Network Engineer III

Four colleagues are seated around a small table, smiling and laughing in a modern, bright office setting.

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  • London, United Kingdom, N2 8AW
  • Employee
  • Competitive

Overview

About Us

McDonalds has run its business in the UK since 1974 and currently operates over 1500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, serving almost four million customers each day. McDonalds is one of the UKs largest private sector employers, employing over 170,000 people.

Department Overview

The Network Engineer III is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of our organization's critical network infrastructure. This role requires a deep understanding of networking principles, advanced troubleshooting skills, and the ability to lead complex projects. The Network Engineer III will play a key role in ensuring network stability, security, and performance, supporting business operations across all locations.

Duties

Network Design & Architecture:

  • Lead the design and implementation of complex network solutions, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, ensuring scalability, resilience, and security.
  • Develop and maintain network diagrams, configurations, and procedures.
  • Evaluate new technologies and recommend solutions that align with business objectives and industry best practices.

Implementation & Deployment:

  • Coordinate complex network changes, upgrades, and migrations with minimal disruption to services.
  • Troubleshoot network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points from various vendors (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto).
  • Participate in and lead infrastructure projects from conception to completion.

Network Operations & Troubleshooting:

  • Provide expert-level troubleshooting and resolution for complex network incidents, often acting as a point of escalation.
  • Monitor network performance, availability, and security using various network management tools.
  • Proactively identify and address potential network issues before they impact services.
  • Participate in on-call rotation as required.

Security & Compliance:

  • Implement and enforce network security policies and best practices, including firewall rules, VPN configurations, and access controls.
  • Collaborate with the security team to identify vulnerabilities and implement appropriate remediation strategies.
  • Ensure network infrastructure adheres to relevant industry standards and regulatory compliance requirements.

Performance Optimization:

  • Analyze network traffic and performance data to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
  • Implement QoS (Quality of Service) policies to prioritize critical applications.
  • Optimize network configurations for maximum efficiency and throughput.

Documentation & Knowledge Sharing:

  • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for network configurations, processes, and troubleshooting guides.

Vendor Management:

  • Work with third-party vendors and service providers for network-related issues, hardware procurement, and service delivery.
Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent work experience may be considered.

 Experience:

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in network engineering roles, with at least 2-3 years at a senior level.
  • Proven experience in implementing and managing complex enterprise-level networks.

 Technical Skills:

  • Expertise with Juniper networking equipment (routers, switches, access points, and firewalls).
  • Strong understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF).
  • In-depth knowledge of network security principles and technologies (VPN, IPS/IDS, NAC).
  • Experience with wireless networking solutions (e.g., Juniper, Cisco Meraki, Aruba).
  • Familiarity with network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, LogicMonitor).
  • Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Scripting/automation skills (Python, Ansible).

Certifications (Preferred):

  • Cisco CCNP (Routing & Switching, Enterprise, Security, or Data Center) is highly preferred.
  • Palo Alto Networks PCNSE, Fortinet NSE, or other security certifications.
  • ITIL Foundation certification.

 Soft Skills:

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

At McDonald's, we are People from all Walks of Life...

Company Vision and Culture

Our Global vision is to build a better McDonalds and in the UK and Ireland we are working hard to be the UK & Irelands best-loved restaurant company.

McDonalds is defined by its culture. Our culture shapes and informs everything we think and everything we do. Our culture influences the way we interact with each other, and how we interact with customers, franchisees and suppliers. Our culture motivates and inspires us to attract and retain great talent, creating positive, energising, exceptional working environment for us all.

Our values drive our culture and shape our beliefs, our priorities and our actions. They influence the decisions we make, how we treat one another and how we show up as a brand to the world.

Serve: We put our customers and our people first

Inclusion: We open our doors to everyone

Integrity: We do the right thing

Community: We are good neighbours

Family: We get better together

At McDonalds we are People from all Walks of Life...

People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonalds experience. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture that means people can be their best authentic self in our restaurants and offices, which helps us to better serve our customers. We have a strong heritage of diversity and representation within our communities, which we are proud of. The diversity of our people, customers, Franchisees and suppliers gives us strength.

We do not tolerate inequality, injustice or discrimination of any kind. These are hugely important issues and a brand with our reach and relevance means we have a very meaningful role to play.

We also recognise our responsibility as a large employer to continue being active in our communities, helping to develop skills and drive aspirations that will help people to be more aware of the world of work and more successful within it, whether with McDonalds or elsewhere.

Benefits

perks

Hybrid Working

Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
wellness

Private Medical Care

Corporate employees receive private medical care, either immediately or following 6 months service depending on your role.
perks

Holiday Allowance

Full-time office employees receive 28 days paid holiday annually, plus 2 months sabbatical per every 10 years’ service.
wellness

Wellness Benefits

Your wellbeing matters. Enjoy access to wellbeing resources, mental health support, and initiatives designed to help you feel your best – in and out of work.
perks

Pension & Life Assurance

Access our stakeholder pension scheme alongside Life Assurance cover if you contribute a minimum of 3%.
perks

Career Growth

We highly value talent and believe in helping our people grow. We support career progression through mentorship, training and leadership development opportunities.
wellness

Values Heroes

We live by our values and we reward those who demonstrate their commitment to them.
perks

Performance Reviews & Bonus

Your performance will be reviewed formally every 6 months and pay is reviewed annually based on performance. There is also potential to receive an annual bonus each year.
perks

Meals at Work

You can choose food from our restaurant menu on your break and can even try the latest promotions.
recognition

Length of service

Your length of service doesn’t go unnoticed – we reward you with monetary benefits for long service.
perks

Pay & Perks

Receive competitive pay and a range of exclusive perks, including employee discounts and an on-site gym at our Head Office.
perks

Employee Discounts

Benefit from our generous employee discount scheme, covering a range of retailers and services across the UK.
perks

Summer Fridays

Summer Fridays allow our Corporate Careers teams to finish early, every Friday, during the summer months.

Location

London
United Kingdom
N2 8AW

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Network Engineer III


Location:
London, United Kingdom, N2 8AW
Contract Type:
Employee
Pay:
Competitive

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from the recruitment process?

The recruitment process differs for each role. If we think you’re a good fit, we’ll invite you to a competency based interview and then onto a second interview usually with an associated task to complete or present.

What are the pay rates at McDonald’s?

Our pay rates differ from role to role, but we always ensure that these rates remain competitive. Alongside this, we also offer a wide range of benefits including holiday and sick pay, and employee discounts that offer savings at over 1,600 retailers.

Does McDonald's offer flexible working?

Enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid working model with 3 days in the office to foster collaborative team environment and 2 days remote to support work/ life balance.

What documents should I provide as proof of eligibility to work?

Before we can employ you, we are required to verify your eligibility to work in the UK & Ireland. You’ll need to provide acceptable original documents such as a valid passport or a valid UK/Ireland visa (with a college letter listing term dates, where applicable). Only original documents will be accepted.

How do I apply for a vacancy at McDonald’s head office?

Either click on the 'Job search' page or the ‘Job search’ button on the page of the vacancy you’re interested in. Then select the role that suits you, and complete an online application form.

How much holiday am I entitled to?

All full-time members of the Head Office team get 28 days paid holiday as well as bank holidays on top. For part-time workers, holiday will be determined on a pro-rata basis.

What do I wear in the office?

At our Head Office, we have a Dress for your Day Policy - the bottom line is that we want you to be empowered to make the decisions that meet the needs of your day.

I have a disability, what support can I get with my McDonald's job application?

During the application process, you can request for any reasonable adjustments to be made so you can find the right support needed during the application and onwards.

I want my pronouns to be known if I get this role, is this possible?

Yes. When you work in Head Office, you’ll receive a company email address and will easily be able to include your desired pronouns in the signature.

Can I get individual feedback on my application or interview?

Due to the high level of applications we receive not everyone will receive individual feedback. This depends on where you are in our process and this could potentially be written or over the phone.

Are there any wellbeing services I can access?

Yes! McDonald’s has a wellbeing hub on the staff website and our colleagues have access to the Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which is run by AXA health care, offering a variety of services.

Is there opportunity for progression at McDonald’s?

Definitely. We highly value talent and always aim to encourage employees to remain within our business. To put it into perspective, half of our Executive Team started their career in restaurants. At McDonald’s, there are no limits to how far or fast you can progress.