing downtime and service disruptions.
• Attention to detail: A commitment to network documentation and support processes, ensuring knowledge sharing and optimal network performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration: Working closely with software development, security, and project management teams to ensure network infrastructure aligns with overall project goals and objectives.
• Knowledge sharing: A commitment to network documentation and support processes, ensuring optimal network performance and minimizing downtime.
• Continuous improvement: A focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and collaboration, with a commitment to delivering high-quality services to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The network engineering team at Methods Business and Digital Technology values expertise, collaboration, and problem-solving, with a commitment to maintaining network performance and security. Candidates should be prepared to work closely with cross-functional teams and demonstrate their technical expertise through relevant documentation, case studies, and examples of their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Network Complexity: Designing, implementing, and maintaining on-premises network infrastructure for government clients, with a focus on network segmentation, high availability, and performance optimization.
• Network Security: Ensuring network performance and security align with government networking standards and compliance requirements.
• Network Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving complex network issues, minimizing downtime and service disruptions.
• Network Change Management: Managing network changes and upgrades effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to services and optimal network performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: Developing technical skills in on-premises networking, with a focus on enterprise-grade hardware and security platforms.
• Career Progression: Exploring opportunities for career progression within the network engineering team, with a focus on developing technical expertise and leadership skills.
• Industry Knowledge: Gaining a deeper understanding of government networking standards and compliance requirements, with a focus on network security and performance optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical skill development and career progression within the network engineering team. Candidates should be prepared to tackle complex network challenges and demonstrate their commitment to maintaining network performance and security.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Network Design: Discuss your approach to network segmentation, high availability, and performance optimization. Provide examples of network designs you have implemented in previous roles.
• Network Troubleshooting: Describe your process for diagnosing and resolving complex network issues. Provide examples of network troubleshooting scenarios you have encountered in previous roles.
• Network Security: Explain your understanding of government networking standards and compliance requirements. Discuss your approach to network security and performance optimization.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Team Dynamics: Describe your experience working in cross-functional teams. Discuss your approach to collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Project Management: Explain your understanding of Agile methodologies and their application to network projects. Discuss your experience with network change management processes.
• Government Networking: Discuss your experience working in government or highly secure environments. Explain your understanding of government networking standards and compliance requirements.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Network Diagrams: Prepare detailed network diagrams and schematics, demonstrating your understanding of network architecture and design.
• Case Studies: Develop case studies or examples of network troubleshooting, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to minimize downtime.
• Documentation: Prepare documentation of network changes, configurations, and troubleshooting steps, showcasing your attention to detail and commitment to knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to maintaining network performance and security. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise through relevant documentation, case studies, and examples of their work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Network Engineer - Inside IR35 - Government position:

1. Submit your application: Click on the application link provided and submit your resume, highlighting your network engineering experience and relevant projects.
2. Prepare for the phone screen: Brush up on your network engineering background and be ready to discuss your experience, qualifications, and interest in the role.
3. Complete the technical assessment: Demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure, with a focus on network segmentation, high availability, and performance optimization.
4. Attend the behavioral interview: Showcase your problem-solving skills, communication, and collaboration, with a focus on network troubleshooting, change management, and stakeholder engagement.
5. Final interview: Prepare for a final interview with the Network Engineering Manager, focusing on your fit with the team and overall project goals and objectives.

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