Network Engineer III

This position is part of the Global Restaurant Network Transformation team, where our mission is to deliver a global network solution and relevant technology that ensure resiliency and security. We provide best-in-class foundational technology products and services and the core focus for our team is restaurant network globally.

Reporting to the Sr. Network Manager, the Network Engineer will be responsible for monitoring network performance, identifying and resolving network issues, and implementing network security measures to protect the organization's data and systems.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

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.

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 Optimisation:

• Analyse 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 throughout.

Documentation & Knowledge Sharing:

• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for network configurations, processes, and troubleshooting guides.
• Participate in on-call rotation as required.

Vendor Management:

• Work with third-party vendors and service providers for network-related issues, hardware procurement, and service delivery.

Skills & Experience required:

• Extensive experience in network engineering roles at a senior level.
• Proven experience in implementing, and managing complex enterprise-level networks.
• 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) a plus.
• Scripting/automation skills (Python, Ansible) are a strong plus.
• 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 project management and organisational skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent work experience may be considered

Certifications (Preferred):

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

Additional Information

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

People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonald’s 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 McDonald’s or elsewhere.”