Senior Network Architect

Methods

. Assess, document and improve enterprise network architecture in a secure defence environment .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeBristol • United KingdomSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong expertise in enterprise network architecture, including the ability to assess existing implementations and produce High Level and Low Level Designs. Proficient in Cisco ACI, routing, firewall configurations, and disaster recovery planning within secure environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Enterprise Network ArchitectureCisco ACI ExperienceCisco Routing KnowledgeNetwork Disaster Recovery AssessmentTechnical Writing and Communication

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

High Level DesignLow Level DesignCisco ACI Fabric ArchitectureIP AddressingRouting ProtocolsCisco ASA Firewall ConfigurationF5 Load BalancersNetwork Resilience TestingDisaster Recovery PlanningTechnical Documentation

Soft Skills

Stakeholder CommunicationIndependent WorkCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Cisco ACICisco ASAF5 Load BalancersNetwork Monitoring Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

CCNPCCIEUK SC Clearance

Industry Keywords

DefenceGovernmentRegulated EnvironmentsConfiguration Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assess, document and improve enterprise network architecture in a secure defence environment
Review live network implementations, configurations and legacy design material across two data centres
Identify gaps between documented and actual network operation
Produce current-state High Level Designs and Low Level Designs with topology diagrams, connectivity flows and technical dependencies
Review Cisco ACI, routing, firewall and load-balancing arrangements with Architecture and Network support teams
Produce a Network Review and Recommendation Report identifying practical, low-risk improvements
Assess Cisco ACI application-centric capabilities, including application relationships, segmentation and policy design
Present a prioritised improvement roadmap with sequencing, interdependencies, implementation considerations and service impact
Produce a Network Disaster Recovery Capability Report assessing requirements for active/active connectivity between two data centres
Explain connectivity limitations, implementation approaches, risks and additional hardware, software or licensing requirements
Lead technical review discussions, resolve design comments and secure documentation sign-off
Maintain controlled technical documentation and supporting evidence
Contribute to risk and issue reporting and submit deliverables through agreed secure channels
Work independently while collaborating with client architects, network engineers and other suppliers
Ensure implementation or production configuration changes are separately agreed and authorised through client change controls
Maintain document identifiers, revision history and security markings according to client data-management requirements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong enterprise network architecture experience, including assessing existing implementations and producing accurate High Level Designs and Low Level Designs
Hands-on Cisco ACI experience, including fabric architecture, tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, endpoint groups and contracts, with understanding of application-centric policy design
Strong Cisco routing knowledge and practical understanding of IP addressing, routing protocols, segmentation and connectivity between data centres
Experience reviewing Cisco ASA firewall configurations, traffic flows, access policies, NAT and high-availability arrangements
Experience with F5 load balancers, including traffic management, health monitoring, resilience and dependencies on surrounding network services
Experience assessing network disaster recovery and active/active designs, including failure scenarios, failover behaviour, routing symmetry and stateful service dependencies
Ability to investigate live configurations safely, identify technical constraints and recommend proportionate changes with clear implementation and operational impacts
Strong technical writing, diagramming and stakeholder communication skills, with experience taking designs through formal review and approval
Desirable: Cisco ACI deployments spanning multiple data centres and migration towards application-centric policies
Desirable: Network resilience testing, recovery planning and assessment of hardware, software and licensing options
Desirable: Defence, government or other regulated environments with controlled technical data and formal configuration management
Desirable: Relevant Cisco, F5 or network architecture certifications, such as CCNP or CCIE
Minimum UK SC clearance required
Must have or be willing to go through Security Clearance and complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard onboarding checks
Ability to work at Bristol 3 to 4 days a week for the first 3 months, reducing thereafter; hybrid work depends on client approval, access arrangements and security restrictions
Attendance at other authorised sites may be required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
Exciting project work making a difference in society
Supportive and collaborative environment
Development access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme and training
Wellness 24/7 Confidential employee assistance programme
Social events including Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and monthly Pizza Thursdays
Commitment to charitable causes
25 days' time off per year
Pension Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution
Discretionary Company Bonus based on company and individual performance
Life Assurance of 4 times base salary
Non-contributory Private Medical Insurance, including spouse and dependants
Non-contributory Worldwide Travel Insurance, including spouse and dependants