MIS Datacenter Network Engineer

Location: Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany; Hybrid

The EMEA MIS Datacenter Network Engineer is responsible for managing Fortinet’s data center network infrastructure, encompassing day-to-day operations, network design, and proof-of-concept initiatives. This role requires a strong technical foundation in Fortinet network infrastructure, combined with the ability to collaborate effectively with both direct team members and cross-functional teams to organize, manage, and operate multiple data centers supporting Fortinet’s private cloud platform.

As part of the Management Information Systems (MIS) team, you will lead network operations, maintenance, and deployment activities across Fortinet’s EMEA data centers. You will ensure that network services are delivered efficiently, securely, and within budget, while supporting business objectives such as scalability, reliability, and performance.

A high level of attention to detail is essential to maintain operational excellence and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate actively seeks opportunities for optimization, automation, and innovation to enhance service quality, reduce costs, and support Fortinet’s ongoing growth within the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Fortinet’s EMEA network infrastructure within the MIS Network team while maintaining a thorough understanding of current and emerging technologies.
• Participate in the development and deployment of new data centers across the EMEA region, ensuring delivery across the customer organization to meet operational KPIs. Manage subcontractors and field engineer activities.
• Handle incidents and technical escalations by hosting conference calls, coordinating actions, troubleshooting, and providing analysis and technical investigation of issues within the Fortinet network environment.
• Negotiate, document, and communicate governance structures across network teams for activities such as deployments, developments, and RFPs. Lead projects from initiation to completion in collaboration with other teams. Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Delegate, assign, and manage tasks, leading contractors to ensure alignment with the MIS Network team’s objectives.
• Promote continuous improvement in change management processes while maintaining a strong focus on security. Participate actively in change management meetings.
• Contribute to the strategic development of new projects to ensure the network platform evolves to meet the needs of our customers (R&D teams, Fortistack, FDN, NOC/SOC), supporting the adoption of future technologies. 

Skills and Attributes Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in a network engineering role.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Strong experience with Carrier/ISP routing, including building and managing large-scale BGP environments with publicly routable Autonomous Systems, route arbitration, peering, and IRRs.
• Solid experience with scalable data center core infrastructures; capable of managing STP or Leaf-Spine topologies and network device automation using tools such as Ansible, GitLab, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of the Fortinet device portfolio is an advantage.
• Good understanding of data center administration, network operations, change management practices, and overall security infrastructure, including access and application control, security products, and technologies.
• Excellent organizational, collaborative, and decision-making skills, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) is required to ensure clear communication and accurate documentation of tasks, processes, and responsibilities.

Nice to have:

• Cisco professional-level certification or higher (e.g., CCNP, CCIE)
• Operational excellence qualification (ITIL) or experience
• Previous experience on Fortinet products is an advantage
• Experience in Auditing and compliance practice
• Exposure to cloud and virtualization technologies
• Automation and DevOps experience
• Strong project management mindset

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