Platform Engineer - Network at Inter IKEA Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Platform Engineer - Network
Company: Inter IKEA Group
Location: Delft, South Holland, Netherlands
Job Type: Full-time
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-07-31
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Design, implement, and maintain large-scale IT infrastructure systems, ensuring reliability, scalability, and efficiency.
Contribute to IT infrastructure architecture and support digital innovation and transformation initiatives.
Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver user-centric products and services based on HPE/Aruba network product stack.
Lead and work cross-functionally to develop and deliver connectivity technology and services that enable the business to contribute to a strong and relevant IKEA franchise offer.
Orchestrate great connectivity using IKEA frameworks, new delivery models, and multiple delivery partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in network connectivity and infrastructure design, with a focus on enabling business growth through digital transformation.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Infrastructure Design & Development: Design, implement, and maintain IT connectivity and services to agreed requirements, without compromising security.
Roadmap & Framework Development: Develop and deliver connectivity roadmaps, as well as contribute to Digital and IT frameworks for network architecture and network security.
Project Support: Support multiple business projects and assignments with competence to deliver user-centric products and services based on HPE/Aruba network product stack.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead and work cross-functionally across IKEA to develop and deliver connectivity technology and services that enable the business to contribute to a strong and relevant IKEA franchise offer.
Connectivity Orchestration: Orchestrate great connectivity using IKEA frameworks, new delivery models, and multiple delivery partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong communication skills to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Experience: At least 3 years of experience in designing, managing, and developing IT connectivity.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in designing, managing, and developing IT connectivity.
Thorough understanding of different connectivity technologies such as Switching & Routing, (SD)WAN, and DNS.
Familiarity with Agile methodologies and DevOps principles.
Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Customer-centric mindset.

Preferred Skills:

Certifications in relevant areas such as Aruba networking, SDWAN, and cloud connectivity.
Familiarity with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools and practices.
Experience with containerization and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
Knowledge of IKEA's business and culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, having experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and understanding of hybrid cloud environments would be beneficial for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale IT infrastructure systems.
Showcase projects that highlight your understanding of connectivity technologies, such as Switching & Routing, (SD)WAN, and DNS.
Include examples of your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to deliver user-centric products and services.

Technical Documentation:

Provide documentation for your projects, including architecture diagrams, network schematics, and any relevant code snippets.
Include any performance metrics, testing results, or optimization techniques used in your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your ability to balance technical expertise with a customer-centric mindset, as this is crucial for success in this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (Based on market research for DevOps Engineer roles in the Netherlands)

Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package.
Opportunities for professional growth and development within the IKEA organization.
A dynamic and international work environment.
The chance to make a real impact on a global brand.

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range is an estimate based on market research, the actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail furniture and home furnishings.

Company Size: Large (160,000+ employees worldwide).

Founded: 1943.

Team Structure:

The Platform Engineer - Network role is part of the Enabling function, specifically within the Operations Management area.
This role will work closely with various teams, including Range, Supply, Retail Concept, and other Enabling functions.
The role will report directly to the Platform Manager for Network & Connectivity.

Development Methodology:

IKEA uses Agile methodologies for software development and project management.
The company encourages a test-and-learn approach, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Company Website: https://www.ikea.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: IKEA's culture is centered around sustainability, innovation, and customer focus. The company values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, making it an attractive place to work for many professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years of experience).

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Platform Manager for Network & Connectivity.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on IKEA's digital capabilities and overall business success, as it ensures the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of critical connectivity and systems.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunities for professional development and growth within the IKEA organization.
The chance to work on high-impact projects and contribute to IKEA's digital transformation journey.
Potential to take on leadership roles and mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: With IKEA's focus on digital transformation, there are ample opportunities for growth and development in this role, both in terms of technical skills and career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with opportunities for remote work and hybrid arrangements.

Office Location(s): Malmø, Sweden, or Delft, Netherlands.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspaces with a focus on open communication and knowledge sharing.
Access to the latest tools and technologies to support your work.
Opportunities to work with diverse, international teams.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: IKEA's work environment is dynamic and international, with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation. The company encourages a healthy work-life balance and offers competitive benefits and growth opportunities.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess your technical skills and cultural fit.
Technical Deep Dive: A detailed discussion of your technical background, focusing on your experience with IT connectivity and infrastructure design.
Behavioral Interview: An in-depth conversation to understand your problem-solving skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit.
Final Decision: A discussion with the hiring manager and other stakeholders to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale IT infrastructure systems.
Showcase your understanding of connectivity technologies, such as Switching & Routing, (SD)WAN, and DNS.
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to deliver user-centric products and services.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of connectivity technologies, such as Switching & Routing, (SD)WAN, and DNS.
Familiarize yourself with IKEA's business and culture.
Prepare examples of your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages: N/A
Web Frameworks: N/A
Server Technologies: HPE/Aruba network product stack, Switching, Routing, SDWAN, DNS
Databases: N/A
Tools: Agile methodologies, DevOps principles, IaC tools (if applicable)
Methodologies: Agile, DevOps
Soft Skills: Collaboration, communication, problem-solving, customer-centric mindset
Industry Terms: IT Connectivity, Network Architecture, Network Security, Digital Innovation, IT Services

📝 Enhancement Note: While the interview process is not explicitly outlined, it is likely to involve a combination of technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and case studies to evaluate your skills and cultural fit.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role focuses on backend and infrastructure technologies)

Backend & Server Technologies:

HPE/Aruba network product stack
Switching & Routing
SDWAN
DNS

Development & DevOps Tools:

Agile methodologies
DevOps principles
IaC tools (if applicable, such as Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation)

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, having experience with IaC tools and cloud platforms would be beneficial for this role, as IKEA continues to expand its digital capabilities and adopt modern infrastructure practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Customer-centric mindset
Collaboration and teamwork
Innovation and continuous improvement
Sustainability and responsibility
Respect and integrity

Collaboration Style:

Open and transparent communication
Knowledge sharing and learning from one another
Cross-functional collaboration and integration
A focus on delivering results and driving business impact

📝 Enhancement Note: IKEA's culture is centered around sustainability, innovation, and customer focus. The company values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, making it an attractive place to work for many professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale IT infrastructure systems that can scale and adapt to IKEA's growing business needs.
Ensuring the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of critical connectivity and systems.
Staying up-to-date with the latest connectivity technologies and best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and contribute to IKEA's digital transformation journey.
Professional development and growth opportunities within the IKEA organization.
The chance to learn from and collaborate with diverse, international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: With IKEA's focus on digital transformation, there are ample opportunities for growth and development in this role, both in terms of technical skills and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Connectivity Technologies: In-depth discussions about your experience with Switching & Routing, (SD)WAN, and DNS.
Infrastructure Design: Questions about your approach to designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale IT infrastructure systems.
Problem-Solving: Scenarios that test your ability to identify and address connectivity issues and optimize infrastructure performance.

Company & Culture Questions:

IKEA's Business: Questions about your understanding of IKEA's business, culture, and values.
Digital Transformation: Discussions about your approach to digital transformation and your ideas for driving innovation and growth at IKEA.
Collaboration: Questions about your experience working with cross-functional teams and your ability to build strong, productive relationships with stakeholders.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight your experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale IT infrastructure systems.
Showcase your understanding of connectivity technologies, such as Switching & Routing, (SD)WAN, and DNS.
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to deliver user-centric products and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the interview process is not explicitly outlined, it is likely to involve a combination of technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and case studies to evaluate your skills and cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Platform Engineer - Network position:

Submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for this role, in English, by the 17th of August 2025.
Prepare for a phone/video screen, technical deep dive, behavioral interview, and final decision process.
Research IKEA's business, culture, and values to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role.
Brush up on your knowledge of connectivity technologies, such as Switching & Routing, (SD)WAN, and DNS, and be prepared to discuss your experience and approach to infrastructure design and maintenance.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Platform Engineer - Network