Lead Network Engineer d/f/m

RWE Technology International GmbH, Essen, Dresden
To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent

RWE Technology International is the strategic business partner to companies and organisations worldwide bringing the energy transformation forward. This includes a wide range of global consulting services and projects, especially on blue and green hydrogen (H2), wind power and solar energy, as well as biomass power plants and battery storage. RWE Technology International minimises risks and costs for clients in the planning, construction, operation and dismantling of energy plants as well as in the recultivation of opencast mines and post-mining landscapes. Our around 500 employees follow their vision in helping clients reduce their carbon footprint and create new technologies and processes along the entire lifecycle.

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to lead and develop our network engineering team for Battery Assets, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. In this role, you will provide strategic technical leadership and hands-on people management - coaching, mentoring, and guiding network engineers while overseeing priorities, workloads, and task execution to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery across all network initiatives.

You will oversee the architecture and management of complex network environments, while ensuring seamless operations and rapid issue resolution. Collaboration will be central to your success, working closely with I&C, Software Development, Security and Operations teams to deliver scalable solutions aligned with business objectives.

As a senior leader, you will shape long-term network strategy, anticipate future demands, and introduce innovative technologies that strengthen reliability, security, and performance across the entire infrastructure.

Manage and coordinate internal engineers, integrators, and contractors, ensuring consistency, quality, and security across all network assets.
Lead the end-to-end network engineering scope for multiple BESS projects, overseeing design, deployment, commissioning, and transition into operations.
Provide technical direction in design and implement secure, redundant network architectures, including communication frameworks, segmentation strategies, VPN configurations, and addressing schemes.
Lead engineers in ensuring full compliance with German and EU cybersecurity and critical-infrastructure regulations, embedding security-by-design principles into all network solutions.
Oversee the creation and maintenance of comprehensive documentation and architectural deliverables, ensuring they meet corporate standards and regulatory requirements.
Facilitate close collaboration between network engineers, I&C, software, and cybersecurity teams to guarantee robust and secure solutions, which best satisfy the business requirements
Mentor engineering teams and drive continuous improvement, promoting best practices in configuration management, standardisation, automation, and modern network technologies.

8+ years of experience in network design and implementation, ideally within utilities, energy systems, or other critical infrastructure.
Proven leadership in managing technical workstreams, coordinating engineers and subcontractors to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
Strong expertise in network architectures, including segmentation, redundant topologies, routing, VPNs, firewalls, and experience with Fortinet solutions.
Familiarity with industrial protocols and IT/OT convergence, such as Modbus TCP, IEC 61850, OPC UA, and DSS.
Good knowledge and experience applying German and EU cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring compliance for critical energy infrastructure.
Ability to review and approve technical designs, maintaining adherence to best practices, standards, and regulatory requirements.
Analytical, innovative, and solution-focused, with excellent time management, resilience, intercultural competencies, and business-fluent English.

Advantageous, but not essential

German language skills.

RWE is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment – we value your passion, your willingness to learn and your desire to thrive. So, if you don't display all the skills above but think this is the job for you, need flexible working arrangements or adjustments which aren't outlined already, we would still like to hear from you.

Modern workplace in a very central location with good transport links.
Attractive remuneration plus employer-funded company pension and employee shares.
Flexible working in the office and remotely with a 38-hour week and 30 days' holiday.
Individual induction through our ‘buddy programme'. 
Diverse (technical) qualification and further training opportunities.

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