Principal Network Engineer (Cisco + VMware) - Expression of Interest

Mass Consultants Ltd; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm is seeking an experienced Network Engineer to provide operational support and troubleshoot complex networks at RAF Leeming. This is a speculative role requiring strong skills in Cisco routing and switching. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in high-trust environments and has relevant certifications. Competitive salary package discussed based on experience, including an on-call allowance.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with Cisco routing and switching.
• Ability to operate independently and collaboratively in a high-trust environment.
• Experience supporting secure, MOD, or defence platforms is desirable.
• Proven senior-level operational capability in complex technical environments.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert operational support for secure network and virtualised environments.
• Troubleshooting and optimising enterprise or mission-critical networks.
• Working onsite with the customer in a small, cross-skilled technical team.

Skills

Cisco routing and switching

Operational support

Troubleshooting and optimizing networks

Education

Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification

VMware VCP-NV and VCTA-DCV certifications

Job description

Network Engineer (Cisco + VMware)

Location: RAF Leeming, Northallerton (onsite)

Security Clearance: SC required, initially (DV eligibility is advantageous)

Contract Type: Both permanent and contractor options accepted, in the first instance

Salary/Rates: TBC + on-call allowance of ~£5-10k p/a - let’s talk about what works for you!

Status: Speculative role, part of a pre‑mobilisation team for a potential contract award - Q1 of 2026

About the Role

MASS is preparing for a forthcoming programme at RAF Leeming and is proactively engaging experienced Network Engineers. We are seeking professionals with senior‑level capability who are comfortable taking ownership of complex technical challenges within secure environments.

This is an opportunity to join a small, cross‑skilled operational support team and play a critical role in delivering mission‑critical network and virtualisation services onsite.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing expert operational support for secure network and virtualised environments
• Troubleshooting and optimising enterprise or mission‑critical networks
• Working onsite with the customer in a small, cross‑skilled technical team

What You’ll Bring

• Strong hands‑on experience with Cisco routing and switching
• Ability to operate independently and collaboratively in a high‑trust environment
• Experience supporting secure, MOD, or defence platforms (desirable)
• Proven senior‑level operational capability in complex technical environments

Preferred Certifications

• Cisco CCNA, or Cisco CCNP
• VMware VCP‑NV, and VMware VCTA‑DCV

Speculative / Pre‑Mobilisation Information

This is a speculative role, dependent on contract award. By registering interest now, you will be contacted first if the programme proceeds, receive updates as timelines evolves and have the opportunity to discuss the role in more detail closer to mobilisation.

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered, please submit your CV or contact our Talent Acquisition team to register your interest. We will keep you informed throughout the process and reach out as soon as timelines are confirmed.