Sr Network Security Architect (Req#1019)

OverviewMust be located in the Chicago, IL area and willing to travel locally for meetings*As the Sr Network Security Architect at ePlus, you will be responsible for planning, designing, implementing, and operating enterprise infrastructure for clients. You will have the opportunity to work within an industry-leading account and delivery team, supporting a key focus area to craft sustainable IT roadmaps for the ePlus customer base. This post sales delivery role focuses on technical excellence, customer success, and the advancement of secure network architectures across enterprise environments.Your ImpactThe Essential Functions Of This Position IncludeImplement network and security solutions from providers such as Cisco, Fortinet, Check Point, Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, and AristaDesign and deploy next-generation firewall (NGFW) architectures, SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), and SD-WAN solutionsCreate comprehensive as-built documentation, network diagrams, and architecture visualsServe as pre-sales technical resource for sales team members and support solution designServe as escalation point for junior engineers and technical troubleshooting teamsTroubleshoot complex technology issues across multi-vendor environmentsAssess customer environments and make strategic recommendations for security and infrastructure improvementsMeet with key vendors to stay current on products, technologies, and emerging threat landscapesDevelop and maintain customer-facing security assessments and compliance documentationMentor and guide technical teams on security best practices and architecture designMaintain multiple advanced manufacturer-specific certifications and stay current with industry standardsServe each and every customer to ePlus' highest standardsQualificationsJob Qualifications:10+ years designing and implementing secure network architecturesConsultative, customer-facing experience with enterprise clientsAdvanced certifications (CCNP Security, CCNP Enterprise, PCNSE, NSE 4/5, or equivalent)Hands-on experience with 3+ vendor platforms (Cisco, Fortinet, Check Point, Palo Alto, Juniper, or Arista)Ability to troubleshoot complex multi-vendor network and security issuesStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and deliver under enterprise SLAsCore Technical CompetenciesNetwork Fundamentals & ArchitectureAdvanced IP networking (routing, switching, VLAN design, QoS)Network automation and orchestration (API-driven infrastructure)Software-Defined Networking (SDN) concepts and implementationData center and access layer segmentation designDisaster recovery and business continuity planningNetwork Access Control (NAC) design and implementationWireless architecture and enterprise deploymentSecurity Architecture & ImplementationNext-Generation Firewall (NGFW) architecture, deployment, and tuningIntrusion Prevention Systems (IPS/IDS) implementation and tuningEndpoint security solutions and threat preventionZero-trust security architecture design and implementationDNS security and email security solutionsAdvanced threat protection and behavior analyticsRequired Vendor ExperiencePrimary Platform Expertise (Select 2+):Cisco: UCS, Nexus switching, ASA/Firepower NGFW, ISE identity management, ACI segmentation, SD-WAN, Umbrella/ESA/WSACheck Point: CloudGuard, CCSE/CCSA architecture, multi-gateway environments, security policiesPalo Alto Networks: Next-Generation Firewall, Cortex XDR, Prisma Cloud, SASE solutionsDell/Arista: Enterprise switching, network architecture, fabric designJuniper: SRX firewalls, routing architecture, network automationHPE: Aruba network access control, ClearPass, enterprise switchingSpecialized Vendor Knowledge (Subject Matter Expert in 2+ areas):Identity & Access Control: Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass, Forescout, ZScaler, Cyxtera, OktaNetwork Segmentation & Policy: Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, Microsegmentation frameworksData Protection: Symantec, Varonis, Rubrik, CohesityEndpoint Protection: Cisco AMP, Palo Alto Traps, Cylance, CarbonBlack, Sentinel OneApplication Security & DDoS: F5, Imperva, Splunk, RadwareAdvanced Threat Detection: ExtraHop ESA (Enterprise Security Essentials), Fortinet FortiAnalyzer, SentinelOne, CrowdStrikePreferred CertificationsCheck Point CCSE (Certified Check Point Security Expert) or CCSA (Certified Check Point Security Administrator)Cisco CCNP Security or CCNP EnterprisePalo Alto Networks PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer)Cloud security certifications (AWS Security, Azure Security Engineer, or equivalent)Position SpecificsThe initial base salary range for this position is expected to be between $120,000 and $170,000 annually. The final base salary offered will be determined by multiple factors, including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, depth of experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, our compensation structure may include other components such as commissions and discretionary bonuses.ePlus offers a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility, employee stock purchase program and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and personal leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an offer of employment is extended.If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.#IND1Who We AreAt ePlus, we believe technology is a people business. Our team is passionate, skilled, and driven to deliver solutions that make a real difference. Join us and be part of a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and extraordinary results.Corporate ValuesRespectful communication and cooperation: We prioritize respectful communication, fostering an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.Teamwork and employee participation: Collaboration and teamwork thrive through diverse perspectives, both within our teams and in our interactions with our customers.Work/life balance that supports our employees’ varying needs: We value the well-being of our employees, recognizing that a healthy work-life balance is pivotal to our collective success.Embracing communities: We embrace and support the communities that nurture us. Our employees' dedication to fostering positive change is a source of immense pride for us.Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and BelongingWe are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate or allow discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.ePlus is dedicated to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture that represents diversity, enables inclusion, and makes our employees feel comfortable bringing their full, unique selves to work. Physical RequirementsWhile performing this role, you will engage in both seated and occasional standing or walking activities. We provide reasonable accommodations, in accordance with relevant laws, to support success in this position.By embracing our values, you will contribute to our collective mission of making a positive impact within our organization and the broader community. We understand that this job description serves as a guide and is not an employment contract.Notice to Recruiting Agencies: ePlus only accepts unsolicited resumes when presented directly by a candidate. Unsolicited resumes submitted to ePlus from any other source will be considered ePlus property and will not qualify for any placement or referral fees. ePlus will only pay such fees in connection with a valid written agreement between ePlus and the referring agency, and then only after providing advance written approval to the referring agency to submit resumes in connection with a particular opportunity.