Contract

Comgent; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 110,000 - 160,000; Part time

Job summary

Comgent is seeking a Principal Network Engineer - Data Center & Automation to deliver data center networking expertise, platform certification, and Python automation, while providing strong technical leadership and handling complex incident support.

The engagement is freelance with a 40-hour work week, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with 2 days on-site per week and up to 10% travel to customer sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 6+ years in data center routing, switching, and network architecture.
• Experience with Juniper QFX/PTX/MX/EX is required.
• Proven ability to develop test automation and Python scripts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for HPE data center networking products and provide design, troubleshooting, testing, documentation, and automation support.
• Provide primary technical support for break/fix activities to restore services quickly.
• Advise customers on best practices for Junos configurations and network design.
• Manage and grow relationships with internal teams and external partners involved in engineering design.
• Review designs for compliance and provide feedback to improve product quality.
• Contribute domain expertise to cross-organizational projects and programs.
• Drive innovation by integrating new technologies into projects and designs.
• Mentor and guide junior staff members.

Skills

Data center networking

Python automation

Technical leadership

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering/CS

Tools

Junos testing

Junos EVO

Automation scripting

Job description

Principal Network Engineer - Data Center & Automation - freelance - hybrid, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Start Date: 01-Nov-2026 (pending offer and onboarding)Duration: 12 months initially Work Location: 2 days per week onsite in Amsterdam officeCustomer Site Address: TBC

Job 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
• 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).