Principal Fixed Access & Wholesale Network Engineer

Job Description

Join our Core Infrastructure Support team—one of the most dynamic and multi‑skilled groups within Operations—where you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering expert 3rd Line support across some of Virgin Media O2’s most critical platforms.

In this high‑impact role, you’ll take ownership of our Fixed Access and Wholesale Access technologies, working hands‑on with leading‑edge platforms including XGS‑PON (OLT, CIN, BNG), DOCSIS (CMTS/CCAP), EVPN, and NNIs. This is your chance to work at the heart of the network, solving complex challenges and keeping our services performing at their best.

You’ll be part of a highly visible, fast‑moving team that thrives on innovation—bringing fresh ideas, collaborating with specialists across Data Centre, Core, Corporate and ISP Systems Support, and delivering a truly end‑to‑end support experience for our customers and the business.

You’ll balance critical BAU responsibilities with the excitement of shaping new platforms and services, helping to deliver upgrades and cutting‑edge capabilities that move our network forward. Alongside your technical expertise, you’ll also provide guidance and task leadership to junior team members, helping to grow talent and strengthen our Data Support function.

If you want to make a real impact, work with industry‑leading technology, and be part of a team that sets the standard for operational excellence, this is the role for you.

Who we are

At Virgin Media O₂, we connect people to the moments that matter most. Virgin Media leads the UK for broadband reliability, speed and overall performance, while O₂ keeps people connected on the move with award-winning coverage.

We’re also proud to be named one of the Financial Times Top 500 Best Employers for 2026, based on one of the UK’s largest employee satisfaction surveys.

Join us and you’ll be part of a team that stays curious, positive and focused on making life easier for our customers and each other. We’re investing in the future of connectivity, from expanding next-generation 5G to exploring satellite-supported solutions that help reach rural communities and hard-to-connect places.

You’ll work with people who back good ideas and give you plenty of room to grow. So if you’re looking for a place where you can feel supported, trusted and genuinely valued, you’ll feel right at home here.

Our ways of working

We’re a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days a month connecting with each other in person.

That doesn’t just mean time in the office – it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days. What matters is making those moments count – so when we come together, it benefits everyone.

**Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all **

We believe a better tomorrow starts with the choices we make today. That means moving the dial on diversity, building equity into everything we do and putting inclusion at the heart of our business.

Virgin Media O₂ is an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to remove bias and barriers. We want every person who joins us – and everyone thinking about joining us – to feel seen, heard and supported.

When you work with us, you’ll have access to our award-winning employee network groups. These communities bring people together, champion allyship and create uplifting spaces where you can learn, share and feel part of something bigger. They play a big role in helping people feel connected from day one.

The must haves

In order to be considered, you must have the following experience;

• Extensive experience in supporting carrier / enterprise grade network infrastructure to include Juniper, Nokia, Cisco, and Commscope
• Understanding of XGS-PON technologies
• Fundamental understanding of ISIS, MPLS, SR MPLS, EVPN, IPv6
• In-depth knowledge of underlying network fundamentals not limited to TCP/IP, Routing, Switching and the OSI model
• Process oriented skills for troubleshooting, problem solving and problem resolution.
• Ability to lead and communicate during major incidents
• Familiarity with monitoring & OSS tools, and the ability to interpret real-time telemetry, alarms, and trend data to identify patterns

The other stuff we are looking for

We'd also love you to bring;

• Understanding of HFC, DOCSIS and CMTS technologies
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and the ability to adapt to technical and non-technical audiences (up to HoD/Director level).
• Experience to cover Juniper JNCIP-SP, Nokia NRS II, Cisco CCNP (R&S, SP, DC).
• Previous experience in a support role in a Tier 1 Service Provider
• Experience contributing to network design reviews or advising architecture teams.
• Vendor management and ability to challenge technical recommendations effectively.

What's in it for you

We know life isn’t just about work, so our benefits are built to support you in the moments that matter. You’ll get Bupa healthcare, wellbeing support, life cover, a pension and generous holiday –plus your birthday off.

And there’s more. Enjoy some extra perks on us, with optional electric vehicle lease and Cycle2Work schemes, dental insurance, neurodiversity assessments, and brilliant discounts on broadband, TV and mobile. You’ll even get access to the Virgin Family platform and the O₂ Priority app, with exclusive rewards, experiences and chances to attend events at The O₂ and beyond.

Next steps

If this feels like a place where you can belong, we’d love to see what you can do. Once you apply, the next steps might include a call with a recruiter, a video interview, an interview with the hiring manager and a task or assessment.

We’ll also ask about any adjustments you might need, and we’ll do our best to make them happen.

We review applications and interview throughout the advert window, so it’s worth applying sooner rather than later. If you’re offered the role, the offer will be subject to background checks, including a criminal record check and, for some roles, a financial background check.

LI-SE1