Senior Network Automation Engineer

About us: ​Wifinity was founded in 2007 to solve a problem—our armed forces were struggling with reliable connectivity. While living in barracks, often in remote locations, ordering a landline and booking in an engineer just wasn’t an option.

And that problem isn’t exclusive to the military, either. Students living in University accommodation, families visiting holiday resorts, or living in shared accommodation and retirement communities.

Conventional home broadband doesn’t always work for them.

Wifinity is different. We offer the same benefits as traditional broadband, such as super-fast speeds, WiFi, and secure and private networks, but none of the downsides. We even offer Pay As You Go and flexible contracts, so customers only pay for what they need without hefty penalties or long contract terms.

We take the complexity out of connectivity.

The opportunity:
We are able to offer this opportunity as a permanent or fixed term position, with flexibility on weekly FTE/ days worked.

In this role, you will lead network automation initiatives across our technology stack, developing and implementing automated solutions for our next-generation network infrastructure.

The team's deliverables focus on creating scalable automation frameworks for BAU (Business as Usual) product releases including Access Networks, 5G, XGSPON, FWA, and IoT implementations.

You will have the chance to work with cutting-edge network technologies and contribute to shaping our network automation roadmap while collaborating with Senior Network Architects.

Key areas of focus:
Joining our Network Engineering team, you will be responsible for building and maintaining network automation solutions that enable efficient product releases and network operations.

You will work with cross-functional teams including Network Architects, Development teams, and Product teams to deliver automated network solutions.

Your day to day role will consist of the following responsibilities:

• Design and implement software solutions to support automated network design, install and operation.

• Develop and maintain systems to validate and handle network data, interacting with sources of truth, vendor controllers, monitoring systems and network devices.

• Expand and maintain user facing systems to collect and provide network data at the point of use.

• Create technical specifications and requirements documentation for network automation projects

• Lead the implementation of automated testing and validation procedures for network changes

• Collaborate with Senior Network Architects to understand architectural requirements and translate them into automated solutions

• Mentor team members on network automation and software development best practices and technologies

• Drive continuous improvement in automation processes and tooling

• Ensure all new product releases include appropriate automation components
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of network automation issues

About you:You will be a technical leader with the ability to bridge the gap between network architecture and automation development. You value collaboration and are able to translate complex network requirements into elegant solutions. You are excellent at working with people and always strive to provide a customer-driven approach. We are looking for someone that:

• Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrates excellent communication and documentation abilities
• Shows initiative and can work independently
• Is passionate about network automation and keeping up with industry trends
• Has a proven track record of delivering complex technical projects

Your experience:

• Significant experience in network engineering with use of automation
• Strong programming skills and understanding of software development practices
• Experience of creating both user facing systems and backend scripting
• Experience with version control and CI/CD pipelines
• Practical experience with network source of truth systems (e.g. Netbox), and vendor automation platforms
• Strong understanding of networking concepts and technologies (routing, switching, security)

Essential:

• Python certification demonstrating proficiency in automation and scripting
• Proven track record working in a network engineering/automation role
• Demonstrated expertise in network automation frameworks
• Portfolio of automation projects or contributions
• Django web framework development experience

It would also be beneficial to have, but not essential:

• Experience with Private 5G, PON, or IoT technologies
• Knowledge of cloud networking concepts
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
• Experience with web development frameworks
• Experience with containerised software deployment
• Contributions to open-source network automation projects
• Experience of Cambium, Mikrotik, Ruckus or Fortinet network devices
• Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Advanced Python (PCAP, PCPP)
• Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Open-source project contributions
• Network security certifications
• Django Certified Developer
• Fortinet NSE
• Advanced network certification (CCNP, JNCIS-DevOps, or equivalent) with focus on network programmability

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes an ‘Annual Leave Buy Sell Scheme’, in addition to a remote first working environment, allowing our employees more flexibility when it comes to the importance of a healthy work / life balance. Please be aware that the successful applicant to this role will receive an offer which is subject to the satisfactory completion of a basic level DBS check.

At Wifinity we are committed to providing a positive environment in which individuals do not encounter bullying or harassment on the basis of protected characteristics which are identified by law (including sexual harassment).We are committed to treating candidates and employees with courtesy, dignity and respect.

This advert can be available in other formats (upon request) for those who require it, please contact [email protected] for assistance.