Find the perfect Network Security Engineers in Germany in minutes from over 15,000 CVs with the power of AI.
For firewall design, zero trust networks, VPNs, segmentation, IDS/IPS, and secure cloud connectivity, you need people who can work cleanly across complex environments. Get fast, precise matching with vetted, available freelancers.
About the role
Secure the network
Network security engineers protect the paths your data takes. They design and harden firewalls, segment networks, manage secure remote access, and reduce exposure across offices, data centers, cloud setups, and hybrid environments. Their work keeps business traffic moving while blocking misuse, lateral movement, and avoidable risk.
Typical deliverables
- Firewall rule design, review, and cleanup
- Network segmentation and zone architecture
- VPN, remote access, and site-to-site connectivity
- IDS/IPS tuning and alert reduction
- Secure cloud networking and perimeter controls
- Hardening for routers, switches, and network services
Core skills
A strong network security engineer knows how to translate policy into working controls. Expect hands-on experience with firewalls, NAC, proxy services, DNS security, routing, switching, load balancers, and common platforms from vendors such as Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point, Cisco, and Juniper.
They should also understand threat modeling, logging, packet analysis, and incident support. In Germany, many clients want someone who can work with internal IT, security teams, auditors, and infrastructure providers without slowing delivery.
When companies hire
Companies bring in a freelance network security engineer when a project needs focused expertise, not a long hiring process. Common cases include firewall migrations, cloud expansion, segmentation after a security review, merger integration, secure access for remote teams, or support during an audit and remediation phase.
This role is a good fit when you need a network security engineer, network security specialist, or network security consultant who can step in quickly, assess the current setup, and deliver practical changes without redesigning the whole stack.
What strong freelancers do
A good professional does more than change rules. They document decisions, test changes safely, coordinate with operations, and leave the environment cleaner than they found it.
- Validate changes before production rollout
- Explain risks in plain language
- Work well with infrastructure and cloud teams
- Keep logs, diagrams, and handover notes current
- Balance protection with network availability
- Support both project work and incident response
Tools and environments
Network security engineers often work across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Common tools include SIEM and log platforms, packet analyzers, vulnerability scanners, NAC systems, and vendor consoles for firewall and VPN management.
The best freelancers adapt to your stack instead of forcing a preferred setup. They can support migrations, temporary coverage, hardening initiatives, and steady-state operations where security and uptime both matter.
Meet FRATCH Network Security Engineers
Rudolf Eggelbusch
Datacenter Engineer, Network & Security Administrator
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
Julian Wendel
IT Consultant
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
Florian Krebs
Self-employed IT and Security Consultant
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
Abdelhak Mahou
Network Architect
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
Pascal Farys
Senior Network Security Consultant
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
Minh Duc Vu
Senior System Engineer Network & Security
Last position:
Senior System Engineer Network & Security at F.S. Fehrer GmbH & Co. KG
- Responsible for configuring, maintaining, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing the IT infrastructure, including Extreme Networks, SD-WAN, and Fortinet security solutions, at all international company locations in Europe and North America
- Developed a comprehensive strategic roadmap to optimize network architecture, including VLANs, NAC, QoS, firewall configurations, VPNs, DPI, NGFW, threat intelligence, and SSL/TLS inspection
- Implemented the OneIT strategy by introducing new technologies such as Cisco DNA Center, ExtremeCloud IQ, FortiOS, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer, boosting staff expertise and IT system efficiency
- Integrated IT and OT systems to optimize network and security architecture and improve operational efficiency
Hisham Elsharawy
System Engineer Network & Security
Last position:
System Engineer Network & Security at Isringhausen GmbH
- Operation, maintenance and administration of the global network & security system landscape
- Troubleshooting and support in 2nd & 3rd levels and provide technical advice to other dept.
- Configuration of complex LAN/WAN/SD-WAN and WLAN network infrastructures (N5K, N9K, ASR 8000, Wireless Controller WLC9800, AP C91xx and VMware Velo Cloud)
- Control of external service providers as part of service and escalation management
- Implementation and monitoring of system updates (software upgrades, minor/major changes)
Mohamad Alosman
Network Security Systems Engineer
Last position:
Systems Engineer for Network Security at Bechtle AG
- SD-WAN solution by Aruba – Swiss energy company (330 sites): design and implementation of an SD-WAN branch solution with Aruba 9004 gateways, encrypted overlay, policy-based routing, WAN load balancing, and centralized management via Aruba Central.
- LAN/WLAN & security – schools in Germany (9 sites): deployment of Aruba switches & AP-505, FortiGate 80F firewalls; setup of Checkmk monitoring, incident and change management, and secure admin access (BeyondTrust).
- Multi-site security – energy billing company (20 sites): deployment of a complete Fortinet solution (FortiGate HA cluster, FortiSwitch PoE, FortiAP), IPsec remote-access VPN via FortiClient, centralized management via FortiCloud, IntraID authentication, operations and incident management.
- Data center migration – German client: migration of data center switches (Mellanox), firewall cluster, and OfficeConnect switches to a new data center; securing configurations, implementing HA designs, testing, monitoring, and coordinated change and incident processes. Setup of two new 6300 M VSX clustered switches.
- Data center security – university hospital: implementation of a high-availability FortiGate 400F firewall cluster across three data centers; security policy design, operational support, and change/incident management.
- Enterprise campus & network access control – manufacturing company in Germany: introduction of Aruba ClearPass NAC, setup of a VSX-based switching architecture, secure WLAN access with MPSK, and integration into existing networks.
- EU client (Germany & Poland) – Sophos firewalls: operations, incident and change management of Sophos firewalls including IPsec VPN; troubleshooting and ongoing optimization of security configurations.
- Network modernization – pharmacy client in Germany: design and rollout of core and access switching (Mellanox, Aruba Instant On), migration from Sophos to Fortinet firewalls, network segmentation, and security hardening.
Karoly Balint
Fortinet FortiGate 7.4 Administrator
Last position:
Fortinet FortiGate 7.4 Administrator at Fortinet
- The FortiGate 7.4 Administrator exam badge recognizes expertise in FortiGate administration. The badge earner has demonstrated knowledge of FortiGate configuration, operation, and day-to-day administration.
Erich Scheuch
System and Network Administrator | Windows Administrator in the Security Field
Last position:
System and Network Administrator | Windows Administrator in the Security Field
- Administration of Windows servers and Windows network environments (Windows 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012)
- Administration of network infrastructures in the security field
- Administration of Windows server services (Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, RDP, Group Policies (GPO), WSUS, file servers and DFS)
- Administration of Windows systems (Windows 10)
- Application support (2nd level support)
- Administration of Linux servers (Debian, CentOS, RHEL and Kali Linux)
- Administration of Linux server services (Apache, Postfix, Cyrus, Samba, LDAP, Amavis, ClamAV, SpamAssassin)
- Data security (antivirus, encryption of data and drives)
- Remote maintenance (RDP, Remote Desktop Connection Manager)
- Script programming (PowerShell, Shell)
- Language skills: German, English (reading), basic Spanish
- Industries: Hessian state administration, personnel & project services, financial service providers, banking and insurance, infrastructure service companies, information and communication technology service providers, ministries and church organizations, design & development, CAD/CAM
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Network Security Engineers statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
19 years
Position duration
6 years
Positions per freelancer
13
Top business areas
Information Technology, Operations, Customer Service
Top industries
Information Technology, Manufacturing, Telecommunication
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Project Management, Audit
Bachelor's degree or higher
63%
Master's degree or higher
38%
Certifications per freelancer
9
Most common languages
German, English, Arabic
Speak two or more languages
100%
Daily Rate Distribution
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 Security Engineers & Seniority distribution
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? See our quick guide to FRATCH
A Network Security Engineer designs and improves the controls that protect network traffic. That usually includes firewalls, segmentation, secure remote access, rule reviews, VPNs, and support during changes or incidents. Freelancers are often brought in to solve a defined problem fast and leave the setup easier to maintain.
Hire a network security engineer freelancer when the need is project-based, urgent, or tied to specialist know-how. That makes sense for firewall migrations, cloud connectivity, audit preparation, or short-term coverage. A permanent hire is better when you need long-term ownership of a broad security program.
A strong network security specialist needs hands-on knowledge of firewalls, routing, switching, VPNs, segmentation, and log analysis. They should also be comfortable with packet inspection, incident support, and coordination with infrastructure teams. Clear documentation and careful change management matter just as much as technical depth.
A Network Security Engineer focuses on protection, not just connectivity. A network engineer may build and run the network itself, while this role hardens it, limits exposure, and monitors for misuse. In many companies the work overlaps, but the security mindset changes the priorities.
A network security consultant often works with firewall consoles, VPN gateways, IDS/IPS tools, NAC systems, SIEM platforms, and packet analyzers. Common vendor environments include Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point, Cisco, and Juniper. The exact stack depends on whether the client runs on-premises, cloud, or hybrid networks.
A Network Security Engineer can do much of the analysis, documentation, and rule work remotely. On-site access becomes useful for hardware changes, network closets, migration windows, or sensitive environments. In Germany, many clients use a mix of remote delivery and on-site time for critical changes.
Look for a network security engineer who explains trade-offs clearly and does not create unnecessary complexity. Good signs are clean change plans, sensible rollback steps, tested rules, and documentation that your team can actually use. They should improve security without interrupting business traffic.
A network security engineer freelancer should expect a mix of technical work and stakeholder coordination. Clients may want assessments, remediation, migrations, or short-term incident support, often in environments with strict change control. Success depends on understanding the current network, asking the right questions, and delivering changes safely.
The average hourly rate for Network Security Engineers in Germany is 96 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 765 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers working as Network Security Engineers in Germany, 63% hold at least a Bachelor's degree and 38% hold at least a Master's degree.
On average, freelancers working as Network Security Engineers in Germany have 19 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 6 years.
The most common languages among freelancers working as Network Security Engineers in Germany are German (100%), English (100%), and Arabic (20%).
The most common industries among freelancers working as Network Security Engineers in Germany are Information Technology (90%), Manufacturing (60%), and Telecommunication (50%).
The most common business areas among freelancers working as Network Security Engineers in Germany are Information Technology (100%), Operations (90%), and Customer Service (70%).
FRATCH Network Security 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 Request a Free Demo
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
