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Job Title: Network Security Engineer
Location: Full Remote / outside IR35
Contract Type: 6-Month Initial Term (with potential for extension)

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Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Network Security Engineer to support a strategic data centre migration project involving the transition to a segmented VRF architecture. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Palo Alto firewall technologies and knowledge with Cisco VXLAN EVPN, and will be instrumental in implementing secure, scalable network solutions during this transformation.

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Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the migration of legacy data centre environments into segmented VRFs, ensuring secure and efficient traffic separation via Palo Alto Infrastrcuture.
- Design, deploy, and manage Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewalls (PA-Series, Panorama, GlobalProtect).
- Configure and troubleshoot Cisco VXLAN EVPN overlays, including BGP EVPN control plane and VTEP deployments.
- Implement network segmentation aligned with zero-trust principles.
- Collaborate with infrastructure, cloud, and application teams to ensure secure connectivity during migration.
- Perform firewall rule optimization, threat prevention tuning, and performance monitoring.
- Document migration plans, network designs, and operational procedures.
- Provide expert-level support for network and security incidents during the contract term.
- Participate in scheduled out-of-hours migration activities, including implementation, testing, and troubleshooting.
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Required Skills & Experience:
- 5+ years of hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls.
- Proven experience in data centre migrations, especially involving VRF segmentation.
- Strong understanding of Cisco VXLAN EVPN, including multi-tenancy and BGP EVPN.
- Solid knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF) and Layer 2/3 switching.
- Familiarity with network automation tools (e.g. Ansible, Python, Terraform) is a plus.
- Relevant certifications such as PCNSE, CCNP/CCIE (Data Center or Security) are highly desirable.
- Strong documentation and troubleshooting skills.
- Willingness and availability to work outside standard business hours as required by migration schedules.
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Preferred:
- Experience in hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP, OCI).
- Knowledge of SD-WAN and SASE architectures.
- Exposure to NAC solutions (e.g., Cisco ISE).
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If this sounds like you, please get in touch. 

• Strong background in network and infrastructure security.
• Experience performing penetration testing, configuration reviews, and API testing.
• Knowledge of “classic” CHECK-style testing methodologies.
• CREST, CSTL or CTL certification (Team Member or Team Leader level).
• Ability to deliver high-quality reports and communicate technical findings clearly.
• Hands-on experience across infrastructure, networking, and external testing.

• Experience working within CHECK or other accredited testing schemes.
• Strong understanding of secure network architecture and hardening practices.
• Previous consultancy or project-based testing experience.

• Outside IR35
• West London (on-site presence required for majority of testing)
• 0-hours contract – project-based work, phase by phase
• Initial phase focused on network testing, with further phases planned into next year
• Day Rate: Competitive
• Start: ASAP
• 1-Stage Interview Process with consultancy SME
  

Network Security Engineer (SOC)

Job Description

Please note this role will require candidates to gain DV Clearance.

An exciting opportunity for a passionate Network Security Engineer to join a unique, multi-national Information Management function. Ideal candidates should be committed to protecting critical systems and ensuring the integrity and security of the network infrastructure.

The opportunity:

Join a forward thinking team as a Network Security Engineer, where you will play a key role in safeguarding our clients’ organisations’ network infrastructure as part of the 24x7 Internal Security Response (ISR) team.

When not involved in incident response and triage activity with the SOC team, you will be responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining robust security solutions to protect against evolving threats. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will work on implementing changes securely, identifying vulnerabilities, managing security incidents and ensuring compliance with industry best practices.

The role will be involved in the optimisation of network security tools to remediate “purple team” highlighted areas identified for improvement. You will also have the opportunity to immerse your time into the standardisation of network tools.

This is a dynamic opportunity to contribute to security initiatives, solve complex challenges, and have a direct impact on the overall resilience of the IT environment.

What we're looking for from you:

ESSENTIALS

• Solid understanding of networking principles (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, switching, VLANS and load balancing)
• Strong expertise in configuring, maintaining and troubleshooting firewalls e.g. Cisco, Checkpoint, Palo Alto.
• Demonstrable hands-on experience in next-gen firewalls and advancing security features like IPS/IDS, SSL decryption and deep packet inspection.
• Proven experience in managing secure proxy solutions (e.g. Bluecoat, F5) and the ability to implement policies for content filtering, SSL inspection and network traffic monitoring.
• In depth knowledge of security protocols such as IPSec, SSL / TLS, VPNs and two factor authentication.
• Understanding of network architectures and security zones (DMZ, internal networks).
• Proficient in monitoring technologies e.g. PRTG, Nagios.

DESIRABLES

• Understanding of cyber security capabilities and their integrations to networks infrastructure.
• Existing knowledge of / aptitude to learn Darktrace Antigena and Respond, Splunk ES or Log Rhythm tools.
• Strong ability to interpret complex information via use of packet capture in order to identify malicious traffic in detail, revealing attacker behaviours like C2, exploitation, lateral movement, or data exfiltration.
• Proven ability to review SOC alerting in collaboration with SOC analysts to effectively triage and manage Tier 1 SOC alerts to the appropriate outcome.
• Experience with LDAP, and application traffic flow root cause analysis.
• Previous experience to identify root cause from (TBC for review – Demonstrable understanding of the OSI Reference Model and the network communication protocols, including but not limited to DNS, HTTP/S, SSL, SMTP, FTP/S, LDAP/S. Demonstrable experience with Security Information Event Monitoring Tools and/or Network Packet Capture tools).

Overview

Position - Network Security Engineer (SOC) – Permanent

Location – Stevenage (Onsite Shift work)

Salary - £50k (Plus £2k bonus and shift allowance)

Keywords: Network Security Engineer, SOC, Security Operations Center, Firewalls, Incident Response, Security Incidents, Networking Principles, Virtual Private Networks, Security Protocols, Vulnerabilities, Threats.

Only apply for this role if you currently hold the specific Government Security Clearance or are eligible for Government Security Clearance.

Due to the nature of work undertaken at our client's site, incumbents of these positions are required to meet special nationality rules and therefore these vacancies are only open to sole British Citizens. Applicants who meet this criteria will also be required to undergo security clearance vetting, if not already security cleared to a minimum SC level.

Electus Recruitment Solutions provides specialist engineering and technical recruitment solutions to a number of high technology industries. We thank you for your interest in this vacancy. If you don't hear from us within 7 working days please presume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. You are of course free to resubmit your CV/details in the future and we shall assess your suitability at that time.

This is a Permanent Role

• Design, deploy, and maintain network security infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs, and security gateways.
• Monitor network traffic for security breaches and suspicious activities, and respond to security incidents effectively.
• Develop and implement security policies, procedures, and best practices to protect the network and data.
• Conduct regular security vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses.
• Collaborate with IT and network operations teams to ensure security is integrated into all network designs and changes.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies.
• Develop and deliver security awareness training to employees.
• Manage security-related hardware and software, ensuring they are properly configured and updated.
• Investigate and resolve security incidents, providing timely and accurate reports on breaches and remediation efforts.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and solutions to enhance the organization's security posture.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and data protection laws.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in network security engineering or a similar cybersecurity role.
• In-depth knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S) and network security principles.
• Hands-on experience with firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA), IDS/IPS, SIEM solutions, and endpoint security tools.
• Familiarity with various security frameworks and standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).
• Relevant industry certifications such as CISSP, CCNA Security, CCNP Security, or CompTIA Security+ are highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to respond effectively to security incidents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience in the telecommunications sector is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours and be part of an on-call rotation when necessary.

• Designing, implementing, and maintaining network security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs, and web application firewalls (WAFs).
• Monitoring network traffic for security breaches and suspicious activities, and responding promptly to security incidents.
• Conducting regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to identify and remediate security weaknesses.
• Developing and enforcing network security policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Collaborating with IT teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of network design and operation.
• Managing security infrastructure, including configuration, patching, and performance tuning.
• Staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and defence technologies.
• Providing technical support and guidance on network security issues to internal teams.
• Developing incident response plans and leading the execution of these plans during security events.
• Maintaining accurate documentation of network security configurations, policies, and procedures.