Network DevOps Engineer (Stevenage, ENG)

A leading defence company is looking for a Network DevOps Engineer to join its established Digital Networks function. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer to play a key role in the development of modern network infrastructure, helping to move towards a more software-driven approach to network management. Working alongside experienced network engineers, you will use your software development expertise to build and maintain the tools, applications and automated pipelines that support reliable, scalable and maintainable network infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and maintain production-grade software and bespoke tools, primarily using Python, to manage physical and virtual network infrastructure.
• Establish and promote software engineering best practices, including code reviews, unit testing, version control and modular software design.
• Develop and maintain automated testing strategies and CI/CD pipelines to support the testing and deployment of network changes.
• Extend and maintain network Source of Truth applications through custom data models, plugins and automation workflows.
• Collaborate with network specialists to develop Ansible playbooks and improve automation processes, while supporting the development of software engineering skills across the team.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Advanced Python development skills, with a strong understanding of object-oriented programming, design patterns and writing clean, maintainable and testable code.
• Experience with Python testing methodologies, REST and GraphQL APIs, and frameworks such as Django REST Framework, FastAPI or Pydantic.
• Possess a good understanding of DevOps principles, Agile methodologies, Git and GitLab, with practical experience developing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
• Has hands-on experience with Ansible and a sound understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/UDP, IP, DNS, routing, switching, subnetting and VLANs.
• Is a collaborative and proactive individual who can work effectively alongside network specialists and help introduce improved software development practices.
• Experience with PyATS, Cisco technologies, Nautobot, Linux (ideally RHEL), containerisation or virtualisation technologies such as Red Hat OpenShift would be advantageous.

The role offers flexible hybrid working, with arrangements agreed within the team based on project requirements and individual needs. There may also be opportunities for international travel and collaboration.

This position offers a lucrative benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

• Company bonus scheme, based on company performance
• Strong employer pension contribution
• Opportunity for paid overtime
• Generous flexi leave allowance, with additional days available
• Flexible working arrangements welcomed
• Enhanced parental leave, covering maternity, adoption, shared parental and paternity leave, plus neonatal leave and fertility testing/treatment support
• Excellent on-site facilities, including subsidised meals and free car parking
• Healthcare Cash Plan, providing support with everyday healthcare expenses including optical, dental, health and wellbeing

Please note that due to the nature of the client's business, only candidates who currently hold full British Citizenship without limitations will be considered. This position will require the successful candidate to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance.

Please apply via the advert or contact Annabella at Eclectic Recruitment for more information.

We endeavour to reply to every candidate, every time, but if you haven't heard back within 10 days, please understand that you have unfortunately been unsuccessful for this position, or the position has been filled. Please call the office or send an email to discuss other potential opportunities.