Junior Network Engineer Ashford, Kent (field-based with client travel) £30,000+ DOE

Are you early in your networking career and keen to build real hands-on experience? Do you enjoy both technical configuration and physical infrastructure work? Have you worked in (or want exposure to) an MSP environment where no two days are the same?

If so, this could be a strong next step.

We are recruiting for a Junior Network Engineer to join a growing Managed Service Provider supporting a wide range of business clients.

This is a genuinely varied, fast-paced role combining logical network engineering with structured cabling and physical installations. It will suit someone practical, proactive, and comfortable working across multiple client environments both remotely and on-site.

You will gain exposure to enterprise-grade networking technologies while building solid real-world deployment experience.

Due to the project-led nature of MSP work, the role involves regular client travel and occasional out-of-hours work.

The Role

You will support the design, deployment, and ongoing support of client network environments, working closely with senior engineers and technical leadership.

This is a hands-on position where you will be involved from physical install through to configuration and troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities Network Deployment & Support

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Assist with configuration, deployment, and support of client network infrastructure

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Work with technologies including:

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Cisco Systems

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Cisco Meraki

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Ubiquiti

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WatchGuard

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise

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Provision switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless access points

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Support VLANs, subnetting, DHCP, DNS, VPNs, and firewall rules

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Assist with cloud-managed networking platforms (e.g. Meraki Dashboard)

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Monitor network performance and respond to alerts

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Troubleshoot connectivity, WiFi, and performance issues

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Provide both remote and on-site technical support

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Maintain clear and accurate client documentation

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Carry out routine maintenance including firmware patching and testing

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Support VoIP and telephony deployments where required

Structured Cabling & Physical Infrastructure

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Install copper data cabling (Cat6 / Cat6a)

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Run, terminate, and test fibre optic cabling (internal and external)

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Install patch panels, faceplates, and fibre enclosures

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Build and dress network cabinets and containment

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Mount switches, firewalls, and wireless access points

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Test, certify, and clearly label installed cabling

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Ensure all installations are neat, professional, and best-practice compliant

Project Work

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Support senior engineers on upgrades, migrations, and new site deployments

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Assist with office moves and new business setups

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Conduct basic site surveys and cable route planning

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Travel to client sites (primarily regional with occasional national travel)

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Occasionally work evenings or weekends to minimise client disruption

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Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and to a high standard

What We Are Looking For Essential

- Solid understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, VLANs, subnetting)

- Some hands-on experience configuring switches and routers

- Experience running and terminating copper cabling

- Willingness to work with fibre optic cabling

- Strong troubleshooting mindset

- Confident communication skills in client-facing situations

- Full UK driving licence

- Comfortable working at height and in ceiling voids

- Flexible approach to occasional out-of-hours work

Desirable

- CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA

- Experience with Cisco Meraki dashboard

- Fibre termination and testing experience

- Exposure to firewall configuration and site-to-site VPNs

- Previous MSP experience

- Basic VoIP knowledge

Personal Attributes

- Customer-focused and professional

- Eager to learn across multiple vendor platforms

- Well organised with good attention to detail

- Able to manage multiple client priorities

- Reliable, proactive, and hands-on

- Flexible and adaptable to project demands