Network Engineer

About the role

Rugby School Dubai, part of Aldar Education, is looking for a skilled, proactive and highly organised Network Engineer to join its IT team in December 2027. Reporting to the IT Cluster Manager, you will design, maintain and secure the school's network infrastructure, covering campus-wide Wi-Fi, network security and support for new technologies as the school grows. The school opened in August 2026, serves pupils from FS1 to Year 13 in the Nad Al Sheba district of Dubai, and works closely with the IT team, Aldar Education HQ and external partners.

Key responsibilities

• Install, configure and maintain network hardware such as switches, routers, firewalls and wireless access points, and oversee structured cabling, server rooms and communications cabinets.
• Design and manage the network architecture, including VLANs, routing and segmentation between staff, pupil, guest, CCTV and building management networks, and manage core services such as DHCP, DNS and IP address management.
• Plan, deploy and optimise campus-wide Wi-Fi, carry out wireless surveys and resolve coverage, interference and capacity issues, and manage secure wireless access and device onboarding.
• Configure and manage firewalls, VPNs, access controls and intrusion prevention systems, and manage web content filtering in line with safeguarding requirements, KHDA guidance and Aldar Education policy.
• Monitor network performance, bandwidth and availability, provide third-line support to the IT helpdesk, and ensure reliable connectivity for online assessments, examinations, events and live streaming.
• Plan and deliver network upgrades and expansion projects, evaluate new technologies, and contribute to IT budgeting and procurement.
• Maintain network documentation, back up configurations and support disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Ensure compliance with UAE data protection legislation, information security policies and safeguarding requirements, and report safeguarding, health and safety or information security concerns.

Required profile

• Degree or diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking or a related field.
• At least 3 years' experience in a network engineering role.
• Experience in a school, campus or multi-site environment is highly desirable.
• Proven experience managing enterprise wireless networks, firewalls and network security.
• Fluent English; Arabic is desirable.

Required skills

• CCNA, CCNP or CompTIA Network+ certification, or vendor certifications (Cisco, Aruba, Fortinet, Meraki), highly desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi, VLANs, routing and switching, firewalls and VPNs.
• Experience with network monitoring tools and content filtering solutions.
• Problem-solving, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical colleagues.