Infrastructure Engineer – Production Network Engineering reference: 0000052619

## Dive into the Cutting Edge of Network Engineering at Barclays: An Infrastructure Engineer - Production Network Engineering Opportunity Barclays is offering a compelling opportunity for experienced Infrastructure Engineers to join their newly formed Network Product Design & Engineering domain. This role is at the forefront of shaping Barclays' digital future, focusing on the design, build, and operational excellence of their production network infrastructure. If you're a driven engineer passionate about innovation and possess a deep understanding of network technologies, this could be your next career-defining move. ### What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out? This position presents a unique chance to be part of a mission-aligned operating model, directly influencing the evolution of a critical infrastructure domain within a globally recognized financial institution. Here's a breakdown of the key advantages for potential candidates: * Pioneering Role: You'll be instrumental in establishing and refining "Production Network Engineering" within a brand-new domain. This means a direct impact on strategy, processes, and the technological direction of Barclays' network. * End-to-End Responsibility: The role encompasses the full lifecycle of network products and services – from initial requirements analysis and design to testing, deployment, and ongoing operation. This holistic approach offers invaluable experience. * Technological Breadth: Barclays is seeking individuals with extensive knowledge across all seven layers of the OSI model. You'll have the chance to work with a wide array of protocols and technologies, including advanced areas like Software Defined Networking (SDN), network instrumentation, and cutting-edge wireless standards. * Embrace Automation and DevOps: A strong emphasis is placed on network programming, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and DevOps principles. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your skills in automation, enhance efficiency, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. * Cloud and Virtualization Exposure: Experience with virtual infrastructure ecosystems like Openstack, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms (public, private, hybrid) is highly valued. You'll be working with modern, flexible infrastructure solutions. * Security Focus: The role includes a significant responsibility for implementing robust security measures, including Network Access Control (NAC) and Zero Trust networking principles, crucial in today's threat landscape. * Career Growth and Development: Barclays is committed to fostering a culture of technical excellence. You'll be encouraged to stay abreast of industry trends, contribute to technology communities, and potentially mentor less experienced engineers. * Strategic Impact: As an individual contributor, you'll be a subject matter expert, guiding technical direction and contributing to long-term strategic decisions that impact profitability and organizational risk. ### Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates: To thrive in this role, candidates should carefully assess their alignment with the following requirements and expectations: * Deep Technical Proficiency: The job description outlines a rigorous technical skillset. Candidates must possess extensive, hands-on experience in designing, building, and operating complex network products. A strong grasp of Layer 1-4 protocols is essential, alongside familiarity with newer technologies like VXLAN, SDN, and network instrumentation. * Virtualization and Open Networking Acumen: Familiarity with virtual infrastructure ecosystems and open networking technologies (e.g., routing daemons, ONF stack, Linux networking) is critical for building modern, scalable solutions. * Automation and IaC Expertise: Demonstrable experience with network programming, IaC tools (Terraform, Ansible, etc.), and data modeling (NETCONF/YANG) is a significant advantage and will be key to success. * Agile and DevOps Mindset: Proficiency in Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) and experience with CI/CD pipelines are expected. Candidates should be comfortable working in dynamic, iterative environments. * Operational Excellence: Beyond design and build, a strong understanding of network element management, control, and data planes, along with incident management and driving down Mean Time To Resolution (MTTR), is vital. * Security Awareness: Experience with network security concepts, including NAC and AAA, and a commitment to secure configurations are paramount. * Strategic and Business Acumen: While technical skills are paramount, Barclays also values candidates who can demonstrate strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to contribute to broader organizational goals. Risk and controls management is also a key assessment area. * Location: This role is based in Barclays' Knutsford office. In summary, this Infrastructure Engineer – Production Network Engineering position at Barclays is an exceptional opportunity for seasoned professionals to make a significant impact on a critical technological domain. It offers a chance to work with a broad spectrum of advanced technologies, drive automation initiatives, and contribute to the strategic direction of a leading financial services organization. Candidates who possess the required technical depth, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to operational excellence will find this role highly rewarding and a significant step forward in their career journey.