Network Engineering Professional , Ipswich, United Kingdom)

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join a critical function within BT's Network Operations team. If you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment focused on ensuring the seamless delivery of essential network services, this position warrants your attention.

Why This Opportunity Matters:

The Network Operations team at BT is the backbone of their UK and global network infrastructure, operating 24/7, 365 days a year. This is a role with significant impact, overseeing everything from core IP networks that power broadband and mobile services to the vast BT Wi-Fi network, critical exchange power, and even the internal networks serving BT staff worldwide. You'll be at the forefront of managing and protecting these vital systems, including responding to a high volume of daily cyber-attacks and contributing to the virtualization of data centers through a newly formed Network Cloud team.

The core mission is proactive problem-solving to prevent service disruptions. When issues do arise, the team's focus is on swift, accurate communication and efficient restoration of services. This role is particularly impactful for large businesses, mobile network providers, and other telecoms operators relying on specialist services like Ethernet, MEAS, and private circuits, requiring in-depth diagnostic and repair activities. By ensuring a brilliant service experience, you directly contribute to customer satisfaction and the future of connectivity.

The majority of the Network Operations team works in shifts from a state-of-the-art operations center. Collaboration is key, with close partnerships established with field engineers, customer-facing units, other Network Services teams (design, technical services), and external suppliers. As technology evolves, this team is constantly adapting and growing to meet the increasing demands placed on the network, offering a career path with continuous learning and development.

What You'll Be Doing:

• You will be instrumental in the delivery of daily operational activities.
• Accountability for system design, build, testing, validation, maintenance, and ongoing support of all network infrastructure components.
• Assist in implementing advanced network technologies that support customer strategic directions for enterprise and remote site connectivity.
• Adhere to global network infrastructure standards, including wireless, LAN, and SD-WAN networks.
• Support the installation, testing, and setup of new physical and virtual network hardware and software (e.g., firewalls, routers, switches, monitoring tools).
• Execute engineering efforts to maintain and support current networking technologies.
• Compile data and generate reports that support technology lifecycle planning, including contributions to technology roadmaps and Network Health Assessments.
• Organize materials for documentation, knowledge transfer, and training to ensure successful integration of new solutions into the support organization.
• Participate in activities that enhance core and cloud infrastructure security to manage risks and exposure.
• Contribute to the implementation of process improvements within Network Engineering.

Key Considerations and Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Work: You'll be part of a team directly responsible for the stability and performance of critical national and international networks.
• 24/7 Operations Experience: This role offers invaluable experience in a high-availability, round-the-clock environment, ideal for those seeking to deepen their expertise in operational excellence.
• Advanced Technology Exposure: You'll work with a broad spectrum of technologies, from legacy transport platforms to hyperscaler services like BT AWS Wavelength, and be involved in cutting-edge areas like network virtualization and cloud security.
• Career Growth: The description highlights a growing and evolving team, suggesting ample opportunities for professional development and advancement within Network Operations.
• Focus on Continuous Improvement: The emphasis on understanding operational metrics and contributing to process enhancements means you'll be encouraged to identify and implement improvements.
• Collaborative Environment: You'll work closely with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, fostering strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: BT offers a competitive benefits package including generous annual leave, a performance bonus, life assurance, a strong pension scheme, and a wide array of flexible benefits, demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being and financial security.
• Onsite Role: This is a fully onsite position, requiring 5 days a week in the office. This provides an opportunity for deep immersion in the team's operations, direct collaboration with colleagues, and immediate access to resources.

Skills and Experience:

Candidates should demonstrate a strong foundation in high-performance network operations, ideally with at least 3 years of experience in a multi-platform, 24/7 operational setting. Expert-level knowledge across IP networks, VPNs, and various transport platforms is essential. A solid understanding of operational metrics (e.g., Start to Notify, Start to Restore, MTTR, KPIs) is crucial for prioritizing issues and driving improvements. While not mandatory, certifications like CCNA or JNCIA would be beneficial.