Cloud Network Engineer (FTC)

MCS are exclusively partnered with Tourism NI to appoint a Cloud Network Engineer for a critical 51-week assignment. This is a hands-on role designed for a technical specialist who excels in "Microsoft-first" cloud environments and robust perimeter security.

You will be the technical lead for network and security operations across Tourism NI's two physical sites and their native Azure environment. The goal is to ensure highly available connectivity, fine-tune security platforms like Darktrace and Sophos WAF.

The Technical Landscape

You will operate within a modern, cloud-native ecosystem featuring:

• Cloud: Microsoft Azure (VNets, Hub/Spoke, Private Endpoints)
• Identity & Access: Microsoft Entra ID, Windows Hello for Business, and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
• Security: Fortinet Next-Gen Firewalls, Sophos WAF, and Darktrace NDR
• Endpoints: Microsoft Intune managed, Entra-joined devices

Key Responsibilities

• Network Operations: Maintain LAN switching, VLAN segmentation, and resilient connectivity between Belfast, Dublin, and Azure services.
• Security Perimeter: Administer Fortinet NGFW rules and Sophos WAF policies, including TLS certificate lifecycle management and application publishing.
• Security Triage: Act as the primary lead for Darktrace alerts, investigating anomalies, tuning detections, and driving remediation.
• Modern Management: Support Entra-joined devices via Intune, ensuring compliance policies and device posture meet security standards.
• Project Delivery: Drive targeted improvements in Wi-Fi guest segregation, firewall hygiene, and Azure network "tidy-ups".

Essential Criteria:

• Experience: 3+ years in enterprise network/infrastructure support.
• Firewalls: Hands-on experience with Fortinet NGFW (NAT, Policy, Logging).
• WAF: Proven ability to tune Web Application Firewalls (specifically Sophos or similar) and manage reverse proxy publishing.
• Azure: Practical experience supporting Azure networking (VNets, NSGs, Routing).
• Security Ops: Experience triaging security alerts and conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Qualifications: A Degree/HND in IT/Networking OR equivalent experience (3+ years), plus a relevant certification (e.g., Fortinet NSE, CCNA, or Azure Networking).

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with Zero Trust principles and Conditional Access.
• Experience with Automation (PowerShell/Python) for reporting or certificate tracking.
• Knowledge of OWASP Top 10 to inform WAF policy decisions.

Working Arrangements & Benefits

• Location: Tourism NI HQ Belfast City Centre
• Salary: Deputy Principle | £47,304-£49,515/y
• Starting: April 2026.
• Working Pattern: 36.25 Hours/week | Monday - Friday
• Duration: 51 Weeks (FTC)
• Benefits: 15.5% Employer Pension | 37 Days Holidays | Hybrid Working

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Corey Hillis, Specialist Temporary Recruiter, at MCS Group +442890 490904.

Please Note - This position is subject to a Basic Access Ni check. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. This will be considered in line with Access NI code of practice & MCS Group's Access NI policies.

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current and exclusive roles www.mcsgroup.jobs

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all. If you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.