Freelance IT Network Engineer - Fortinet | UniFi | Events & MSP (Jeddah)

Role Overview

Purple Rock IT Solutions is seeking a Freelance IT Network Engineer for their Jeddah, KSA office. This is a field-heavy, deployment-focused role combining ongoing MSP client support with large-scale event and temporary network infrastructure deployments across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Company Overview

Purple Rock IT Solutions is an IT infrastructure, networking, and systems integration company delivering enterprise IT solutions, managed services, and large-scale event technology deployments across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Projects range from corporate offices and managed IT environments to international events, exhibitions, sporting venues, and temporary network deployments.

Role Purpose

Support and deploy network infrastructure across two distinct environments: ongoing managed services for corporate MSP clients and temporary high-pressure event deployments. This role requires equal comfort configuring enterprise firewalls at a desk and managing live network operations on-site during event build-ups and operations.

Key Responsibilities

Network Infrastructure

• Configure, deploy, and maintain LAN, WAN, and wireless network infrastructure.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot switches, routers, firewalls, access points, and related network services.
• Manage routing, switching, firewall, VPN, and wireless environments across MSP client sites.
• Perform firmware upgrades, security updates, preventive maintenance, and optimization activities.

Event Network Support

• Deploy and manage enterprise wireless and wired networks for large-scale events (500–20,000+ users), including exhibitions, sporting events, conferences, and activations.
• Configure high-density UniFi or equivalent wireless deployments with proper VLAN segmentation and guest isolation.
• Set up bonded cellular and SD-WAN uplinks using Peplink or equivalent for event connectivity and failover.
• Monitor bandwidth utilization and network performance during live events.
• Provide on-site support during build-up, live operations, and de-rig, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Troubleshoot network issues calmly and effectively under time-critical, high-visibility conditions.

Troubleshooting & MSP Support

• Diagnose and resolve network connectivity, performance, and security issues for MSP clients.
• Perform root cause analysis for recurring incidents and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Support MSP clients through remote and on-site troubleshooting.
• Participate in escalation support for critical incidents and service outages.

Project Delivery

• Support network implementation, migration, expansion, and infrastructure upgrade projects.
• Participate in site surveys, wireless heatmap surveys using Ekahau or equivalent, and solution deployment.
• Work closely with project managers, technical teams, and vendors.

Documentation

• Create and maintain network diagrams using Microsoft Visio.
• Document configurations, IP schemes, topology diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
• Prepare technical reports and change records.

Qualifications & Experience

• 2–4 years of experience in network deployment and support.
• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in IT, Networking, Computer Science, or related field.
• Hands-on experience configuring and deploying Fortinet FortiGate firewalls (VPN, firewall policies, NAT, SD-WAN); specify which models you have worked with.
• Hands-on experience deploying and managing Ubiquiti UniFi wireless networks, including UniFi controllers, APs, and switching; specify your largest deployment.
• Confirmed, documentable event or temporary network deployment experience.
• Currently based in KSA on a valid visa with the right to work.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, switching, VLANs, STP, DHCP, DNS, NAT, and VPN.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to work independently under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Genuine willingness to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays for event and project work.
• Troubleshooting network issues under time-critical, high-visibility conditions.

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications

• Fortinet NSE / FCP certification.
• Experience with Cisco/Meraki, Aruba, Peplink, Sophos, or Ruijie solutions.
• Wireless heatmap survey experience using Ekahau or NetSpot.
• Experience in MSP environments managing multiple clients simultaneously.
• Event network deployment experience at scale (500+ users).
• CCNA/CCNP, Ubiquiti UEWA, or Peplink certifications.

Benefits

• Exposure to high-profile events and infrastructure projects across KSA.
• Training and certification sponsorship (Fortinet NSE, Ubiquiti, Peplink, Ekahau).
• Career growth within a fast-growing systems integration and MSP company.
• Hands-on technical environment with no bureaucracy and direct project ownership.

Employment Terms

• Monthly salary: SAR 8,000–12,000.
• Freelance contract type.
• Must be currently based in KSA on a valid residence or employment visa; no relocation or visa sponsorship available.
• Not suitable for candidates seeking purely desk-based, NOC-only, or remote positions.