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Find the best Network Engineers in Germany from 15,000 CVs with fast AI matching

Need support for LAN and WAN design, firewall and VPN setup, Cisco or Fortinet environments, or network troubleshooting? Get fast, precise matching with vetted, available freelancers who can step into live infrastructure work.

About the role

What they do Network engineers design, build, and support the data networks that keep offices, plants, and cloud-connected systems running. They plan routing, switching, segmentation, wireless coverage, and secure remote access. Many companies also bring in a network administrator, network specialist, or LAN/WAN engineer for hands-on operations and cleanup work.

Typical deliverables

  • Network design for office, campus, or branch setups
  • Firewall, VPN, and access control configuration
  • Routing, switching, and VLAN documentation
  • Network troubleshooting and incident support
  • Migration plans for hardware refreshes or cloud connectivity
  • Handover notes and clean network diagrams

Skills and tools A strong Network Engineer understands TCP/IP, subnetting, routing protocols, switching, DNS, DHCP, and security basics. Common tools and platforms include Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Meraki, Wireshark, and monitoring tools such as PRTG or similar systems. For more complex environments, they also work with SD-WAN, VLAN design, NAC, load balancing, and segmenting critical traffic.

When to bring one in Companies usually hire freelance network engineers when an internal team is overloaded, a project needs specialist knowledge, or a change has to happen without disruption. Typical cases include office moves, network audits, security hardening, merger integrations, VPN rollouts, or production network issues that need fast diagnosis. In Germany, this is common in manufacturing, logistics, SaaS, and mid-sized industrial firms that need reliable collaboration with local IT teams and clear documentation in English or German.

What good looks like

  • They ask the right questions before changing anything
  • They document the current state before they touch it
  • They work safely in live environments
  • They explain trade-offs clearly to IT and business teams
  • They leave the network easier to support than before
  • They can switch between operations, project work, and incident response

Related titles Searches for this role often use adjacent titles such as network administrator, network specialist, or network architect, but the scope is not always the same. A strong freelancer can cover the overlap when the job involves implementation, troubleshooting, and design rather than only user support. For companies, the key is to define whether you need operational support, a project lead, or deep design work before the assignment starts.

Meet FRATCH Network Engineers

Rudolf Eggelbusch

Rudolf Eggelbusch

Datacenter Engineer, Network & Security Administrator

Ratingen

Last position:

Datacenter Engineer, Network & Security Administrator at International insurance group

  • Operation and further development of the network and security infrastructure.

  • Monitoring, analysis and resolution of network and security incidents.

  • Cross-department collaboration with other specialist teams for operations, further development and reporting.

  • Firewall vulnerability analysis.

  • Firewall rule approvals.

  • Troubleshooting IP communication issues in the network and firewall infrastructure.

  • Security-critical IT infrastructure, processing of personal data, compliance with legal regulations.

  • Products: Palo Alto Networks Firewalls, Cisco ACI, Checkpoint Firewalls, F5

  • Technologies: SDN, SDWAN, Cisco EPIC, Cisco ACI

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Jürgen Kasch

Jürgen Kasch

Management Consultant · Interim Manager, Cloud & IT Service Management (freelance)

Friedberg

Last position:

Interim Management / Business Succession – Process Analysis & Stakeholder Management

As part of the preparation and operational support of a business succession:

  • Company analysis: Analysis of the overall economic, organizational and structural situation (current state, strengths/weaknesses, risk potentials)
  • Process analysis: Recording and documentation of all relevant business processes (BPMN, UML) in the areas of management, finance, procurement, sales and operations
  • Process optimization: Identification of weaknesses and inefficiencies, development and operational implementation of improvement measures
  • Stakeholder management: Identification and analysis of all relevant internal and external stakeholders; structured communication and coordination with previous and future owners, shareholders and employees
  • Change management: Supporting the workforce and management through the handover process; building acceptance and trust among all participants
  • Governance & documentation: Creation and handover of structured operation manuals, process documentation and organizational handbook for the new business owner
  • Risk & vulnerability analysis: Assessment of operational and strategic risks in the handover process and development of recommended actions
  • Operational support: Interim takeover of leadership tasks; ensuring business continuity during the transition phase
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Waseem Sattar

Waseem Sattar

Enterprise Solution Architect | 5G / Mobile Communications | Mission Critical Services (MCx) | IMS and SIP

Frankfurt am Main

Last position:

Solution Architect – FRMCS & Digital Transformation in the Rail Sector at Freelance Enterprise & Solution Architect

Responsible for the architecture and strategic direction of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) in the international rail environment. Managing architecture activities, requirements management, stakeholder alignment, and standardization bodies.

Key contributions

  • Definition of the end-to-end system architecture for FRMCS across transport, core, service, and operations domains.
  • Creation of target architectures, architecture roadmaps, and operating models.
  • Conducting architecture workshops and technical governance with international stakeholders.
  • Creation of architecture diagrams, integration concepts, requirements specifications, and technical roadmaps.
  • Design of an event-driven OSS architecture for future operations processes.
  • Consulting on topics such as QoS, security architecture, API integration, cloud-native deployment, and interoperability.
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Julian Wendel

Julian Wendel

IT Consultant

Ellerstadt

Last position:

Renewal of the active network infrastructure

As part of this project, the existing active network infrastructure was modernized and aligned for the future. The goal was to introduce a high-performance, secure, and scalable network and WLAN infrastructure, including a Network Access Control (NAC) solution to improve network security and central access control.

At the start of the project, a comprehensive requirements analysis was carried out, taking into account the technical, operational, and security-related needs of the clinic sites. Based on this, a technical tender was prepared for new switches, WLAN access points, and the NAC solution.

By successfully delivering the project, a modern, standardized, and secure network infrastructure was established that meets the growing demands for availability, mobility, and IT security in clinical operations.

Tasks:

  • Support of the tender process, including technical evaluation of the offers and bidder assessment
  • Lead and coordinate the entire project delivery
  • Align the project process with internal stakeholders, business units, and the hospital IT team
  • Manage external service providers during implementation and installation of the systems
  • Monitor implementation, including quality control, project acceptance, and issue management
  • Coordinate communication between hospital IT and external service providers during the NAC implementation
  • Carry out escalation management for technical and organizational challenges
  • Ongoing budget tracking as well as monitoring of project effort and additional costs
  • Prepare decision papers on project changes, additional services, and risks for management
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Florian Krebs

Florian Krebs

Self-employed IT and Security Consultant

Olching

Last position:

LAN Planner at Global Network AG

  • As-is assessment of the current network infrastructure and its documentation, including on-site inspections
  • Independent planning of new distribution and main distribution rooms in the individual district offices (components used, rack layout, connectivity), considering the BSI IT-Grundschutz and InfoSic requirements
  • Planning of new copper and fiber optic cabling, including patch panels
  • Coordination with building services engineering (TGA) to ensure compliance with relevant on-site requirements
  • Development of detailed execution plans and high-level concepts for the rollout of the new infrastructure
  • Additional support after the components go live (hypercare phase)
  • Regular communication with project management and client stakeholders
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Abdelhak Mahou

Abdelhak Mahou

Network Architect

Düsseldorf

Last position:

Network Architect at Bechtle Managed Services GmbH

  • Created as-is network documentation for a Bechtle customer
  • Analyzed existing configurations and adjusted them
  • Advised on Fortinet and Check Point products
  • Troubleshot complex routing, switching and application issues
  • Tools: MS Azure, FortiManager, Cisco Nexus & Catalyst, Cisco WLAN Controller, Citrix Netscaler SD-WAN, MS Visio, Checkpoint VSX, Wireshark
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Mustafa Kederoglu

Mustafa Kederoglu

Senior Network Design and Engineer

Frankfurt

Last position:

Senior Network Design and Engineer at Helaba

  • Designed and specified the technical network integration of a new business-critical application system (MUREX) in the capital markets area in a complex interface and outsourcing environment.

  • Created component specifications, a catalog of measures and an implementation plan.

  • Ensured proper integration of the developed results in line with the bank’s framework: IT compliance, IT security, change and release management.

  • Selected and integrated a new service provider for the bank; moved critical bank applications to the provider.

  • Designed, implemented and supported the new Cisco network and Fortinet security setup at the service provider data center.

  • Acted as technical interface between the bank, service providers and consulting partners.

  • Supported and further developed the network and security infrastructure (clients, servers, networks); performed error analysis and implemented solutions within agreed service levels.

  • Analyzed and diagnosed all security and network failures, glitches and malfunctions.

  • Initiated continuous improvements to ensure efficient resource use and acceptable response times for users.

  • Provided network support in a financial services organization and prepared operational changes on production banking network infrastructure for both large and small projects within strict change management discipline.

  • Designed, defined, tested, governed and improved engineering standards.

  • Performed the role of network architect for medium to large projects involving team resources.

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Waleed Baker

Waleed Baker

Network Planer

Dresden

Last position:

Network Planer at Enertrag

  • Take full technical ownership of the development and planning of electrical grid infrastructure.
  • Support the preparation of building permit applications and approval documents; maintain direct communication with grid operators, certification bodies, and other key stakeholders.
  • Design and calculate electrical network components, including cable routing, compensation systems, protection and storage systems; conduct power system studies (load flow and short-circuit analysis).
  • Independently plan grid connection concepts, substations, transformer stations, and transfer stations across multiple voltage levels.
  • Supervise construction projects, oversee commissioning and billing processes, and coordinate all contractors and companies involved in on-site execution.
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Eddy Abanum

Eddy Abanum

Network Administrator

Emmendingen

Last position:

Network Administrator at Knauf Bayern

  • Managing firewalls (Securepoint)
  • Operating and maintaining the client-server infrastructure (Windows)
  • Operating and patching IoT devices in the safety management system (cameras, Web IOS, IP serial converters)
  • Supporting integration of security technology into existing IT infrastructures
  • Planning and performing network segmentation and separation
  • Transferring and implementing solutions to other plants
  • Tools used: Wireshark, Network Service Manager, PRTG, Cisco Catalyst, Nexus, HP Service Manager, FNT/Command Manager Console, ServiceNow, Confluence, Active Directory, Wingard, Securepoint FW
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Tony Rosolek

Tony Rosolek

Wireless LAN Expert | CWNE #356 | CCNP-Enterprise

Frankfurt (Oder)

Last position:

Network Expert at Self-employed

  • Consulting and execution of migration from Cisco AireOS to Cisco IOS-XE controller
  • Solution design
  • Configuration and staff training
  • Products: Catalyst Center, Cisco controllers and IOS and COS access points, 9800-40, 5520, 8510, 9120, 9136, 9166, Catalyst switches, Aruba Clearpass
  • Keywords: Tags, profiles, SSIDs, 802.1X authentication, captive portal, Identity PSK (iPSK), VLANs, troubleshooting, automation, RESTCONF, NETCONF, YANG
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Tom Heinrich

Tom Heinrich

Infrastructure Design and Implementation

Möhnesee

Last position:

Network Architect / System Engineer at Teleperformance

Professional focus: Fortinet rollout / site standardization / cloud / ISP migration

  • Network analysis, design and optimization, change
  • ISP changes
  • Commissioning of service providers and decentralized IT support teams
  • Setting up a central management platform
  • Routing optimization for dynamic routing
  • Optimizing and creating firewall rules
  • AWS connection / design
  • MS Azure connection / design

Technologies / tools: Fortigate, Palo Alto, WAN, SDN WAN, VPN, BGP, OSFP, Fortimanager, Panorama, Meraki, Alcatel, AWS, MS Azure, Network Architecture

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Thierry Hittinger

Thierry Hittinger

Integration Consultant

Schwabhausen

Last position:

Integration Consultant at Performgate

  • Supported the integration of the first acquisitions as part of a buy-and-build strategy
  • Optimized the management control systems
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Ivaylo Piskov

Ivaylo Piskov

Senior Project / Rollout Manager

Frankfurt am Main

Last position:

Senior Project / Rollout Manager at Deutsche Glasfaser GmbH

  • Manage and coordinate site design, deployment, new Core/DWDM implementation, and optimization of a robust and scalable fiber optic network infrastructure
  • Create high-level design (HLD) and low-level design (LLD) documents for core and aggregation network
  • Define scope of network elements and establish operational and deployment guidelines
  • Determine core-site strategy, integrate voice and ISP systems, and swap core components of 60 existing sites
  • Develop site design, execute proof of concept, and deploy additional core sites
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Pascal Farys

Pascal Farys

Senior Network Security Consultant

Essen

Last position:

Senior Network Security Consultant at IT-Systemhaus

  • Provided expert level consulting for lifecycle, upgrades and refresh activities
  • Used Remedy for effort recording and billing to customers
  • Used ServiceNow for service management and workflow
  • Used Jira for project management with agile/Scrum methods
  • Used Confluence for documentation
  • Worked with customer-specific software tools
  • Worked with customer-provided and secured hardware suitable for IT security operations infrastructure setup for customers
  • Built firewall rule sets and handed over to service owner and delivery teams
  • Environment: Cisco ASA, Cisco Firepower, CSM, Cisco AnyConnect, Cisco ISE, Check Point VSX and gateways
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Gilbert Lintner

Gilbert Lintner

Cyber Security Expert

München

Last position:

Cyber Security Expert at TüV Süd AG (via Sthree GmbH)

  • Security analysis of alerts
  • Further development of the security operations center
  • Development of processes and workflows in the security environment
  • Implementation of SOC solutions
  • Forensic expertise
  • Conducting hunts
  • Vulnerability scans and proof of concepts
  • Risk assessments and risk analyses
  • Maintenance and further development of the Tenable.sc ScanCenter environment
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Discover over 15,000 top freelancers

Network Engineers statistics

Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.

Experience

23 years

Position duration

4.5 years

Positions per freelancer

14

Top business areas

Information Technology, Operations, Project Management

Top industries

Information Technology, Telecommunication, Manufacturing

Certification focus areas

Information Technology, Project Management, Audit

Bachelor's degree or higher

71%

Master's degree or higher

42%

Certifications per freelancer

6

Most common languages

German, English, Arabic

Speak two or more languages

97%

Daily Rate Distribution

0 4 8 12 16
<€800 €800-1200 €1200-1600 €1600+

The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this role are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

Average rates for Network Engineers & Seniority distribution

Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.

1000
750
500
250
Rate comparison chart
Daily rate avg. 820 €

The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.

1000
750
500
250
Rate comparison chart
Median rate 800 €

The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.

Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Need more info? We have all the details about FRATCH

A Network Engineer plans, configures, and troubleshoots network infrastructure across offices, branches, and cloud-connected sites. The work often includes routing, switching, VLANs, VPNs, firewall rules, and network documentation. In many projects, the same person also handles testing, rollback planning, and handover to the internal IT team.

Look for solid knowledge of TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, switching, DNS, DHCP, and network security. A good freelancer should also be comfortable with tools such as Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Aruba, or Meraki, depending on your stack. For troubleshooting work, packet analysis and clear incident communication matter just as much as configuration skills.

A Network Engineer usually focuses more on design, change, and problem solving, while a network administrator often concentrates on day-to-day operation and support. In practice, many freelancers cover both areas, especially in smaller teams. The exact scope should be set before the project starts so there is no gap in responsibility.

A freelancer makes sense when you need specialist expertise for a project, faster support for an urgent issue, or extra capacity for a limited period. This is common for migrations, security changes, office moves, or complex troubleshooting where internal staff are busy with operations. It is also useful when you want senior input without adding a permanent role too early.

Many tasks can be done remotely, such as design reviews, firewall changes, monitoring, and documentation. On-site presence is often helpful for cable tracing, hardware swaps, Wi-Fi surveys, rack work, or changes that must be coordinated with local teams. In Germany, mixed setups are common, especially when the network touches production, logistics, or office infrastructure.

Ask what equipment, software, and cloud services are in scope, and whether the work is operational, project-based, or both. Also clarify access, change windows, documentation expectations, and who approves network changes. A network specialist should be able to explain risks and dependencies before making any adjustment.

Strong profiles show practical experience with real network changes, not only theory. Look for examples of migrations, firewall work, incident recovery, WAN or VPN setup, and clean documentation. Good candidates explain how they reduce risk, test changes, and keep services stable during the work.

They overlap, but they are not always identical. A network architect usually focuses more on design and standards, while a LAN/WAN engineer or network engineer may do both design and implementation. For freelance work, the right choice depends on whether you need high-level planning, hands-on configuration, or both.

The average hourly rate for Network Engineers in Germany is 103 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 820 € based on an 8-hour working day.

Of the freelancers working as Network Engineers in Germany, 71% hold at least a Bachelor's degree and 42% hold at least a Master's degree.

On average, freelancers working as Network Engineers in Germany have 23 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 4.5 years.

The most common languages among freelancers working as Network Engineers in Germany are German (100%), English (97%), and Arabic (9%).

The most common industries among freelancers working as Network Engineers in Germany are Information Technology (82%), Telecommunication (64%), and Manufacturing (52%).

The most common business areas among freelancers working as Network Engineers in Germany are Information Technology (94%), Operations (88%), and Project Management (76%).

FRATCH Network Engineers main locations

Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.

Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg

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Philipp Thomaschewski

FRATCH CEO

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