Virtual Routing Systems Engineer

We are seeking an experienced VIRTUAL ROUTING SYSTEMS ENGINEER to support the development, integration, testing and validation of software-defined routing solutions within secure and mission-critical environments.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development and verification of virtualised networking capabilities, supporting the delivery of next-generation routing and network management solutions. The role requires a strong software engineering background combined with hands-on experience of network protocols, virtualised environments and system-level testing.

Experience within the Defence, Aerospace, Communications or Secure Government sectors is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate and maintain virtual routing and network management software components.
• Support the design and implementation of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions and virtualised network functions (VNFs).
• Develop and execute verification and validation activities for routing, switching and network management functionality.
• Create automated test frameworks, test scripts and regression test suites.
• Conduct functional, integration, system and performance testing of virtual routing platforms.
• Analyse network behaviour and troubleshoot complex routing, protocol and interoperability issues.
• Support the development and optimisation of IP networking services within virtualised environments.
• Validate routing protocols and services including OSPF, BGP, RIP, ISIS, MPLS and multicast technologies where applicable.
• Develop and maintain software and test documentation including design descriptions, test specifications and test reports.
• Conduct protocol analysis using industry-standard tools and packet capture technologies.
• Support system integration activities with wider platform, communications and security teams.
• Participate in configuration management, software release and deployment activities.
• Contribute to secure-by-design principles and support cyber security assessments.
• Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to define acceptance criteria and support qualification activities.
• Support defect investigation, root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.

Experience Required

• Proven experience in software development, integration or testing of networking systems.
• Strong understanding of IP networking fundamentals and routing technologies.
• Experience working with virtualised network environments and software-defined networking architectures.
• Experience creating and executing structured test procedures and automated test frameworks.
• Knowledge of networking protocols such as: TCP/IP, UDP, OSPF, BGP, VLA, MPLS, Multicast
• Experience using Linux-based development environments.
• Experience with network analysis and troubleshooting tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump or equivalent.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and configuration management processes.
• Experience producing technical documentation, test specifications and verification evidence.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Desirable Skills

• Experience developing or testing military, defence or mission-critical communication systems.
• Knowledge of software-defined networking technologies and frameworks.
• Experience with Kubernetes, Docker or containerised networking solutions.
• Familiarity with network function virtualisation (NFV) architectures.
• Experience working within Agile or DevSecOps environments.
• Knowledge of secure communications systems and cyber security principles.
• Experience with automated CI/CD pipelines and test automation frameworks.
• Familiarity with requirements management and systems engineering processes.
• Understanding of MOD, NATO or defence communication standards.
• Experience working in classified or secure development environments.
• Current or previously held UK Security Clearance (SC or DV).

With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions.

SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.

Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.

True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.

Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.

Who are we?

With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions.

SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.

Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.

True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.

Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.