📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Operations Engineer, Sovereign Operations
Company: Google
Location: London, United Kingdom
Job Type: On-site
Category: Infrastructure & Operations
Date Posted: June 26, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🚀 Role Summary

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on designing, operating, and maintaining reliable and resilient networks for critical customers in the UK, spanning traditional networking and software-defined networking in a Kubernetes environment.
Manage and operate private cloud services and underlying networks, automate changes, implement monitoring, and manage core network components.
Collaborate with Infrastructure Engineering teams and learn to troubleshoot common infrastructure problems.
Participate in an on-call rotation to ensure incidents can be resolved.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities revolve around the whole life cycle of private/secure networks, from inception and design to validation, deployment, and operation.
Engage in improving the entire life cycle of private/secure networks, from inception and design to qualification and validation, through deployment, and operation.
Assist engineering and operations teams in building an ecosystem of integration and software automation within private/secure networks.
Work cross-functionally to design, develop, and validate product introductions of network and computing hardware, solutions, and technologies.
Provide technical implementation and operational support in customer environments, including guidance on implementation feasibility of cross-product integrations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field such as computer networking, information security, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5 years of experience in security engineering, DevSecOps, or platform engineering roles. Experience managing or directing field operation technicians, engineers, and extended workforces in a telecommunications environment.

Required Skills:

Experience with cloud networking concepts (such as Load Balancers, Firewalls) and web standards (such as REST APIs, web security mechanisms).
Excellent partner management, attention to detail, and verbal and written communication skills.
Experience with Software Defined Networking, scripting and automation, network architecture, or MPLS L3 VPN.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with Kubernetes and containerization technologies.
Familiarity with network security best practices and threat modeling.
Knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, etc.) and network virtualization technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, having experience with cloud providers (AWS, GCP, Azure) and understanding of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform or CloudFormation would be beneficial for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role is focused on network operations and infrastructure, a portfolio showcasing network design, architecture, and troubleshooting case studies would be most relevant.

Portfolio Essentials:
- Network diagrams and architecture designs.
- Case studies demonstrating network troubleshooting and optimization.
- Documentation of network projects, including configuration files and scripts.
Technical Documentation:
- Detailed network diagrams and architecture overviews.
- Network configuration and management scripts.
- Network performance metrics and optimization techniques.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £90,000 per year (Based on market research for mid-senior level network engineering roles in London)

Benefits:

Competitive salary and stock awards.
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Generous time off, including vacation and various paid leaves, plus a company-wide winter shutdown.
On-site meals, snacks, and drinks.
Employee product discounts and free services.
Fitness facilities and wellness programs.
Professional development opportunities, including access to Google's Learning Platform and external training.

Working Hours: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours. Participation in an on-call rotation is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's benefits are known to be comprehensive and competitive. However, specific details may vary based on the region and employment type.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Google is a multinational technology company specializing in internet-related services and products, including online advertising, search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.

Company Size: Google has over 135,000 employees worldwide, with a significant presence in London.

Founded: 1998

Team Structure:

The Network Operations team works closely with Infrastructure Engineering, Site Reliability Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to ensure reliable and secure network services.
The team follows an on-call rotation to provide 24/7 support for critical customer networks.

Development Methodology:

Google follows Agile methodologies for software development and network operations.
The team uses tools like JIRA and Confluence for project management and collaboration.
Network changes and deployments are automated using tools like Puppet, Chef, and Ansible.

Company Website: Google Careers

📝 Enhancement Note: Google is known for its innovative and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on employee growth and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Operations Engineer Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, focusing on managing and operating private cloud services and underlying networks. The engineer is expected to have a deep understanding of network architecture, cloud networking concepts, and web standards.

Reporting Structure: The Network Operations Engineer reports directly to the Network Operations Manager and works closely with other engineering teams, including Infrastructure Engineering and Site Reliability Engineering.

Technical Impact: The engineer's work directly impacts the reliability, performance, and security of Google's private cloud services and customer networks. They play a crucial role in ensuring that Google's services are available and performant for critical customers.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: With experience and proven performance, engineers can advance to senior roles, such as Network Operations Manager or Technical Lead, or transition into other specialized roles within Google's infrastructure organization.
Technical Skill Development: Google encourages continuous learning and provides resources for engineers to develop new skills and specializations, such as network security, cloud architecture, or software-defined networking.
Leadership Development: As engineers grow within their roles, they may have opportunities to mentor junior team members, lead projects, or take on more significant responsibilities within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google offers numerous growth opportunities for employees, with a strong focus on internal mobility and career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Google's London office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate creativity and innovation. The campus features open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and various amenities, including cafes, fitness facilities, and wellness spaces.

Office Location(s): Google's London office is located in the King's Cross neighborhood, with easy access to public transportation.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Work Environment: Google encourages cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing. Network Operations Engineers work closely with other engineering teams to ensure reliable and secure network services.
Development Tools: Engineers have access to the latest tools and technologies, including network automation and configuration management tools, monitoring and logging platforms, and cloud-based infrastructure services.
Multiple Monitors and Testing Devices: Engineers have access to multiple monitors and testing devices to ensure optimal performance and troubleshooting capabilities.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours. Participation in an on-call rotation is required to ensure 24/7 support for critical customer networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's work environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being. The company offers numerous amenities and resources to support its employees' personal and professional growth.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the candidate's background, experience, and motivation for the role.
On-site Interview: A series of interviews with team members, including technical deep dives, behavioral questions, and case studies. Candidates may also be asked to participate in a live coding or troubleshooting exercise.
Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager or a panel of team members to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Focus on network design, architecture, and troubleshooting case studies that demonstrate the candidate's understanding of network operations and infrastructure.
Highlight any experience with cloud networking concepts, web standards, or relevant tools and technologies.
Be prepared to discuss network performance metrics, optimization techniques, and security best practices.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, etc.) and network virtualization technologies.
Familiarize yourself with cloud networking concepts, web standards, and relevant tools and technologies.
Practice network troubleshooting and optimization exercises to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

ATS Keywords: [Network Engineering, Cloud Networking, Load Balancers, Firewalls, REST APIs, Web Security, Software Defined Networking, Scripting, Automation, Network Architecture, MPLS L3 VPN, Partner Management, Communication Skills, Network Operations, Infrastructure Engineering, Site Reliability Engineering, Agile Methodologies, JIRA, Confluence, Puppet, Chef, Ansible, Network Performance, Network Security, Network Troubleshooting]

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with network operations, infrastructure, and relevant technologies in detail.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Networking Technologies:

Cloud networking concepts (Load Balancers, Firewalls)
Web standards (REST APIs, web security mechanisms)
Software Defined Networking
Network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, etc.)
Network virtualization technologies

Infrastructure Tools:

Puppet, Chef, and Ansible for network automation and configuration management
JIRA and Confluence for project management and collaboration
Monitoring and logging platforms (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack)
Cloud-based infrastructure services (e.g., GCP, AWS, Azure)

📝 Enhancement Note: Google uses a wide range of tools and technologies to manage and operate its private cloud services and underlying networks. Candidates should be familiar with relevant tools and technologies and demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools as needed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Google's Core Values:

Focus on the user: Our first step in building any product is to understand our users and their needs.
Work as one team: We work together, share common goals, and build consensus.
Be a force for good: We consider the impact of our actions on our community and the world around us.
Invent and take risks: We take risks to push the boundaries of what's possible.
Think big: We set ambitious goals and are willing to pursue them, even in the face of uncertainty.

Team Culture:

Collaborative: Google encourages cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing. Network Operations Engineers work closely with other engineering teams to ensure reliable and secure network services.
Innovative: Google fosters a culture of innovation and encourages engineers to push the boundaries of what's possible.
User-focused: Google's primary goal is to understand and meet the needs of its users. Network Operations Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that Google's services are available and performant for critical customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's team culture is characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a strong focus on user needs. The company encourages employees to work together, take risks, and think big to achieve its goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Complexity: Google's network infrastructure is complex and ever-evolving. Network Operations Engineers must be able to navigate this complexity and adapt to change.
Scalability: Google's services must be able to scale to meet the demands of its users. Network Operations Engineers must be able to design and operate networks that can scale to meet these demands.
Security: Google's network must be secure and resilient to attacks. Network Operations Engineers must be able to identify and mitigate security threats and vulnerabilities.
Performance Optimization: Google's services must be performant and reliable. Network Operations Engineers must be able to optimize network performance and ensure that Google's services are available and performant for its users.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Google offers numerous training and development opportunities for its employees, including access to Google's Learning Platform and external training courses.
On-the-job Learning: Google encourages employees to learn and grow within their roles. Network Operations Engineers may have opportunities to work on new projects, take on more significant responsibilities, or transition into other specialized roles within Google's infrastructure organization.
Mentorship: Google offers mentorship programs to help employees develop their skills and advance their careers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's technical challenges and growth opportunities are significant and varied. Network Operations Engineers must be able to navigate complexity, adapt to change, and continuously learn and develop their skills to succeed in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Networking Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of network protocols, cloud networking concepts, and web standards. Brush up on your knowledge of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, Load Balancers, Firewalls, REST APIs, and web security mechanisms.
Network Architecture: Demonstrate your understanding of network architecture, design, and optimization. Be prepared to discuss network virtualization technologies, software-defined networking, and MPLS L3 VPN.
Troubleshooting: Prepare for network troubleshooting and optimization exercises. Familiarize yourself with network performance metrics, optimization techniques, and security best practices.

Company & Culture Questions:

Google's Core Values: Be prepared to discuss how you embody Google's core values, such as focusing on the user, working as one team, being a force for good, inventing and taking risks, and thinking big.
Team Culture: Demonstrate your understanding of Google's collaborative, innovative, and user-focused team culture. Be prepared to discuss how you have worked effectively in collaborative environments and how you approach user-focused problem-solving.
Google's Products & Services: Familiarize yourself with Google's products and services, and be prepared to discuss how you have used or integrated Google's services in your previous roles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Network Design & Architecture: Highlight your network design and architecture case studies, demonstrating your understanding of network operations and infrastructure.
Troubleshooting & Optimization: Showcase your network troubleshooting and optimization case studies, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to optimize network performance.
User Focus: Emphasize your user-focused approach to network operations and infrastructure, demonstrating your ability to understand and meet the needs of Google's users.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Network Operations Engineer, Sovereign Operations position at Google:

Update Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant network engineering, security engineering, and DevSecOps experience. Include specific examples of network design, architecture, and troubleshooting case studies.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing your network design, architecture, and troubleshooting case studies. Include any relevant case studies demonstrating your experience with cloud networking concepts, web standards, or relevant tools and technologies.
Research Google: Familiarize yourself with Google's products, services, and core values. Be prepared to discuss how you embody Google's core values and how your experience aligns with Google's team culture.
Prepare for the Interview: Brush up on your networking fundamentals, network architecture, and troubleshooting skills. Familiarize yourself with Google's interview process and be prepared to discuss your experience with network operations, infrastructure, and relevant technologies in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to invest significant time and effort in preparing for the interview. By following these application steps and tailoring your resume and portfolio to the role, you can increase your chances of success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Network Operations Engineer, Sovereign Operations