For our client – worldwide leader in innovative IT and networking technologies – we are currently looking for a Global Network Operations & Production Network Engineer.
- Location: Cracow/Munich/Bucharest/Lisbon (hybrid)
- Contract: B2B (Self-employment), full time, 1-year with a possibility of prolongation
- Duration: until October 31, 2026
Executive Summary
We seek a skilled professional to provide comprehensive 24/7 Level 2 and Level 3 network operational support and support project execution (hardware refreshes, software upgrades) for a global financial institution. This hybrid role combines operational support with production network engineering, requiring expertise in NETCONF/YANG, network virtualization, core IP engineering, and network security principles. Candidates must have competencies in Cisco and non-Cisco technologies and a solid understanding of agnostic principles underpinning all OEM technologies. The role demands leadership in incident management, knowledge sharing, and the ability to work flexible shifts.
Role Purpose
Provide high-quality network operational support, analytical skills, and production network engineering expertise across a multi-vendor datacentre. Responsibilities include event and incident management (reactive and proactive), standardised change requests, network product lifecycle management, and delivery of strategic network infrastructure platforms and connectivity products.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver 24×7 operational support for global networking, firewall & load balancing technologies.
- Maintain and troubleshoot network equipment including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and related infrastructure.
- Perform fault and performance management.
- Identify, diagnose, and resolve complex network issues, including hardware faults and logical problems.
- Collect diagnostic data, document incidents, and track progress per SLA compliance.
- Manage escalations, isolate incidents, and apply workarounds.
- Collaborate with vendors and service providers for device and service restoration.
- Coordinate and implement break-fix activities and planned changes, patching, and maintenance in line with change management processes.
- Assess and amend existing network devices in a controlled manner.
- Make key decisions on fault or change impacts on users and infrastructure.
- Ensure all tasks are professionally documented and adhere to company processes.
- Liaise with other technology teams, business units, and third-party vendors.
- Engage in proactive tasks such as delivering new projects and maintaining standards.
- Lead design, build, and operation of network products across all OSI layers (1-7), including physical and virtual infrastructure.
- Utilize expertise in Layer 1-4 protocols (e.g., Ethernet, VXLAN, TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), access transport technologies (e.g., PON, xDSL, DOCSIS), wireless standards (Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G), and overlay IP/VPN technologies.
- Work with virtual infrastructure ecosystems (OpenStack, Kubernetes, QEMU, KVM, HCI) and open networking technologies (FRR, Bird, GoBGP, SONiC, Cumulus).
- Apply strong network programming and automation skills using RESTCONF, NETCONF/YANG, Python, Ansible, Saltstack, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Manage network product lifecycle including requirements analysis, platform selection, architecture design, service development, testing, and deployment at scale.
- Implement network access control (NAC), RADIUS-based AAA, and zero trust networking concepts.
- Support secure and automated access for corporate and guest users.
- Participate in risk and control activities ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
Stakeholder Management
- Gather requirements from product managers, service managers, product engineers, and solution delivery teams.
- Collaborate with Infrastructure Services teams to provide sustainable enterprise-scale solutions.
- Engage end-users and key stakeholders for feedback and requirements validation.
- Provide SME consultancy on technical and domain matters.
- Manage communications and updates to business and technology stakeholders.
- Maintain relationships with external vendors, contributing to contract renewals and license management.
Essential Skills:
- Experience in network operational support and production network engineering within large institutions or banks.
- Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex network-related issues.
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Solid understanding of LAN/WAN technologies and protocols (Cisco ACI, IOS, NX-OS, SD-WAN, BGP, OSPF).
- Good knowledge of multi-vendor firewall platforms (Fortigate, Cisco ASA, Cisco Tetration).
- Experience with remote access technologies (Cisco AnyConnect, Zscaler, Aruba).
- Proficiency in DNS/DHCP (Infoblox), load balancing platforms (F5, VMWare), and proxy products (Zscaler).
- Strong TCP/IP and SSL troubleshooting skills (packet analysis tools like tcpdump, Wireshark).
- Deep understanding of network virtualization, cloud, and automation concepts.
- Expertise in network programming/automation and configuration management tools (Python, Ansible, Saltstack, Terraform).
- Familiarity with virtual infrastructure and open networking technologies.
- Knowledge of network access control and zero trust networking principles.
- Ability to lead and work in 24/7 shift patterns including weekends.
Desirable Skills:
- Relevant certifications (CCNP, CCIE or equivalent).
- Experience with scripting and automation languages.
- Hands-on experience with MPLS, multicast, QoS, wireless technologies.
- Expertise in network product lifecycle management and agile methodologies.
- Experience with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code (IaC).
- Knowledge of network instrumentation and software-defined networking (SDN) controllers.
This combined role is critical for ensuring resilient, secure, and efficient network operations and engineering, supporting both day-to-day incident management and strategic network product development.
Take your career to the next level with exciting projects, expert teams, and cutting-edge technologies. Apply now!
Location: Cracow, Poland / Munich, Germany / Bucharest, Romania / Lisbon, Portugal | Hybrid
