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Director of Core Networks (Defence Sector)
Location : Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Relocation Fully Supported
Package –
Equilivant to €300,000 to 375,000 Euro base + relocation + private healthcare + flights home + Education Allowance + Free Lunch, + 1 month hotel etc.
Department : Defence Technology & Infrastructure
Contract Type : Permanent
Role Summary
The Director of Core Networks is responsible for the strategic leadership, architectural oversight, and operational management of all core network infrastructure supporting critical defence operations and secure communications systems in Abu Dhabi. This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the resilience, integrity, and security of mission-critical communications and network services, including command-and-control systems, satellite, tactical communications, and secure IP networks.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Leadership
* Develop and execute the core network strategy aligned with national defence objectives.
* Lead cross-functional teams including network architects, engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and operations support staff.
* Act as the primary point of contact for senior defence stakeholders on all matters related to network performance, capability, and security.
* Oversee the design and continuous evolution of highly secure, scalable, and redundant network infrastructure.
* Ensure integration with classified systems, cloud-hosted mission systems, and tactical networks.
* Evaluate and implement emerging technologies including SDN, 5G, and hybrid mesh for field-deployable assets.
Operational Excellence
* Guarantee 24 / 7 availability and performance of core infrastructure across data centres, communications hubs, and mobile deployments.
* Implement ITIL-based processes for network operations, change management, and incident response.
* Lead performance monitoring, root cause analysis, and incident post-mortem reviews.
Cybersecurity & Compliance
* Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to enforce zero-trust architectures and end-to-end encryption.
* Ensure adherence to international and national defence compliance standards (e.g., NIST 800-171, ISO 27001, MoD frameworks).
* Oversee vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and continuous threat assessments.
* Manage multi-vendor relationships with telecom, hardware, and software providers.
* Oversee procurement, SLAs, and lifecycle management of network assets and services.
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Network Engineering, Information Security, or a related discipline.
* Minimum of 12–15 years of experience in managing large-scale defence or mission-critical networks.
* Prior experience in government, military, or high-security sectors.
* Certifications such as CCIE, CISSP, or equivalent desirable.
* Expertise in MPLS, BGP, OSPF, multicast, WAN / LAN design, and secure mobile networking.
* Hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, and / or Fortinet environments.
* Deep knowledge of encryption technologies, VPN tunnels, and secured satellite communications.
* Excellent stakeholder management and the ability to communicate technical strategies to military and civilian leadership.
* Strong project management, budgeting, and resource planning skills.
* Defence sector experience and building and delivering cutting edge Core Network Projects
* Any experience with cross-border defence programs or NATO-aligned infrastructures is a plus
* Competitive tax-free salary based on experience
* Private education Allownace + Full relocation support flights, hotel etc.
* Annual bonus, health insurance, and paid leave (25 days holiday)
* Wife / Husband Working Visa provide and full private healthcare for you and the family
Why This Role?
This opportunity is ideal for someone passionate about Core Networks in interesting Telecoms / Networking & RF communications ,
Advantages of this exciting role
1) Faster paced projects generally – less red tap than most.
2) High quality of life – easy living – safer / less crime and way better education & healthcare than most
3) They pay engineers properly at 1.5-2.5x most Net salaries + yearly pay rises (4%-10%) and all Tax free + increased project responsibilities and team growth (this team grown from 25 to 400+
Hiring Process
1 Tech Interview + 1 or 2 VP / Director interviews – 1 HR Chat (more HR / benefits etc)
Offer subject to clearance – Clearance (once completed) - final Contract
Seniority level
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Job function
Research, Engineering, and Product Management
IT Services and IT Consulting and Defense and Space Manufacturing
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