Lead System Engineer – IT Network Communications (Core Data Centre Networking)

We are looking for an experienced Lead System Engineer – IT Network Communications with strong expertise in Core Data Centre Networking, Network Operations, Network Security, and Automation.

The candidate will be responsible for operating and continuously improving the organisation's core data centre network, ensuring high availability, performance, security, and operational resilience in a large-scale, multi-vendor environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day Core Data Centre Network Operations, including routing, switching, segmentation, and data centre connectivity.
• Handle Incident, Problem, Change, and Configuration Management to meet operational targets and SLAs.
• Lead major incident troubleshooting, root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective/preventive actions.
• Execute complex network changes, including risk assessments, readiness checks, back-out plans, and post-change validation.
• Maintain network configurations, technical documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Develop network automation solutions for configuration deployment, validation, compliance checks, health monitoring, and reporting.
• Use Ansible, Python, and APIs to automate repetitive network operational tasks.
• Apply AIOps and AI-assisted operations concepts, including event correlation, anomaly detection, alert noise reduction, and predictive alerting.
• Support micro-segmentation and Zero Trust-aligned network security controls.
• Identify network security and resilience gaps and drive remediation initiatives.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to ensure SLA adherence and timely incident resolution.
• Participate in service delivery reviews, operational meetings, proof of concepts (POCs), and technology refresh initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement across network processes, monitoring tools, automation, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 6–10 years of relevant network engineering experience, preferably in large-scale enterprise or multi-vendor environments.
• Strong hands-on experience in Core Data Centre Networking.
• Excellent knowledge of routing, switching, and complex network troubleshooting.
• Experience in Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management, RCA, and service reliability.
• Experience in at least two of the following areas:
• Core Data Centre Networking
• Network Security
• Network Automation
• Working knowledge of Ansible, Python, and/or APIs for network automation.
• Understanding of network segmentation, micro-segmentation, and Zero Trust security concepts.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and vendor coordination skills.

Preferred Skills

• Networking and security certifications such as Cisco, F5, Palo Alto, or Check Point.
• Exposure to AIOps and AI-enabled network operations.
• Experience with network automation, operational resilience, and continuous service improvement.
• Experience supporting mission-critical enterprise environments, preferably in the airline or aviation industry.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should be a hands-on network engineering professional with strong Core Data Centre Networking experience, capable of leading major incident resolution, managing complex network changes, and improving operational efficiency through automation and security enhancements.