Jnr IT Infrastructure and Network Engineer

Job Purpose

The Junior Infrastructure Engineer is responsible for assisting in the deployment, configuration, and management of SD-WANaaS and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) solutions to support network connectivity, cloud computing, and security compliance. This role ensures seamless integration of cloud and on-premise infrastructure, optimises network performance, and upholds security best practices. The specialist will support monitoring, troubleshooting, automation, and vendor management while continuously improving efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, they contribute to business continuity, disaster recovery, and innovation in SD-WAN and cloud environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Infrastructure Deployment & Management

• Assist in the deployment and configuration of SD-WANaaS and IaaS solutions under the guidance of senior team members.
• Support the setup and configuration of virtualised resources (VMs, storage, networking, firewalls, routers, PBXs).
• Work with both Private and Public Cloud Environments (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, VMware, Hyper-V) to ensure best-practice implementations.
• Ensure high availability, scalability, and disaster recovery capabilities for both SD-WAN and cloud environments.
• Follow established deployment processes to minimise disruptions.

2. Networking & Connectivity Management

• Assist in the integration of SD-WANaaS solutions with broadband, LTE, and MPLS networks.
• Configure and monitor network performance, virtual networks, routers, firewalls, and connectivity between on-premise and cloud-based systems.
• Support Network Operations Center (NOC) dashboards, tracking WAN traffic, application performance, and cloud network stability.
• Assist in troubleshooting minor connectivity issues between virtual and physical network components.

3. Security & Compliance Management

• Implement and support basic security measures, including encryption, firewall configurations, and access control for both SD-WANaaS and IaaS platforms.
• Assist with regular security audits, ensuring compliance with internal security policies and external regulations.
• Stay informed on cloud security policies and SD-WAN compliance standards.

4. Performance Optimisation & Resource Scaling

• Monitor network and cloud resource utilisation, identifying underutilised or overutilised services.
• Assist in cost-benefit analysis reports for SD-WANaaS and IaaS deployments.
• Learn and apply application-aware routing to optimise network and cloud performance.

5. Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Support disaster recovery planning, including backup and replication of critical data and network components.
• Learn and assist with testing recovery plans to ensure business continuity.

6. Automation & API Integration

• Assist in configuring API access and automating basic infrastructure tasks using IaaS and SD-WAN platform tools.
• Support the integration of third-party applications and services within SD-WAN and IaaS environments.

7. Stakeholder Communication & Vendor Management

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure SD-WANaaS and IaaS deployments progress smoothly.
• Provide basic technical support for SD-WANaaS and cloud services.
• Assist in managing vendor relationships, ensuring SLAs are met and service evaluations are conducted.

8. Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Stay current with SD-WAN, cloud networking, and automation technologies.
• Suggest improvements and efficiencies based on hands-on experience.

9. Administration

• Meet with Service Delivery Manager (SDM) and or Helpdesk Manager weekly to align on projects, activities
• Take ownership and responsibility for tasks allocated
• Complete tasks allocated timeously
• Take a proactive stance with TD and or SDM to ensure forward momentum always
• Ensure that you keep customer technical documentation up to date
• Ensure administration is always up to date in systems
• Maintain technical certifications
• Achieve your billable hours based targets
• Account for 100% of your time in the service desk

10. Internal and External Communication

• Communicate effectively via company communication tools (WhatsApp Teams, Service Desk etc.)
• Build relationships with customers and the technical team
• Ensure quick turnaround time when communicating
• Maintain a professional culture with colleagues and customers
• Respond to work communications quickly and effectively

JOB REQUIREMENTS

-        Bachelor's degree, engineering degree, or an equivalent qualification.

-        1-2 years of experience in networking, SD-WAN, cloud infrastructure, or system administration.

-        Basic knowledge of SD-WANaaS platforms (Sophos, Fortigate, VeloCloud, Cisco Meraki).

-        Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

-        Understanding of networking technologies, VPNs, encryption, cloud storage, and virtualised environments.

-        Strong communication skills and eagerness to learn.