Network DevOps Engineer

• Negotiable
• Hertfordshire, England
• Permanent

Our client is seeking a driven Network DevOps Engineer to join its multinational Digital Excellence function within the defence and security sector.

This permanent role will focus on modernising network management, developing automation solutions and supporting the transition towards a software-driven network infrastructure.

The role offers hybrid working, with two to three days per week on-site depending on business requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing, developing and maintaining production-grade software and custom tools, primarily using Python, to manage network infrastructure at scale
• Applying software engineering best practice, including version control, code reviews, unit testing and modular design
• Establishing and maintaining an automated software testing strategy for network automation applications and APIs
• Managing and extending a network Source of Truth through custom data models, plugins and state-driven automation jobs
• Building and managing GitLab CI/CD pipelines to automate the testing and deployment of network changes
• Developing and maintaining Ansible playbooks and roles for network configuration and infrastructure automation
• Supporting the use of Django-based applications, REST APIs and GraphQL integrations
• Sharing knowledge and upskilling team members in software engineering, coding and automation testing practices

Job Requirements:

• Advanced Python coding skills, with a strong understanding of object-oriented programming, design patterns and maintainable software development
• Experience designing and implementing Python testing strategies, including automation testing for applications and APIs
• Strong knowledge of REST and GraphQL APIs, with experience using frameworks such as Django REST Framework, FastAPI and Pydantic
• Proficiency with JSON, YAML, Jinja2, data structures and data serialisation
• Understanding of DevOps principles and Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban
• Experience using Git and GitLab, including developing and maintaining GitLab CI/CD pipelines
• Hands-on experience with Ansible for automating and managing network configurations
• Understanding of TCP/UDP, IP, DNS, routing, switching, subnetting and VLANs, with the ability to collaborate effectively with network specialists

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with network testing frameworks such as PyATS
• Experience with Cisco technologies, including Catalyst Centre or ACI
• Knowledge of Nautobot or similar Django-based network Source of Truth applications
• Experience with data mocking and factory libraries, such as mock or factory_boy
• Proficiency using Linux, preferably Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• Understanding of virtualisation and containerisation technologies, particularly Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform

Benefits:

• Company performance-related bonus scheme
• Employer-supported pension contributions
• Opportunities for paid overtime
• Up to 15 additional days through a flexible leave scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, shared parental, paternity and neonatal leave
• Support for fertility testing and treatment
• On-site facilities including subsidised meals and free car parking

This is an excellent opportunity for a Network DevOps Engineer, Automation Tester or software specialist to influence the future of network infrastructure within a critical defence and security environment. If you have a strong software engineering background and experience with network automation, GitLab, Django or automated testing, apply now!