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

Comgent; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Comgent is seeking a Principal Network Engineer – Data Center & Automation for a freelance, hybrid role based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. You will deliver data center networking expertise, platform certification, and Python automation, while providing technical leadership and complex incident support.

The assignment requires 6+ years in data center routing and architectures, hands-on Juniper experience, and strong Python scripting.

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ experience in data center routing, switching, and network architecture.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for data center networking and automation.
• Provide break/fix support with rapid incident response.
• Advise on Junos configurations and network design.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Drive innovation by integrating new technologies into projects.

Skills

Juniper data center networking

Python automation

Junos configurations

Network architecture

Testing & verification

English & local language communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering / Computer Science

Tools

Juniper devices (QFX/PTX/MX/EX)

Job description

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

Contract | Comgent | Netherlands

Posted On 10/17/2026

Job Information

Standard Business working Hours Yes

IT Services

Work Experience 5-7 years

City Amsterdam

State/Province Noord-Holland

N/A

Special Considerations

Start Date: 01-Nov-2026 (pending offer and onboarding)
Duration: 12 months initially
Work Location: 2 days per week onsite in Amsterdam office
Customer 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).