Network Engineer

Toptal is an exclusive network of the world’s top talent in business, design, and technology, connecting exceptional professionals with leading companies worldwide. We offer freelance opportunities on an independent contractor basis.

We are currently seeking a highly skilled Network Engineer for one of our clients—a leading global player in the telecommunications industry. In this role, you will provide technical support for an extensive lab relocation project, ensuring seamless implementation, configuration, and debugging of IP networks and associated hardware on-site in Ulm, Germany.

Responsibilities:

• Implementation, configuration, and debugging of IP network systems
• Configure routers (Cisco/ION), switches (Dell/Cisco/ION), and firewalls (Fortinet)
• Advanced troubleshooting for protocols including TCP/IP (IPv4 & IPv6), BGP, RIP, OSPF, MPLS (LDP, VPNv4, VPNv6)
• Deployment of secure firewall solutions and dynamic IPsec VPN setups
• Utilize monitoring tools such as PRTG and Nagios to ensure infrastructure reliability

Requirements:

• CCNA certification or higher
• Professional or academic degree in IT or Computer Science
• Strong hands-on experience with IP routing, switching, VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree
• Expertise in advanced network protocols: BGP, OSPF, RIP, MPLS
• Proven experience with secure firewall and VPN deployments
• Familiarity with network monitoring tools (PRTG, Nagios)
• English proficiency and basic German

Key Details:

• Type: Contract
• Location: On-site in Ulm, Germany
• Schedule: Up to 35 hours/week, Monday–Friday between 08:00–18:00
• Duration: July 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025 (with potential for extension)

If this opportunity aligns with your skills and interests, we encourage you to apply and learn more about working with Toptal.