Senior System & Network Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Senior System & Network Engineer to manage, maintain, secure, and optimise our organisation's IT infrastructure. The ideal candidate should have strong hands-on experience in network administration, Windows and Linux servers, firewalls, VPNs, Active Directory, and IT security.

The candidate should also be familiar with AI-powered tools and automation to improve infrastructure monitoring, troubleshooting, incident management, and day-to-day IT operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, monitor, and maintain enterprise LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, network switches, routers, and other network infrastructure.
• Configure and troubleshoot Cisco Layer 2/Layer 3 switches, VLANs, routing, ACLs, DHCP, and DNS.
• Administer and maintain Windows Server, Linux servers, Active Directory, Group Policy, and user access management.
• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot firewalls, UTM appliances, VPNs, and network security policies, preferably using Sophos.
• Monitor network performance, availability, bandwidth utilisation, and security events to ensure smooth IT operations.
• Manage and troubleshoot Wi-Fi access points, CCTV cameras, VoIP systems, LAN cabling, and desktop connectivity.
• Perform Windows and Linux OS installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft 365, and other enterprise applications.
• Monitor security alerts, identify potential threats, and support vulnerability management and incident response.
• Manage IT assets, backups, system updates, access controls, and infrastructure documentation.
• Coordinate with internet service providers, hardware vendors, and other service providers to resolve infrastructure issues.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive measures to minimise recurring incidents and downtime.
• Support IT infrastructure upgrades, migrations, capacity planning, and disaster recovery activities.
• Use AI-powered tools and automation to improve IT support, troubleshooting, monitoring, and operational efficiency.

Required Technical Skills

• Networking: Strong knowledge of LAN, WAN, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing, switching, ACLs, and network troubleshooting.
• Network Security: Hands-on experience with firewalls, UTM, VPN, access control, intrusion detection, and security best practices.
• Network Devices: Experience configuring and managing Cisco switches, routers, Wi-Fi access points, and other network equipment.
• Wi-Fi & Wireless Networking: Strong understanding of Wi-Fi concepts, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, Wi-Fi standards (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), SSID, wireless security (WPA2/WPA3), channel planning, bandwidth, roaming, signal strength, and interference troubleshooting.
• Ubiquiti UniFi: Hands-on experience with Ubiquiti UniFi access points, UniFi Network Controller, and cloud-based Wi-Fi configuration and management.
• Cloud-Based Wi-Fi Management: Knowledge of configuring and managing wireless networks through cloud dashboards, including SSID creation, VLAN mapping, guest Wi-Fi, bandwidth limits, captive portals, access control, and firmware upgrades.
• Wi-Fi Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Ability to monitor connected clients, access point health, signal strength, channel utilisation, wireless performance, and troubleshoot connectivity and coverage issues.
• Wireless Network Security: Experience implementing secure Wi-Fi access, guest network isolation, client authentication, and integration with enterprise LAN and firewall policies.
• Windows Administration: Knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and user management.
• Linux Administration: Basic to intermediate experience with Linux installation, configuration, administration, and troubleshooting.
• Firewall & VPN: Experience with Sophos or other enterprise firewall solutions, site-to-site VPNs, and remote-access VPNs.
• Desktop Support: Strong troubleshooting skills for Windows desktops, laptops, printers, Outlook, and business applications.
• IT Infrastructure: Knowledge of CCTV, VoIP, LAN cabling, patch panels, structured cabling, and hardware installation.
• Monitoring & Security: Experience with network monitoring, log analysis, performance monitoring, and security incident handling.

AI & Automation Skills

• Familiarity with AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or similar tools for IT troubleshooting and operational support.
• Ability to use AI tools to analyse system logs, network errors, alerts, and incident reports.
• Knowledge of scripting and automation using PowerShell, Bash, or Python for routine system administration tasks.
• Understanding of AI-assisted incident analysis, root cause investigation, and IT documentation.
• Familiarity with AI-powered IT monitoring, alert correlation, and AIOps concepts is an added advantage.
• Ability to identify repetitive IT tasks and explore opportunities to automate them using scripts and AI-assisted workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• CCNA/RHCA certification is preferred.
• Microsoft Windows Server / Azure Administrator or relevant Microsoft certification is an advantage.
• Sophos or other firewall vendor certification is an added advantage.
• Experience working in an enterprise IT infrastructure or IT operations environment.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, teamwork, and coordination skills.