Trainee Network Engineer (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Trainee Network Engineer (m/w/d)
• Company: E.ON
• Location: Arnsberg, Dortmund, Düren, Münster, Neuss, Trier, Wesseling
• Job Type: Hybrid
• Category: Network Engineer
• Date Posted: 2025-07-31

🚀 Role Summary

• Key Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to the development of network solutions and engage in project discussions.
  • Collaborate with technical contacts from manufacturers and suppliers to ensure network efficiency.
  • Maintain and expand the existing IP backbone and connect E.ON companies across Germany.
  • Support the network team in various tasks and contribute to innovative projects.

• Key Technologies:

  • Network Engineering
  • Routing & Switching
  • IP Backbone Development
  • Project Management
  • Collaboration Tools

• Required Skills:

  • Affinity for network technologies and the digitalization of critical infrastructures.
  • Strong communication skills in German and English.
  • Ability to work in a team and collaborate with various stakeholders.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

🔧 Network Solution Development

• Contribute to the development of network solutions tailored to the needs of E.ON companies.
• Engage in project discussions and provide technical input to ensure network efficiency.
• Collaborate with technical contacts from manufacturers and suppliers to integrate new technologies into the network infrastructure.

🌐 IP Backbone Maintenance and Expansion

• Maintain and expand the existing IP backbone, connecting E.ON companies across Germany.
• Ensure the network's reliability, scalability, and security to meet the demands of critical infrastructure projects.
• Support the network team in various tasks, including network monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

🤝👥 Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the network team to ensure the smooth operation of the IP backbone and connected services.
• Contribute to innovative projects that drive the digitalization of critical infrastructures and support the energy transition.
• Represent the network team in internal and external project rounds, and communicate technical solutions to stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

🎓 Education

• A successfully completed degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, with a focus on network engineering, computer networks, or a similar discipline.

🎓 Experience

• Some practical experience in network engineering, gained through internships, projects, or a previous role.
• Familiarity with network protocols, routing, and switching technologies.
• Experience with project management and collaboration tools is an asset.

🎓 Required Skills

• Strong communication skills in German and English, with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and contribute to collective goals.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, with a proactive approach to personal development and continuous learning.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, with a focus on delivering high-quality results.

🎓 Preferred Skills

• Experience with network engineering tools, such as Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or similar software.
• Familiarity with network automation and configuration management tools, such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
• Knowledge of network security principles and best practices.
• Experience with cloud-based network services and virtualization technologies.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📊 Portfolio Essentials

• A well-structured portfolio showcasing your network engineering projects, with a focus on routing, switching, and network design.
• Include live demos and walkthroughs of your projects, highlighting your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate your ability to work with network engineering tools and collaborate with team members to deliver successful projects.

📊 Technical Documentation

• Provide clear and concise technical documentation for your network engineering projects, including network diagrams, configuration files, and code snippets.
• Explain your design decisions, network protocols used, and any challenges you faced during the project.
• Include any relevant test results, performance metrics, and optimization techniques employed in your projects.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

💰 Salary Range

• The salary range for this role is €56,000 per year for candidates with a Bachelor's degree and €62,500 per year for candidates with a Master's degree.

💰 Benefits

• Health: Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs to support your well-being.
• Family: Family-friendly policies, including flexible working hours and remote work options to balance work and personal life.
• Finance: Competitive pension plans and financial consulting services to help you plan for your future.
• Professional Development: Access to training and development opportunities, including workshops, e-learning platforms, and external training programs to advance your career.
• Work Environment: Modern and ergonomic workspaces, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure your comfort and productivity.
• Social Engagement: Opportunities to engage in social and environmental initiatives, both within the company and in your local community.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

• Industry: Energy and utilities, with a strong focus on the digitalization of critical infrastructures and the energy transition.
• Company Size: Large, with over 6,000 employees and a decentralized organizational structure.
• Founded: 1926, with a rich history in the energy sector and a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

🏢 Team Structure

• Team Size: The Network Engineering team consists of 9 members, with a diverse range of expertise and experience levels.
• Team Structure: The team is organized into smaller groups, each responsible for specific aspects of the IP backbone and connected services.
• Collaboration: The team works closely with other departments, including IT, cybersecurity, and project management, to ensure the smooth operation of the network infrastructure and the successful completion of projects.

🏢 Development Methodology

• Project Management: The team follows Agile methodologies, with regular sprint planning and stand-up meetings to ensure efficient project execution and continuous improvement.
• Code Review: The team emphasizes code review and pair programming practices to maintain high-quality network configurations and ensure knowledge sharing among team members.
• Deployment Strategies: The team employs automated deployment strategies, including infrastructure as code (IaC) and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, to streamline network updates and minimize manual intervention.

🌐 Career & Growth Analysis

🌐 Web Technology Career Level

• Junior Network Engineer: This role is well-suited for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking to establish a foundation in network engineering and gain practical experience in a dynamic and challenging environment.

🌐 Reporting Structure

• Team Lead: As a Trainee Network Engineer, you will report directly to the Team Lead, who will provide guidance, mentoring, and support to help you develop your skills and advance your career.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: You will work closely with other team members, as well as with stakeholders from other departments, to ensure the successful completion of projects and the smooth operation of the network infrastructure.

🌐 Technical Impact

• Network Infrastructure: Your work will have a direct impact on the network infrastructure that supports critical energy projects and ensures the reliable supply of electricity to customers across Germany.
• Innovation and Digitalization: By contributing to the development and maintenance of the IP backbone, you will play a crucial role in driving the digitalization of critical infrastructures and supporting the energy transition.

🌐 Growth Opportunities

• Technical Skill Development: As a Trainee Network Engineer, you will have the opportunity to develop your technical skills in network engineering, project management, and collaboration, with access to training and development resources to support your growth.
• Career Progression: With your newfound expertise and experience, you will be well-positioned to take on more responsibilities and advance to a full-time Network Engineer role or other related positions within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

🌐 Office Type

• Hybrid: The Network Engineering team operates in a hybrid work environment, with a combination of on-site and remote work to ensure flexibility and work-life balance.

🌐 Office Location(s)

• Arnsberg, Dortmund, Düren, Münster, Neuss, Trier, Wesseling: The team has offices in several locations across North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, with the option to work remotely or at a nearby office, depending on project requirements and personal preference.

🌐 Workspace Context

• Collaborative Workspaces: The team's offices are designed to foster collaboration and communication, with open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas to support team-building and knowledge sharing.
• Modern Technology: The team is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-performance workstations, network engineering tools, and collaboration platforms to ensure productivity and efficiency.
• Flexible Work Arrangement: The team offers flexible work arrangements, with the option to work part-time or adjust your hours to accommodate personal commitments and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

📄 Interview Process

1. Online Application: Submit your application through the provided link, including your resume, cover letter, and relevant certificates.
2. Phone Screening: Participate in a brief phone or video call to discuss your qualifications, motivation, and expectations for the role.
3. Technical Assessment: Complete a technical assessment or project, demonstrating your network engineering skills and problem-solving abilities.
4. On-site Interview: Attend an on-site interview at one of the team's offices, where you will meet with team members, discuss your assessment results, and answer questions about your technical background and career goals.
5. Final Decision: Receive a final decision and, if successful, an offer for the Trainee Network Engineer position.

📄 Portfolio Review Tips

• Portfolio Structure: Organize your portfolio to showcase your network engineering projects, with a focus on routing, switching, and network design.
• Live Demos: Include live demos and walkthroughs of your projects, highlighting your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
• Technical Documentation: Provide clear and concise technical documentation for your projects, including network diagrams, configuration files, and code snippets.
• Company-specific Examples: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your understanding of the company's network infrastructure and the specific challenges faced by the energy sector.

📄 Technical Challenge Preparation

• Network Engineering Fundamentals: Brush up on your knowledge of network engineering fundamentals, including routing protocols, switching technologies, and network design principles.
• Coding and Configuration: Familiarize yourself with network engineering tools and coding languages, such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell, to demonstrate your ability to automate network tasks and configure network devices.
• Problem-solving Strategies: Develop effective problem-solving strategies for network engineering challenges, with a focus on root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization techniques.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

🛠 Frontend Technologies

• Web Development: Familiarity with web development principles and technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, is an asset for working with web-based network engineering tools and user interfaces.
• User Experience Design: An understanding of user experience design principles and best practices can help you create intuitive and user-friendly network engineering tools and dashboards.

🛠 Backend & Server Technologies

• Network Engineering: Proficiency in network engineering technologies, including routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), switching (L2, L3), and network design principles (VLAN, VXLAN, MPLS).
• Network Automation: Experience with network automation tools, such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef, to streamline network configuration and deployment processes.
• Cloud-based Network Services: Familiarity with cloud-based network services, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, to support the digitalization of critical infrastructures and the energy transition.

🛠 Development & DevOps Tools

• Version Control: Proficiency in version control systems, such as Git, to manage network configuration files and ensure collaboration and code quality.
• CI/CD Pipelines: Experience with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate network deployment and testing processes.
• Monitoring Tools: Familiarity with network monitoring tools, such as Nagios, Zabbix, or Prometheus, to ensure the reliable operation of network infrastructure and detect potential issues proactively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

👥 Web Development Values

• Innovation: Embrace a culture of innovation and continuous learning, with a focus on staying up-to-date with emerging network technologies and best practices.
• Collaboration: Foster a collaborative work environment, with a focus on knowledge sharing, teamwork, and collective problem-solving.
• User Experience: Prioritize user experience in network engineering projects, with a focus on creating intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible network engineering tools and dashboards.
• Performance Optimization: Emphasize performance optimization in network engineering projects, with a focus on minimizing latency, reducing bandwidth usage, and maximizing network throughput.

👥 Collaboration Style

• Cross-functional Integration: Collaborate closely with other departments, including IT, cybersecurity, and project management, to ensure the smooth operation of the network infrastructure and the successful completion of projects.
• Code Review Culture: Participate in code review processes to maintain high-quality network configurations and ensure knowledge sharing among team members.
• Peer Programming: Engage in peer programming sessions to share expertise, learn from colleagues, and improve your network engineering skills.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to a culture of knowledge sharing, with a focus on mentoring junior team members and supporting their professional development.

🚀 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

🚀 Technical Challenges

• Network Infrastructure: Contribute to the development and maintenance of the IP backbone, with a focus on ensuring network reliability, scalability, and security.
• Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging network technologies, such as 5G, IoT, and edge computing, and explore their potential applications in the energy sector.
• Digitalization: Support the digitalization of critical infrastructures, with a focus on optimizing network performance, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing grid stability.

🚀 Learning & Development Opportunities

• Technical Skill Development: Develop your technical skills in network engineering, project management, and collaboration, with access to training and development resources to support your growth.
• Career Progression: With your newfound expertise and experience, you will be well-positioned to take on more responsibilities and advance to a full-time Network Engineer role or other related positions within the company.
• Leadership Development: Gain valuable leadership experience by contributing to project management, mentoring junior team members, and driving team initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

💡 Technical Questions

• Network Engineering Fundamentals: Brush up on your knowledge of network engineering fundamentals, including routing protocols, switching technologies, and network design principles.
• Network Automation: Familiarize yourself with network automation tools, such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef, to demonstrate your ability to streamline network configuration and deployment processes.
• Cloud-based Network Services: Review your understanding of cloud-based network services, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, to support the digitalization of critical infrastructures and the energy transition.

💡 Company & Culture Questions

• Company Culture: Research the company's culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your alignment with their goals and commitment to their success.
• Team Dynamics: Familiarize yourself with the team's structure, dynamics, and collaborative approach to ensure a strong fit and effective integration into the team.
• Project-specific Questions: Prepare for project-specific questions by reviewing the company's ongoing initiatives, recent projects, and long-term goals to showcase your understanding of their priorities and your ability to contribute to their success.

💡 Portfolio Presentation Strategy

• Live Demos: Prepare live demos and walkthroughs of your network engineering projects, highlighting your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
• Technical Documentation: Provide clear and concise technical documentation for your projects, including network diagrams, configuration files, and code snippets, to support your live demos and answer technical questions.
• Company-specific Examples: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your understanding of the company's network infrastructure and the specific challenges faced by the energy sector, with a focus on demonstrating your ability to contribute to their success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Trainee Network Engineer position at E.ON:

1. Submit Your Application: Visit the provided link to submit your application, including your resume, cover letter, and relevant certificates.
2. Prepare for Phone Screening: Brush up on your network engineering skills, review the job description, and prepare for a brief phone or video call to discuss your qualifications, motivation, and expectations for the role.
3. Complete Technical Assessment: If selected, complete a technical assessment or project to demonstrate your network engineering skills and problem-solving abilities.
4. Attend On-site Interview: If you successfully complete the technical assessment, attend an on-site interview at one of the team's offices to discuss your assessment results, answer questions about your technical background and career goals, and meet with team members.
5. Receive Final Decision: After the interview, you will receive a final decision regarding your application for the Trainee Network Engineer position.

Good luck with your application!