Network Engineer – Cisco & Optical Networking

Pauwels Consulting; Melle; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pauwels Consulting is seeking a seasoned network engineer to manage and maintain telecommunications infrastructure. You will translate designs into configurations, implement Cisco routers/switches on-site, and monitor critical systems while supporting 24/7 standby rotations.

Requirements include 4+ years with Cisco, TCP/IP, DWDM/CWDM, and energy/telecom sector experience; fluency in Dutch; CCNA R&S and AREI safety competencies are valued. This role is based in Melle, Belgium, onsite.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of network engineering experience with Cisco hardware and CLI.

Responsibilities

• Translate detailed technical designs into machine configurations using templates and guidelines.

Skills

Cisco CLI

TCP/IP

VRFs

ACLs

DWDM/CWDM

Fiber tech

Unix/Linux/Windows

CCNA R&S

BA4/BA5 safety

Dutch (native)

Telecom system admin

Energy sector experience

Tools

Cisco IOS

Job description

Our client, a leading organization in the utility and energy sector, is seeking a specialist to manage and maintain their telecommunications infrastructure. The role involves translating technical designs into configurations, implementing network hardware on-site, and ensuring the high availability of critical systems. The project requires proactive network monitoring and documentation within a regulated safety environment.

• Translate detailed technical designs into machine configurations using standardized templates and guidelines.
• Configure and implement network hardware, specifically Cisco routers and switches.
• Manage VRFs, routing interfaces, and ACLs to maintain network security and performance.
• Provide on-site and remote technical assistance for troubleshooting connectivity and routing issues.
• Maintain network documentation and monitoring tools to facilitate proactive management and error detection.
• Participate in a 1-in-5-week standby rotation to provide 24/7 analysis and assistance for critical interventions.

• 4+ years of network engineering experience with Cisco hardware and CLI.
• 4+ years of expertise in TCP/IP networking, including L2/L3 routing and VRF.
• 4+ years of experience with optical platforms (DWDM, CWDM) and fiber technology (SFP, MM/SM).
• 4+ years of experience as a system administrator within a telecom environment.
• 4+ years of professional experience within the energy sector.
• 3+ years of experience as a system administrator in an ICT infrastructure environment.
• You possess experience with Unix, Linux, or Windows operating systems.
• You bring a valid CCNA R&S certification and a BA4/BA5 safety competency certificate.
• You're willing to adhere to AREI safety regulations and provide 24/7 standby support as part of a rotation.
• You are native in Dutch.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with mobile telecommunication networks.
• Knowledge of datacenter networking environments.
• Experience as a system administrator for internet and connectivity services.

• Start date: 11/12/2026
• Duration: 24 months
• Work regime: Full-time
• Location: Melle
• Working model: Onsite
• Contract: open to both permanent employees and freelancers