Network Engineer III

Date: Aug 5, 2026

Location: London, GB, N2 8AW

Company: McDonald's Corporation

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.