Freelance network engineer? We find the assignment that fits you

As a freelance network engineer you design, implement and manage the network infrastructure organisations run on: from local business networks (LAN) and networks across multiple sites (WAN) to VPN connections, firewalls and wireless networks. You configure switches and routers, secure network traffic and resolve outages. Increasingly the work also revolves around software-defined networking (SD-WAN), network segmentation and Zero Trust security.

Unlike much cloud work, network work more often requires physical presence on-site — for cabling, hardware and resolving problems locally. For you as a freelancer this means travel willingness and region play a role in which assignments fit. Your vendor experience counts heavily: certifications such as Cisco (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE), Juniper, Fortinet and Aruba make you attractive to clients working with that equipment.

Maedium helps you find assignments that fit your profile. We know the clients across the Randstad — from port and industry to government and SMEs — and put you forward specifically when there is a match.

Your rate depends on your experience, your specialism and the region where you work. Indicative, excluding VAT, hourly rates in the Randstad are roughly:

• Junior (0–3 yrs): around €53–€75 per hour
• Medior (3–6 yrs): around €75–€98 per hour
• Senior (6+ yrs, security/multi-site): around €98–€118+ per hour

Engineers with demonstrable security experience — segmentation, firewalls, Zero Trust — and with certifications matching the client's environment sit at the top. In and around Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague rates are highest; in the more rural regions somewhat lower. Want to know what is realistic for your profile? We will look at that together during an introductory call.

With brokerage, Maedium charges a fee that is separate from your rate — so you know in advance exactly what you receive per hour.

Maedium works in two ways, and the difference matters for you as a freelancer.

With brokerage, Maedium puts you in contact with the client and you conclude an agreement directly with that client. You invoice the client yourself; Maedium receives a brokerage fee. So you are in a direct relationship with your client.

With intermediation, Maedium sits contractually between you and the client: you conclude an agreement with Maedium, and Maedium with the client. You invoice Maedium. This structure is often chosen when the client does not want to contract directly with freelancers, or when it simplifies the collaboration. The intermediation fee is usually slightly higher than the brokerage fee, because Maedium takes on more of a role and risk.

Which form fits depends on the assignment and the client's wishes. We always discuss in advance which structure we use and what it means for your rate and invoicing — no surprises afterwards.

Since the Dutch Tax Authority resumed enforcement on false self-employment, it is more important than ever for you as a freelancer to set up your assignments so that you genuinely work as an independent professional. That means, among other things: carrying out your work independently, no authority relationship as with an employee, and preferably multiple clients over time. Precisely in network assignments, where you often work on-site and in a team, it is important that your role as an independent professional stays clear.

Maedium thinks along with you on this. We work with clear agreements and choose the structure that fits together, so your assignment is workable as an independent professional both on paper and in practice. We are honest about what is and isn't possible: a model agreement or an intermediation structure is an aid, not a guarantee — ultimately what counts is how you actually work.

Want to dive deeper into the Wet DBA and what it means for you? Read our detailed explanation.

Signing up is low-threshold and takes little time:

• Introduction. We schedule a conversation to go through your experience, your certifications and your wishes regarding assignment, region and travel willingness.
• Matching. As soon as there is a fitting assignment, we put you forward specifically to the client — not a CV on a pile, but a well-founded recommendation.
• Agreements and structure. We arrange the contract and the DBA-compliant structure together (brokerage or intermediation), with clear agreements on rate and invoicing.
• During the assignment. Your fixed point of contact stays reachable. If something isn't going smoothly, we tackle it together.

You are not committing to anything by signing up — an introduction is without obligation. We simply look at whether we can mean something for each other.

Do I need a BV to work through Maedium?

No. You can work as a sole trader (eenmanszaak) or from a BV. A BV offers advantages at higher turnover or more risk, but is not a requirement. We look together at what fits your situation, and you don't need to change anything about this to sign up.

How important are certifications like Cisco or Fortinet?

Important. Many clients work with a specific vendor and look for an engineer experienced with it. Certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, Juniper, Fortinet or Aruba make you more attractive and can raise your rate. We match you specifically to the client's environment.

Do I always have to work on-site?

More often than with cloud work, yes. Cabling, hardware and resolving outages require physical presence. That is why we discuss your travel willingness and preferred region in advance, so we look for assignments that fit you in terms of location.

Does it cost me anything to sign up?

No. Signing up and the introduction are free and without obligation. The fee Maedium charges is part of the agreement with the client and is separate from your hourly rate — you know in advance exactly what you receive.

With brokerage, do I work directly for the client?

Yes. With brokerage you conclude an agreement with the client yourself and invoice directly. With intermediation the contract runs through Maedium, but in practice you simply work on-site at the client. We discuss in advance which form we use.

Does Maedium place outside the Randstad?

Maedium focuses on the Randstad: North Holland, South Holland, Utrecht and Flevoland, with Alkmaar as home base. Because network work is often on-site, travel distance and region weigh into the match.