Python Developer | Wireshark | Network Automation

6-Month Contract | -580 per Day Inside IR35 | Hybrid - 2 Days Onsite, North London

We are looking for an experienced Python Backend Developer to join an exciting 6-month contract, working on a specialist project focused on Wireshark automation, network sniffing, packet capturing and backend application development.

The successful contractor will play a key role in developing a Wireshark as a Service solution, transforming existing manual network packet capture processes into an automated, self-service web application.

This role is ideal for a strong Python Developer with experience building backend services, REST APIs and automation solutions, alongside a good understanding of networking, packet capturing and network traffic analysis.

• Design, develop and implement a Python-based backend application to automate network packet capturing and traffic collection.

• Develop a self-service solution allowing users to initiate packet captures by submitting IP addresses through a web interface.

• Integrate TShark (Wireshark CLI) into backend services to automate network sniffing and packet capturing.

• Build and maintain REST APIs connecting the frontend application with backend capture processes.

• Automate the generation, processing, storage and retrieval of PCAP files.

• Develop asynchronous processing and task queuing systems to manage multiple packet capture requests.

• Implement automated notifications and workflows to inform users when packet captures are completed.

• Configure and optimise TShark commands, packet capture filters and network traffic collection processes.

• Troubleshoot backend application issues, API integrations and network capture functionality.

• Collaborate with developers, network engineers and technical stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver scalable solutions.

• Support additional Python development, system integrations and automation projects where required.

• Strong commercial experience in Python backend development, scripting and automation.

• Experience designing and developing REST APIs and backend applications.

• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS and network communications.

• Knowledge of network sniffing, packet capturing and network traffic analysis.

• Experience integrating command-line tools and external processes into Python applications.

• Experience working with asynchronous processing, task queues and automated workflows.

• Strong experience developing and troubleshooting applications within Linux/server environments.

• Experience handling file generation, storage and retrieval within backend systems.

• Ability to work independently, translate technical requirements into working solutions and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Hands-on experience with Wireshark, TShark or tcpdump.

• Experience working with PCAP files, packet filtering and network traffic capture tools.

• Knowledge of network sniffing, deep packet inspection and protocol analysis.

• Experience automating Wireshark/TShark through Python scripts or backend applications.

• Experience developing self-service web applications or network automation tools.

• Knowledge of Google Cloud Platform (GCP), including Cloud Run, BigQuery and Cloud Storage.

• Experience with PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch or OpenSearch.

• Experience working within cyber security, network monitoring or traffic analysis environments.

We are particularly interested in a hands-on Python Backend Developer who enjoys building automation tools, backend applications and technical integrations.

You will have strong Python development skills, experience working with REST APIs and an understanding of networking concepts, ideally with exposure to Wireshark, TShark, packet capturing or network sniffing technologies.

This is primarily a software development and automation role, rather than a traditional Network Engineer or Network Analyst position.