Infrastructure Engineer - Production Network Engineering reference: 0000052625

This review provides a professional overview of the Infrastructure Engineer - Production Network Engineering role at Barclays. It aims to highlight the advantages and key considerations for potential candidates, offering guidance for their career development.

Barclays is seeking an accomplished Infrastructure Engineer to join their newly formed Network Product Design & Engineering domain. This is a pivotal role within the Production Network Engineering mission, focused on designing, building, and running strategic network infrastructure platforms. The opportunity is to revolutionize Barclays' digital landscape, ensuring seamless customer experiences through innovative technology solutions.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Transformative Impact: You will be at the forefront of evolving Barclays' digital offerings, directly contributing to innovation and excellence in a mission-aligned operating model.
• Cutting-Edge Technology Exposure: The role demands and offers extensive experience with a broad spectrum of modern networking technologies, including Openstack, Kubernetes, KVM, various Linux-based open NOS (SONiC, Cumulus), routing daemons, eBPF, VPP, XDP, and advanced overlay IP/VPN technologies.
• Automation & DevOps Focus: A strong emphasis is placed on network programming, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), configuration management, and data modeling, utilizing tools like Python, Ansible, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines. This provides a rich environment to hone your DevOps and SRE skills.
• Comprehensive Network Understanding: Candidates will deepen their expertise across all 7 layers of the OSI stack, with a particular focus on Layer 1-4 protocols, wireless standards, MEF standards (CE 3.0, LSO), ETSI MANO, and modern network instrumentation tools (gNMI/gRPC).
• Career Growth in a New Domain: Being part of a newly formed domain offers the chance to shape processes, contribute to strategic direction, and grow alongside the function.
• Emphasis on Continuous Improvement: The role involves staying abreast of industry trends, contributing to technology communities, and actively participating in learning and development, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Security and Zero Trust Experience: Opportunity to work with Network Access Control (NAC), RADIUS-based AAA, and gain valuable experience in zero-trust networking concepts.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Depth and Breadth of Technical Skills: The role requires extensive, demonstrated experience as an individual contributor with a deep understanding of network product design, build, and operation across diverse environments (Cloud, On-Prem, uCPE). A strong grasp of open networking technologies and Linux networking is essential.
• Protocol and Standards Knowledge: A solid foundation in Layer 1-4 protocols, wireless standards, and specific industry standards (MEF, ETSI) is crucial. Familiarity with overlay technologies and network instrumentation protocols is also highly valued.
• Automation and IaC Proficiency: While highly valued, a strong track record in network programming, IaC, and configuration management tools, coupled with practical experience in Agile methodologies and CI/CD, is a significant differentiator.
• Operational Experience: Experience in network and infrastructure operational product engineering, with a nuanced understanding of control, data, and element management planes, is highly beneficial.
• Strategic and Business Acumen: Beyond technical skills, candidates will be assessed on their risk management, change management, business acumen, strategic thinking, and digital/technology understanding.
• Proactive Learning and Collaboration: The expectation is for candidates to be proactive learners, staying current with technology trends and actively contributing to technical communities. Strong teamwork and cross-functional collaboration are paramount.
• Barclays Values and Mindset: Successful candidates will align with Barclays' core values (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship) and mindset (Empower, Challenge, Drive).

This role, based in Knutsford, offers a unique opportunity for experienced Infrastructure Engineers to make a significant impact within a dynamic and evolving domain at Barclays. It's an ideal position for those seeking to leverage their deep technical expertise in a role that bridges innovative design with robust production operations, contributing to the future of digital services.