Position Summary:
Driving flexible on-site network installations, hardware swaps, and field troubleshooting across Exeter and the wider Devon region, Simplify Networks is actively seeking skilled Freelance Network Engineers for ongoing project-based engagements. In this vital field engineering role, you will execute physical deployments, equipment configurations, and rapid fault resolution for enterprise routers, switches, firewalls, and Wi-Fi access systems. Backed by a dedicated 24/7 service desk and comprehensive pre-job briefings for every assignment, you will empower regional enterprise infrastructure to achieve uncompromised connectivity, high availability, and operational resilience. This prestigious contractor opportunity offers flexible scheduling, competitive self-employed remuneration, and professional growth within a premier network services and field engineering enterprise.
Detailed Job Description:
As a Freelance Network Engineer supporting Simplify Networks across Exeter and surrounding Devon locations, you will take full operational and tactical ownership of on-site network deployment, equipment swapping, hardware configuration, and fault diagnosis. Your day-to-day responsibilities include installing and configuring routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points, executing physical cabling and hardware replacements, performing rigorous connectivity testing, and coordinating closely with the 24/7 service desk. You will operate in an independent contractor capacity while maintaining rigorous service level agreements and quality standards across client sites.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute on-site installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of enterprise routers, switches, firewalls, and Wi-Fi access points.
- Perform hardware swaps, equipment upgrades, structured cabling terminations, and physical rack-and-stack deployments across client facilities.
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex network connectivity, routing, switching, and wireless performance issues on site.
- Collaborate seamlessly with the 24/7 remote service desk, technical support teams, and project coordinators before and during every job.
- Review pre-job briefings, network topologies, and client specifications meticulously to ensure flawless execution on first visit.
- Adhere strictly to site health and safety guidelines, data security protocols, and corporate installation standards.
- Maintain detailed site documentation, completion reports, asset inventories, and incident resolution logs.
- Manage your own contractor availability flexibly while delivering high-quality field engineering solutions across Exeter and Devon.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s Degree or professional certification in Computer Science, Telecommunications Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline.
- Minimum of 3+ years of progressive professional experience in field network engineering, IT support, or telecommunications installation.
- Strong, demonstrable hands-on professional expertise in configuring and troubleshooting routers, switches, firewalls, and enterprise Wi-Fi systems.
- Comprehensive working knowledge and practical proficiency in TCP/IP networking, VLANs, subnetting, and routing protocols.
- Deep practical experience executing physical site deployments, hardware swaps, and structured cabling verifications.
- Solid practical grasp of network diagnostics tools, ping/traceroute utilities, and remote management interfaces.
- Proven self-motivation, strong problem-solving aptitude, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent customer-facing communication skills.
- Mandatory self-employed contractor status, flexibility to choose availability, and legal right to work in the United Kingdom with local travel capability across Exeter and Devon.
Nice-to-Have Skills:
- Professional networking certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, or vendor-specific firewall certifications (Fortinet NSE, Palo Alto).
- Prior professional working experience in managed service providers (MSPs), telecommunications carriers, or IT field service enterprises.
- Hands-on familiarity with wireless site surveys, RF spectrum analysis, and enterprise access point controllers (Cisco Meraki, Aruba, Ruckus).
- Experience utilizing mobile field service management and ticketing platforms (ServiceNow, Jira).
- Exposure to cloud-managed networking platforms and automated provisioning tools.
Application Information:
Salary/Rate: Competitive Self-Employed Contractor Rates / Flexible Project Compensation
Deadline: Open until filled (Urgent Exeter / Devon Freelance Network Engineer Opening)
Notice Period: Immediate Availability Preferred
Contract Duration: Freelance / Self-Employed Contractor Engagement (Exeter, Devon, UK)
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