Senior Network Security Engineer

Quantam Solutions provides IT solutions and consulting for various clients. We offer competitive hourly wages, health benefits, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. We are currently seeking a Cybersecurity Network Security Architect. This position’s work schedule is three days onsite in East Hartford, CT and two days remote. A fully remote work schedule is not an option.Job DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Network Security Architect to lead the design, assessment, hardening, and security optimization of a large-scale, mission-critical enterprise environment.This role will provide technical leadership across network security, firewall infrastructure, cloud connectivity, secure remote access, and regulatory compliance initiatives. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on expertise with Palo Alto Networks and Cisco technologies, Azure networking, Zero Trust principles, SASE architecture, and security frameworks including CJIS, NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, and IRS Publication 1075.ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, administer, and optimize Palo Alto Networks security technologies, including NGFWs, Panorama, GlobalProtect, Prisma Access, and ION appliances.Lead the hardening and optimization of Cisco networking and security infrastructure.Perform security hardening activities in alignment with CJIS Security Policy, NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, IRS Publication 1075, and enterprise security standards.Conduct security assessments across firewalls, network infrastructure, Azure environments, enterprise applications, and supporting systems.Review firewall rule bases, routing, VPN configurations, network segmentation, and remote access architectures for security, performance, and compliance.Develop Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), remediation strategies, and risk mitigation recommendations based on assessment findings.Support the architecture and deployment of Palo Alto Prisma Access and ION appliances for Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and remote-office connectivity initiatives.Assess and secure Azure networking configurations, including hybrid connectivity and cloud security integrations.Design and optimize Azure ExpressRoute, routing configurations, and Palo Alto cloud firewall connectivity for hybrid environments.Perform cybersecurity risk assessments and configuration reviews against applicable regulatory and organizational security standards.Partner with cloud, infrastructure, network, application, and cybersecurity teams to remediate vulnerabilities and strengthen the overall security posture.Support audit preparation and compliance assessments related to CJIS, IRS, and other regulatory requirements.Develop architecture diagrams, technical documentation, security assessment reports, remediation plans, and executive-level summaries.Present technical findings, risks, and recommendations to both technical stakeholders and leadership audiences.Required Qualifications8+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco networking and security technologies.6+ years of hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and security platforms.Proven experience designing and supporting cybersecurity solutions in highly available, enterprise-scale environments.Expert-level knowledge of Palo Alto Networks NGFW, Panorama, GlobalProtect, Prisma Access, and ION appliances.Expert-level knowledge of Cisco routing, switching, VPN, firewall, and network security technologies.Experience securing network infrastructure in accordance with CJIS Security Policy, NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, IRS Publication 1075, and industry security best practices.Experience conducting cybersecurity risk assessments and creating POA&Ms.Experience assessing firewall, network, Azure, and application security controls.Strong knowledge of Zero Trust architecture, network segmentation, secure remote access, and SASE.Experience securing Microsoft Azure networking and cloud infrastructure.Experience reviewing firewall policies, VPN configurations, routing, and segmentation strategies.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences.Experience creating technical documentation, architecture diagrams, assessment reports, and remediation plans.Preferred QualificationsPalo Alto Networks certifications.Cisco security certifications.CISSP, CISM, or equivalent cybersecurity certification.Experience supporting regulated, public-sector, financial, justice, or similarly compliance-driven environments.