SC Cleared · Lead Architect

Steven Johnston

Technical Lead
SC Cleared
CCNP Enterprise
CCNP Collaboration

Profile

Owning end-to-end technical design, setting standards across concurrent delivery programmes, and leading complex multi-vendor deployments for enterprise and public sector clients. I'm designing multi-region cloud architectures, building AI agents that automate network operations, and leading teams of engineers through some of the most complex infrastructure programmes in Scotland. SC cleared and operating at Lead Architect level, I bring technical expertise across networking, security, cloud, and AI-driven automation, alongside the leadership capability to drive programmes from initial concept through to production. My work spans global enterprise and public sector environments, including critical national infrastructure and key clients such as the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Scottish Prisons Service and the Crown Office.

Expertise

Infrastructure

Network ArchitectureSD-WANBGP & OSPFLAN / WAN Design

Automation & Dev

Python Network AutomationDockerAI WorkflowsDevOps

Cloud & Hybrid

Azure NetworkingTransit HUBsSecure AccessHybrid Cloud

Security

Cisco FirewallPalo AltoFortinetCisco ISEZero TrustVPNUmbrella & DUO

Datacentre

Cisco UCSVMwareCisco NexusDC DesignNutanix

Collaboration

Cisco WebexMS TeamsSIP & CUBECUCM

Credentials

SC

SC Cleared

Security Check clearance

CCNP

CCNP Enterprise

Routing & Switching · 2027

CCNP

CCNP Collaboration

Unified Comms · 2027

Experience

2024 — Present

Technical Lead

Sword Group (formerly Ping Network Solutions)
  • Designed and delivered a resilient, multi-region Cisco ISE, Palo Alto Firewall & Cisco SD-WAN deployment in Azure, establishing zero-trust network access for a critical national infrastructure client.
  • Architected a secure cloud-based (Azure) AI platform to automate network operations workflows, integrating LLM-based tooling with enterprise infrastructure to reduce manual effort and accelerate incident response.
  • Manage and mentor a team of 7 consultants, owning resource planning, technical direction, and professional development across concurrent delivery programmes.
  • Define solution architecture and set technical standards across projects, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with client outcomes.
2019 — 2024

Consultant Engineer

Ping Network Solutions
  • Directed a multi-datacentre & offshore transformation programme incorporating SD-WAN, Cisco Nexus datacentre switching, and Palo Alto Networks edge security — delivered on time and within budget.
  • Delivered campus-wide firewall and LAN refresh programmes across multiple Scottish public sector clients including colleges, universities, and government bodies, driving security uplift and operational resilience.
  • Championed DevOps practices — CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, and automated testing to accelerate delivery.
  • Designed and implemented end-to-end solutions spanning networking, security, and collaboration technologies.
  • Led a multi-site migration from legacy BGP/IPsec VPN to a modern Cisco SD-WAN architecture.
  • Architected Cisco SD-WAN with an active/active Palo Alto Networks transit hub in Azure, enabling resilient hybrid connectivity.
  • Managed the migration of 2,000 users from Cisco CUCM to Microsoft Teams for a major Scottish university.
  • Designed and built a bespoke hosted management platform across dual datacentres for an energy sector client.
2015 — 2019

Principal Engineer

Virgin Media Business
  • Provided technical leadership and consultation for large public sector accounts.
  • Delivered a comprehensive LAN/WAN and datacentre redesign using Cisco Nexus 9K for the Scottish Courts Service.
  • Led a datacentre refresh incorporating clustered Cisco UCS 5508 compute nodes for the Scottish Prisons Service.
  • Designed and implemented a secure video conferencing system for the Scottish Prisons Service, connecting inmates, solicitors, police, and court personnel.
  • Delivered multiple large infrastructure projects including LAN refreshes, firewall migrations, and SIP integrations.
2007 — 2015

Senior Network Engineer

Jabil
  • Led a European-wide LAN, WAN, and Cisco telephony refresh across 112 manufacturing sites.
  • Delivered two $3M datacentre builds in London and Budapest.
  • Served as technical lead for the acquisition integration of a competitor facility in the Netherlands.
  • Managed converged data and voice network installations across the European region.
2003 — 2007

Network Engineer

Jabil
  • Designed routing and traffic engineering solutions using BGP and OSPF.
  • Delivered VPN, telephony, and wireless solutions across multiple European sites.

Let's build resilient networks.

Available for lead architecture, consultancy and complex multi-vendor delivery programmes across enterprise and public sector.