Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineer
Location: Annapolis, MD 21401 Type: Full-Time Contracted
About the Role:
The Network Security Engineer will actively participate in the planning, design, installation, and connectivity of enterprise network and security systems to ensure stable, scalable, redundant, and secure 24x7 network operations.
Required Skills:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and ability to work with precision
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Network security engineering in enterprise environments
Design, implementation, and troubleshooting of secure data networks
Firewall configuration, monitoring, and optimization
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Secure VPN architectures
Network access control and authentication technologies
Change management and configuration standards for secure networks
Technical documentation and reporting
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and mentor junior engineers
Experience With:
Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall services
Intrusion Detection and Prevention (Palo Alto Networks)
Content filtering and TLS/SSL inspection
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) using Palo Alto platforms
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) technologies
Complex switching, routing, and wireless solutions using Cisco Systems
Reverse proxies and load balancing with A10 Networks
Network Access Control solutions (Cisco ISE, FreeRADIUS, ACLs)
Microsoft multifactor authentication solutions
Cloud-based virtual networking and security services
Authentication standards (802.1x) for wired and wireless networks
Routing protocols including EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP
Enterprise data center security and micro-segmentation
Certificate management and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Vulnerability management tools (Nessus, NMAP) across Windows, Unix, and Linux
Packet and protocol analysis tools (Wireshark, Riverbed, Opnet)
Centralized network management tools (Panorama, SolarWinds)
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate degree in an IT-related field
Active certifications:
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) or Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Enterprise or CCNA Security
Preferred Qualifications:
Ten (10) years of CONUS experience in IT networking and network security
- Certifications active or expired within the last three (3) years:
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE), Next-Generation Firewall Engineer, or Network Security Analyst
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise or Security
Essential Job Functions:
Identify organizational requirements and design secure network solutions
Engineer, install, and troubleshoot secure data and networking environments
Perform project-based network security assessments and implementations
Develop comprehensive design documentation (diagrams and written artifacts)
Manage implementations from design through acceptance
Support capacity planning, monitoring, and maintenance of secure networks
Lead or assist migrations from legacy platforms to next-generation technologies
Assist in troubleshooting critical incidents and threat remediation
Implement configuration guidelines, change management, and SOPs
Coordinate and guide engineering team activities
Resolve end-user issues accurately and in a timely manner
Produce weekly status reports detailing progress, milestones, and deliverables
Lead or participate in weekly status meetings as required
Certifications Required:
PCNSA or Palo Alto Network Security Professional
CCNA Enterprise or CCNA Security
Certifications Preferred:
PCNSE or Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewall Engineer
CCNP Enterprise or CCNP Security