Lead Network Engineer d/f/m NEW

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Network Engineer (d/f/m) to lead the design, optimisation, and evolution of our network infrastructure for Battery Assets, ensuring secure, resilient, and high-performance connectivity across the organisation. In this role, you will guide and empower a team of skilled network engineers, providing both strategic technical leadership and day-to-day management of 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.

About the role

• Lead the end-to-end network engineering scope for multiple BESS projects, overseeing design, deployment, commissioning, and transition into operations.
• Manage and coordinate internal engineers, integrators, and contractors, ensuring consistency, quality, and security across all network assets.
• Design and implement secure, redundant network architectures, including communication frameworks, segmentation strategies, VPN configurations, and addressing schemes.
• Ensure full compliance with German and EU cybersecurity and critical-infrastructure regulations, embedding security-by-design principles into all network solutions.
• Review and maintain comprehensive documentation and architectural deliverables, ensuring they meet corporate standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with I&C, software, and cybersecurity teams to guarantee reliable, secure data exchange between sites and central control platforms, while providing expert 3rd-level support for network performance and incident resolution.
• Mentor engineering teams and drive continuous improvement, promoting best practices in configuration management, standardisation, automation, and modern network technologies.

Job requirements and experience

• 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.
• 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 and intercultural competencies.
• Business-fluent English and good 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.

Your benefits

• 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.