Hardware Network Solutions Architect

Job description

Thales protects 80% of the world's banking transactions as well as safeguarding the biggest names in technology. We are a leader in cyber security, both in the UK and globally. And to keep our customers' information and communications safe and secure in this constantly shifting, immensely challenging sector, we need to excel, evolve and invent. That's why we are looking for the brightest, most daring minds in our industry.

This is a senior position requiring significant experience in designing large secure, complex high value technical solutions in support of Critical National Infrastructure. You'll work with other senior design engineers to ensure that proposals meet customer needs, are in accordance with industry standards and in line with best practice.

Working with the Sales Team, Customers, and the Technical Design Authority you'll design and generate the technical architecture; high level designs, bill of materials, low level designs for solutions and bids.

Key Responsibilities

· Solution Design of Server and Network Infrastructure and security architecture and policies;
· F5, Cisco and Juniper Network Equipment, VMware, Windows Server Infrastructure
· Production of high-level designs and target architecture
· Create low level configurations for a variety of F5, Cisco and Juniper devices
· Delivery of the bill of materials at bid stage including rationale and implications of decision making
· Attend Design Advisory Board and Technical Review Boards, and collaborate with architects from Secure Connectivity Services
· Participate in Technical Review Boards and CAB
· Pre-Sales support including bid response and presentation of solutions to technical and non-technical audience
· Understand and review existing network designs and deployments; measure and document the success and failing of the given design or approach
· Produce testing and qualification templates and plans
· Development and accreditation conforming to external technical standards. Key Skills

· Understanding of architectural methods and frameworks and how they can be applied to network and server architecture and design
· Ability to liaise and debate across technology boundaries
· Understanding of industry best practices around security, network and server infrastructure design and configuration
· Design and integration of IP based networking architectures; Routers, Firewalls, Servers, Gateways, Security Appliances
· Experience as a technical author at bid and project phase
· Ability to produce well-structured and written documentation and communicate to technical and non-technical audiences
· Familiarity with networking protocols; TCP/IP, Ethernet, and a variety of Cisco validation designs, F5 and Juniper SRX family. Experience & Qualifications

· Relevant Engineering Degree, or equivalent
· Chartered Engineer, MIET or equivalent
· Vendor qualifications;
· F5 Certified, desirable; Specialist, Expert
· Cisco CA, desirable; CCNP, CCIE.
· Juniper JNCIA, desirable; JNCIS, JNCIP
· Experience working as a Network specialist with experience as TSA/TSE creating network designs and solutions.
· Experience of ITHC, Information Assurance processes and procedures
· Experience of ISO:27001 is desirable
· Knowledge of ITIL and PRINCE2 is desirable
Knowledge of end to end service delivery and NOC, SOC, deployment, Operational Handover, and Operate.

Must have or be able to attain security clearance (SC+) immediately.

Personal mobility is essential, as the role will require some off site working.

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.