Principal Network Engineer – Data Center & Automation – freelance – hybrid, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Comgent Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
IT Services and IT Consulting · 11-50 employees
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About the role
The Principal Network Engineer will serve as a subject matter expert for data center networking, providing technical leadership, design support, and complex incident resolution. They will also drive innovation through Python automation and mentor junior staff members to ensure high-quality engineering standards.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering field and possess over 6 years of experience in data center routing and switching. Proficiency in Juniper products and Python scripting is essential, alongside strong analytical and communication skills.
Full description
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.
Comgent is recruiting for the role of Principal Network Engineer – Data Center & Automation, to provide data center networking expertise, platform certification and Python automation, alongside technical leadership and complex incident support.
Assignment
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Engagement: freelance / contract
- Work arrangement: Hybrid — average two office days per week
- Schedule: 40 hours per week
Responsibilities
- Serve as the subject matter expert for HPE products in data center networking technologies, supporting customers with network design, troubleshooting, hardware and software testing, documentation, best practices, and automation.
- Provide primary technical support for break/fix activities, using advanced diagnostic skills to restore services quickly and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
- Advise customers on best practices for Junos configurations and network design.
- Manage and grow relationships with internal teams and outsourced development partners involved in engineering design and development.
- Review and evaluate designs and project activities for compliance with technology and development standards; provide constructive feedback to improve product quality.
- Contribute domain-specific expertise and engineering leadership to cross-organizational projects and programs.
- Drive innovation by integrating new technologies into engineering projects and designs.
- Mentor and guide junior staff members.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 6 + years’ experience in data center routing, switching, and network architecture, with hands-on experience using Juniper products such as the QFX, PTX, MX, and EX series.
- Proven ability to develop test automation and write scripts in Python.
- Up to 10% travel to customer sites is required.
Requirements
Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience testing and certifying Junos and Junos EVO software features and associated hardware.
- Skilled in empirical analysis, modeling, and testing methodologies to validate product designs and specifications.
- Proficient with engineering design tools and software used to design components and solutions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and the local language; able to present product architectures and design proposals and to negotiate options with senior management.
Additional Skills:
Cloud Architectures, Cross Domain Knowledge, Design Thinking, Development Fundamentals, DevOps, Distributed Computing, Microservices Fluency, Full Stack Development, Security-First Mindset, User Experience (UX).
