Network Operations Engineer

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