Network Administrator - Rome (Hybrid)

Location: Rome, Italy (on-site, with teleworking up to 3 days per week) Start date: ASAP Languages: Fluent English required Industry: Network Infrastructure / IT Services Duration: Long term ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY Pragmatike is hiring two Network Administrators to provide dedicated operational support for a customer’s network infrastructure, as part of a long-term project. You will join a team of approximately 4-5 members. The client is based in Rome, so proximity to this location is important. You’ll work across the full network stack, from Cisco Nexus and Catalyst switching and routing, through firewalls, F5 load balancers, Cisco Meraki and IPSEC VPNs, to cloud networking in AWS. The role covers onboarding new services, adapting to evolving technologies and customer requirements, and making sure network solutions are implemented and maintained effectively, with a risk-based, security-first approach aligned with the customer’s cybersecurity requirements, policies, and procedures. This is a hands-on role for someone who is flexible, service-oriented, and quick to learn. You will work in a highly collaborative environment, manage multiple competing priorities, and act as a technical administrator, working under supervision while showing a high level of autonomy in day-to-day tasks and delivering on time and with high quality. WHAT YOU’LL DO - Configure and support Cisco network infrastructure, including Nexus and Catalyst switches and routers. - Configure, support, and administer firewalls, including Cisco Firepower and the F5 BIG-IP AFM module. - Configure, support, and administer F5 load balancers. - Configure, support, and administer Cisco Meraki solutions, including switching, wireless, and security. - Configure, support, and administer Site-to-Site VPN tunnels based on IPSEC technologies. - Monitor WAN usage and performance, and troubleshoot network issues. - Provide first and second-level support, including troubleshooting and coordination with vendors. - Review logs and alerts, and perform corrective actions. - Monitor network performance and ensure optimal operation. - Maintain and update technical documentation and configuration templates. - Provide on-call/standby support when required. - Apply a risk-based, security-first mindset when implementing and supporting network services in a complex, multi-tenant environment. - Participate in network security implementation projects, track progress, review vulnerability and risk reports, and implement controls that protect service availability, integrity, and confidentiality. - Collaborate with IT, business relationship, and cybersecurity teams to understand requirements and translate them into secure technical solutions, written proposals, and cost estimates when required. - Implement approved technical policies and secure configuration standards on enterprise network security systems, following established processes and procedures. - Automate recurring operational tasks and processes using scripting and automation platforms where appropriate. - Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, the cyber threat landscape, cybersecurity standards, and network security best practices, and share relevant knowledge with the team. - Provide ad hoc support to related network or cybersecurity teams, including temporary participation in projects or service-delivery activities when required. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR - 5+ years of hands-on experience as a Network Administrator or in a comparable network engineering role. - Strong hands-on experience with Cisco technologies, including switching and routing. - Strong hands-on experience with Cisco Meraki solutions. - Proven experience working with F5 load balancers. - Solid understanding of TCP/IP networking and protocols. - Experience with routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP. - Strong experience with firewall technologies, including Cisco Firepower and F5 AFM. - Good understanding of networking in cloud environments (AWS or similar). - Experience or knowledge of networking concepts in AWS, including VPC, routing, security groups, and connectivity. - Good understanding of network security concepts and best practices. - Experience working in ITIL-based environments. - Proven troubleshooting and operational support experience in complex environments. - Strong knowledge of cybersecurity risk management processes and the ability to assess threat relevance, impact, and risk. - Knowledge of enterprise LAN, data centre, and WAN technologies, including SD-WAN, DIA, MPLS, DNS, authentication services, and network monitoring. - Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving skills, including critical thinking when assessing vulnerabilities, threats, impact, and risk. - Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team. - Ability to write documentation and reports. - Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. - Ability to work closely with customers, demonstrating a professional and service-oriented attitude. - Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset. - Creativity and the ability to find innovative solutions. - Conflict management and cooperation skills. - Willingness to learn and adapt on the job. - Ability to work constructively with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, ensuring that all team members can contribute. - Ability to manage ambiguity and pressure in a self-reflective manner and use feedback as an opportunity for development. - Action-oriented approach with a strong commitment to producing and delivering quality results. - Openness to new approaches and ideas, with the ability to adapt positively to change. NICE TO HAVE - Experience with VPN technologies (IPsec). - Experience with network monitoring and performance analysis tools. - Familiarity with multi-vendor environments. - Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP or equivalent). - Cisco Meraki certifications. - Cisco Firepower / Security certifications. - AWS certifications (e.g., Solutions Architect, Advanced Networking, or similar). - ITIL Foundation. - CompTIA Network+ or equivalent network management certification. - Cloud security certification. - CISSP or equivalent cybersecurity certification. - Zero Trust architecture training or certification. - Relevant GIAC certification. - Other relevant industry certifications. WORKING CONDITIONS - Teleworking: up to 3 days per week - On-call: may be required on an exceptional basis - Overtime must be pre-approved by the client Team Leader - Overtime rates: 125% of the daily rate Monday to Saturday, and 150% on Sundays and client public holidays - Stand-by availability for on-call services is included in the daily rate - Interventions during an on-call period are billed at the overtime rates above - Overtime and on-call interventions may alternatively be compensated with time off, if mutually agreed by both parties WHY JOIN US - Work as part of a small, collaborative team of 4-5 members - Hybrid setup in Rome with up to 3 days of teleworking per week - Hands-on exposure to Cisco, Meraki, F5, firewall, VPN, and AWS networking technologies - Strong focus on security-first, risk-based network operations - Opportunity to grow through certifications, on-the-job learning, and knowledge sharing Pragmatike is committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive recruitment process. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. In accordance with GDPR, your personal data will be processed lawfully, fairly, and securely, and used solely for recruitment purposes, including sharing it with our client(s) for employment consideration.