Principal Network Engineer

PRINCIPAL NETWORK ENGINEER (ARUBA CLEARPASS)

UK Remote

Competitive Salary, plus bonus, plus other benefits

Are you an Aruba specialist who thrives on solving complex networking challenges?

We're seeking an experienced Aruba specialist to lead the design and delivery of enterprise Aruba LAN, WLAN and ClearPass solutions across complex customer environments. You will be our senior technical authority for HPE Aruba wired and wireless networking and network access control (NAC), covering design, architecture and delivery across the customer estate.

The role combines deep, hands‑on Aruba specialism with strong core routing and switching skills, acting as the escalation point for the most complex Aruba engagements and a key technical contributor to pre‑sales, solution design and Managed Services.

The role blends senior hands‑on engineering with architecture, design authority and mentoring, with weighting shifting further toward architecture and enablement as the practice and estate grow.

This is a highly technical role suited to a senior consultant or principal engineer who enjoys owning architecture, design and delivery of complex Aruba solutions while acting as the escalation point for critical customer environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the design and delivery of Aruba CX switching (core, aggregation and access) and Aruba Wireless (AOS8/AOS10, Aruba Central) solutions across complex, multi‑site customer estates.
• Produce HLD/LLD documentation, RF and capacity planning, and validated reference designs for LAN and WLAN deployments.

Network Access Control & ClearPass

• Design and implement Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager solutions, including 802.1X, guest access, device onboarding/profiling (OnBoard/OnGuard) and dynamic segmentation.
• Define NAC policy frameworks that integrate with identity, MDM and security platforms to support Zero Trust network access outcomes.
• Guide customers through NAC discovery, monitor mode and phased enforcement roll‑outs, minimising business disruption.

Routing & Core Networking

• Apply strong routing and switching expertise (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, VRRP/HSRP, STP, MPLS) to design resilient, scalable core and campus networks.
• Ensure Aruba solutions integrate cleanly into customers' wider, often multi‑vendor, routing environments, including Cisco estates.
• Troubleshoot complex routing and Layer 2/3 issues across customer networks as a senior technical escalation point.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience (typically 5+ years) in network engineering, with significant specialisation in HPE Aruba wired and wireless networking, at a senior/principal level.
• Deep, hands‑on expertise with Aruba CX switching: VSX, core/aggregation/access design, and enterprise campus LAN architectures.
• Deep, hands‑on expertise with Aruba Wireless (AOS8/AOS10) and Aruba Central, including RF design, capacity planning and multi‑site management.
• Strong hands‑on expertise with Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager: 802.1X, RADIUS/TACACS+, guest access, device onboarding/profiling (OnBoard/OnGuard) and dynamic segmentation.
• Ability to design and implement Zero Trust network access outcomes using NAC policy frameworks integrated with identity, MDM and security platforms.
• Excellent core routing and switching skills, including OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, STP/RSTP, VRRP/HSRP, VLANs and QoS.
• Strong multi‑vendor experience, particularly Cisco routing and switching, sufficient to design and troubleshoot in mixed‑vendor estates.
• Relevant HPE Aruba accreditations (e.g. Aruba Certified Switching Associate/Professional, Aruba Certified Mobility Associate/Professional, Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional, Aruba Certified Design Expert) and Cisco accreditations (e.g. CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure) are required or highly desirable.

Company Description

Xalient is a global boutique specialising in the convergence of identity‑driven security and secure networking. We help the world’s leading enterprises stay secure, connected, and ready for the future - bringing together deep technical expertise, business insight, and AI‑powered innovation to solve the complex challenges of modern digital businesses.

Independent by design and driven by a passion for exceptional service, Xalient combines global reach with the agility and customer intimacy of a boutique provider. Our advisory, professional, and managed services teams operate across the UK, US, EMEA and Asia - delivering fast, tangible outcomes and long‑term impact.

Xalient is trusted by forward‑thinking enterprises to reduce risk, optimise performance, and navigate today’s digital complexity with confidence.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy or maternity or age.

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