Senior Core Network Engineer

Contract: Senior Core Network Engineer Start Date: ASAP (once background checks are completed)Duration: 6 months +Location: Hybrid (2 days a week in either London (City) , Cheshire or SE LondonRate: £400 - £465 a day (Deemed inside IR35 via umbrella solution)Reference: 20795Looking for a Senior engineer with deep Cisco IOS-XR expertise, strong Cisco NSO automation experience, and a proven track record delivering large-scale network migrations, software upgrades, hardware refresh programmes, and automation initiatives within complex global enterprise or service provider environments.You will be capable of delivering SIM Core and Core 2.0 transformation programmes, including Cisco 8000 deployments, IOS-XR lifecycle management, and NSO-based network automation.Role SummaryContract with IT Systems Integrator working on a global Banking client project. Senior Core Network Engineer to join the EMEA Internal Networks Engineering team.Responsible for the design, implementation, automation, and lifecycle management of the firm's global Core Network infrastructure. This role requires strong expertise in Cisco IOS-XR, Cisco NSO, MPLS Segment Routing, Optical Transport technologies, and large-scale network migrations.The engineer will act as a technical SME, leading network transformation initiatives, software upgrades, hardware refresh programmes, automation development, and operational improvements across EMEA and the global network estate.Key ResponsibilitiesCore Network EngineeringDesign, implement, and support large-scale WAN, MAN, and Optical Transport networks.Lead migration and transformation programmes involving:Cisco 8000 Series Routers (8011/8212) / Cisco ASR 9000 Series / Cisco NCS 5500/5700 Platforms / Cisco DWDM Platforms / Arista Routing and Optical PlatformsDevelop Low-Level Designs (LLDs), implementation procedures, migration runbooks, and rollback plans.Deliver network software upgrades, platform lifecycle activities, and hardware refresh programmes.Provide technical leadership for complex engineering and transformation projects.Cisco IOS-XRExpert knowledge of Cisco IOS-XR architecture, operations, and troubleshooting.Strong experience with:Segment Routing (SR-MPLS) / MPLS L2VPN/L3VPN / ISIS / BGP / OSPF / EVPN / Multicast (mLDP/PIM) / QoS / IPv4/IPv6Troubleshoot routing, forwarding, and control-plane issues within large-scale production environments.Network Automation & Cisco NSODevelop and maintain Cisco NSO automation solutions.Design and support:Service Models / YANG Models / Python Automation / NETCONF/REST APIs / Templates and Workflow IntegrationDevelop automation capabilities for provisioning, compliance validation, configuration management, and software upgrades.Drive Infrastructure-as-Code and model-driven network automation initiatives.Operational ExcellenceProduce and maintain engineering standards, operational procedures, and technical documentation.Support change management processes including CRQs, CAB reviews, and implementation activities.Perform root cause analysis and drive continuous service improvement.Collaborate with architecture, operations, vendors, and project teams to deliver strategic initiatives.Required SkillsCore Networking10+ years of experience within large enterprise or service provider environments.Expert knowledge of:MPLS / Segment Routing (SR-MPLS) / ISIS / BGP / OSPF /EVPN / L2VPN/L3VPN / Multicast / QoS / IPv4/IPv6Cisco IOS-XRCisco 8000 Series / ASR 9000 / NCS 5500/5700Cisco NSO & AutomationStrong Cisco NSO experience.YANG / Python / NETCONF / REST APIs / gNMI / GitOptical NetworkingCisco DWDM / Optical Transport Networks / Dark Fibre /Carrier Services / Metro Ethernet / Long-haul Optical InfrastructureTools & TechnologiesCisco NSO / Forward Networks / HPNA / SevOne / Splunk / NetScout / Wireshark / NNMi OBM / IBM Watson / Jira ConfluenceProfessional SkillsStrong analytical and troubleshooting skills.Excellent verbal and written communication.Strong stakeholder management and vendor engagement experience.Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives.Networking People (UK) is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.JBRP1_UKTJ