Network Engineer (For independent contractors)

Booking.com is seeking an experienced Data Center Network Engineer to join our Central Technology team in the Netherlands. You will play a key role in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and operational excellence of our global data center network infrastructure. This is an exciting opportunity for network engineers looking to contribute to an ambitious, rapidly growing business and help define the future of our global connectivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the reliability, stability, and availability of Booking.com’s global data center network.

  
  

• Operate, maintain, and improve large-scale network infrastructure spanning multiple data centers worldwide.

  
  

• Automate network provisioning, configuration management, and monitoring through robust scripting and tooling (preferably Python and Unix/Linux).

  
  

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and troubleshoot networking solutions supporting private cloud environments and virtualization.

  
  

• Own and evolve zero-touch provisioning and automated configuration workflows.

  
  

• Monitor and optimize network performance, proactively address issues and minimize downtime.

  
  

• Work with multi-vendor environments, coordinating incident management and resolution.

  
  

• Engage with vendors and partners for network support and escalations when necessary.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of networking fundamentals, including routing & switching, TCP/IP stack, BGP, EVPN, and VXLAN.

  
  

• Strong experience with network automation stacks (preferably using Python) and Unix/Linux systems.

  
  

• Hands-on experience with zero-touch provisioning and automated configuration management solutions.

  
  

• Proven ability to monitor, analyze, and enhance network quality, availability, and performance.

  
  

• Solid background in building and operating large-scale data center networks.

  
  

• Experience with network virtualization in private cloud environments.

  
  

• Familiarity with multi-vendor network environments and associated challenges.

  
  

• Demonstrated skills in incident response and vendor management.