Senior Network Engineer reference: 0398-25-R

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries. We're proud to be a top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city. The University of Sunderland is in an exciting phase of its development with a new vision and redefined strategic ambitions designed to take advantage of the ever-changing higher education landscape at home and overseas. 

About the role

As our Network specialist you are responsible for assuring highly available and secure network solutions, underpinning University operations and aligned to strategy, connecting its users to the technologies required to fulfil their duties.

You will be a key advisor on the design and management of the organisation’s network architecture, ensuring the establishment of a solid foundation secure connectivity. You will be viewed as an expert on network solutions, providing strong technical leadership, both internally and externally, and act as a key point of network governance.

What you can bring 

You will have significant experience in delivering and maintaining complex, secure enterprise networks encompassing large-scale provision of wireless, layer 1-3 network hardware infrastructure and protocols, and network security technologies and firewalls.

With strong analytical and problem-solving skills, you will have a track record of troubleshooting network related issues and optimising network performance to meet operational needs. Your ability to collaborate and communicate within and across technical teams, to achieve shared objectives will be key to your success.

What we can offer you 

Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.

Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 36 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays. Enrolment into our pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future. Access to our “My Lifestyle Benefits Platform”, where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate. Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being.Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities. 

Equality, diversity & inclusion 

We strongly believe that an inclusive university, where a diverse range of individuals feel valued and have equal opportunity to get into work and reach their potential, is good for our staff, students, university, and society.

Our work on equality, diversity and inclusivity has never been more important. We believe inclusivity is an essential value at the heart of what we do, and we want all our staff to be part of that journey with us.

Our recent staff survey conducted in 2023 showed that 97% of our staff believed that we were committed to achieving an inclusive university.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 4 January (23.59 GMT).

Interviews are likely to take place via Microsoft Teams on the 13/14 January.

Closing Date: 04 Jan 2026

Team: Support

Salary: £46,756 to £58,228