Network Solutions Architect - Emergency Services Network (ESN) - £600 per day - Inside IR35 - Primarily Remote

My client is seeking a talented and experienced Network Solutions Architect to join their high-performing Network Services team, delivering on the prestigious Emergency Services Network (ESN) programme. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help modernise and transform how the UKs Emergency Services and Blue Light organisations communicate - directly supporting mission-critical operations and improving public safety outcomes across the country.

As a Network Solutions Architect, you will be instrumental in supporting the ESN Onboarding contract, responsible for architecting, planning, and overseeing the integration of multiple services onto the ESN platform. You''ll ensure alignment with key programme milestones while maintaining delivery within time and budget constraints.

You''ll be working across a complex, multi-vendor environment involving government bodies, telcos, and systems integrators to deliver cutting-edge solutions covering:

• Wide Area Networks (WAN)
• Secure Internet Gateways
• SD-WAN overlays and traffic segmentation
• Enterprise-grade Wi-Fi & LAN solutions
• Data Centre connectivity and edge integration
• Resilient backhaul and encryption
• Support for MCX (Mission Critical Services) across mobile and fixed-line networks

Who You Are -

Youre a confident and experienced Network Architect with a proven ability to lead from concept to delivery. You can articulate design decisions, anticipate challenges in critical environments, and manage stakeholder expectations with ease.

Essential Experience:

• Proven experience architecting and delivering solutions in Emergency Services, Blue Light, Public Sector, or mission-critical environments.
• Deep technical understanding of WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, Wi-Fi, and secure cloud connectivity, with real-world experience in design and implementation.
• Familiarity with ESN architecture, including knowledge of Airwave, 3GPP MCX services, and E2E Quality of Service models.
• Experience designing network integration with public mobile networks and understanding of private APN routing, VPNs, firewall policies, and multi-zone DMZs.
• Strong knowledge of Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Juniper, or similar platforms.
• Experience with network configuration, PoC testing, integration validation, and security accreditation processes.
• Exceptional customer-facing skills and ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Due to the sensitive nature of the work, you must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC).