Role Description
The Network Operations Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, configuration, monitoring, and support of network and connectivity services across client and internal environments. This is a hands-on technical role combining day-to-day operational management with project delivery, ensuring SysGroup's network infrastructure is secure, reliable, and continuously improving.
Key Responsibilities
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Network Monitoring & Operations
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Monitor network infrastructure and connectivity services to ensure high availability and performance.
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Respond to alerts and incidents affecting network services.
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Maintain operational oversight of managed network platforms including WAN, LAN, and wireless.
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Use network monitoring platforms (e.g. Nagios, PRTG, Meraki Dashboard) to maintain service health.
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Project Delivery
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Deliver end-to-end network projects including WAN provisioning, LAN and wireless deployment, and firewall configuration.
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Build and configure routers, firewalls, switches, and access points based on approved HLTDs/LLTDs and governance standards.
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Coordinate with ISPs, carriers, and vendors for circuit activation, hardware delivery, and configuration validation.
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Conduct testing, cutover, and post-deployment verification to ensure stability and service readiness.
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Manage change windows and implementation plans, including rollback and communication procedures.
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Incident & Problem Management
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Investigate and resolve network incidents and service disruptions.
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Perform root cause analysis for recurring network problems and feed improvement recommendations back to design and architecture.
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Act as a 3rd-line escalation point for complex connectivity issues when not engaged in project delivery.
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Escalate unresolved or critical issues appropriately within the support chain.
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Network Infrastructure Management
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Configure and maintain networking components including routers, switches, firewalls, and connectivity services.
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Manage WAN, LAN, and VPN connections across client environments.
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Support the onboarding of new clients to managed network services.
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Assist with network upgrades, configuration changes, and platform improvements.
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Network Security
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Support the secure configuration of network infrastructure including firewall policies, VPN, and access controls.
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Work with the cyber security team to ensure network security best practices are maintained.
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Monitor network environments for potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
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Documentation & Transition to Service
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Produce comprehensive handover documentation including topology diagrams, configuration exports, and monitoring templates.
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Deliver knowledge transfer sessions and technical briefings to Service Engineers.
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Ensure all configurations are labelled, version-controlled, and recorded in the CMDB.
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Update internal templates and SOPs to reflect lessons learned from project execution.
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Collaboration & Project Support
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Work closely with the Connectivity Architect to ensure all deployments align with SysGroup's design standards and security posture.
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Support infrastructure, cloud, and platform teams with networking expertise.
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Participate in internal QA reviews and continuous improvement cycles.
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Provide feedback on design practicalities and propose operational optimisations.
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Continuous Improvement
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Identify opportunities to improve monitoring, automation, and operational efficiency.
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Contribute to improving the reliability and resilience of network services.
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Contribute to improvements in network operational procedures and standards.
Qualifications
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4–6 years' experience managing enterprise or managed network infrastructure, ideally within an MSP environment.
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Proven track record in both operational network management and project-based delivery.
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Experience working with connectivity providers and networking vendors.
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Ability to work in operational environments supporting client infrastructure.
Requirements
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Technical Skills
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Strong understanding of networking principles including routing, switching, and secure connectivity.
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Firewalls – Cisco, Meraki, or WatchGuard (policy creation, VPNs, NAT, HA setup).
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Routing & Switching – VLANs, spanning tree, QoS, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), trunking, and redundancy.
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WAN & ISP Coordination – circuit provisioning, handover testing, and vendor escalation.
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Wireless – AP deployment, SSID configuration, controller management, and coverage validation.
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Network monitoring and diagnostic tools (Nagios, PRTG, Meraki Dashboard, or equivalent).
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Comfortable producing network documentation and topology diagrams.
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Knowledge of change management processes and ITIL service transitions.
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Scripting or automation exposure (Python, Ansible, PowerShell) is advantageous.
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Desirable – Connectivity Security & Zero Trust
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Exposure to SASE/SSE platforms (e.g. Zscaler ZIA/ZPA, Netskope, Palo Alto Prisma Access) and how they integrate with traditional WAN and firewall estates.
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Understanding of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) principles and experience supporting migration away from legacy VPN and perimeter-based access.
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Familiarity with SD-WAN security overlays and secure application segmentation for distributed client environments.
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Awareness of identity-aware networking, integrating connectivity with identity providers (Entra ID, Okta) for policy-based access decisions.
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Vendor certifications such as Zscaler ZCCA/ZCCP, Palo Alto PCNSE, or equivalent SASE/SSE credentials.
Benefits
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Competitive salary package, including performance-based incentives.
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Private Healthcare
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Life insurance
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Healthcare cash plan
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Pension
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Growth opportunities with access to various training material and ongoing career advancement opportunities.
