Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineer Type: Contract Duration: 6-12 months with possibility for extension Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM ET, with occasional after-hours/on-call support Work Model: Hybrid - on-site in Annapolis, MD (3 days/week for first 6 months; may shift to 2 days on-site/3 remote with strong performance); ability to report on-site within 4 hours when requested Location: Annapolis, MD (primary on-site location) Role Overview: We are seeking a Network Security Engineer to design, implement, and support secure enterprise network solutions. This role involves project-based engineering, migration to next-generation technologies, documentation development, and collaboration with engineering teams to ensure secure 24x7 network operations. Key Responsibilities:Identify organizational requirements and design secure network implementations.Perform engineering, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of data and security networks.Provide assessment, design, and implementation of secure networking environments.Develop diagrams, documentation, and manage implementation from design through acceptance.Assist in capacity planning, monitoring, and review of secure communication networks.Lead or support migrations from legacy platforms to next-generation security technologies.Troubleshoot critical network security incidents and threats.Implement configuration guidelines, change management, and secure operation procedures.Coordinate and mentor team members while resolving issues promptly.Provide weekly status reports and participate in status meetings. Required Qualifications:Associate degree.Active certifications: Palo Alto PCNSA or PCNSE, and Cisco CCNA Enterprise or CCNA Security. Preferred Qualifications:10 years of IT networking and network security experience.Associate degree in IT-related field.Advanced or recent certifications (within 3 years): Palo Alto PCNSE/NGFW/NSA; Cisco CCNP Enterprise/Security. Technical Skills:Palo Alto NGFW services: IDS/IPS, content filtering, VPN, DLP, SSL/TLS inspection.Cisco switching, routing, wireless (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP).A10 load balancing and reverse proxies.Network Access Control: Cisco ISE, FreeRADIUS, ACLs.MFA, cloud virtual networking, micro-segmentation, PKI, vulnerability tools (Nessus, Nmap), packet analysis (Wireshark, Riverbed).Centralized management tools: Panorama, SolarWinds. Soft Skills:Ability to work independently and mentor junior staff.Strong communication and presentation skills.Ability to produce technical documents including diagrams, plans, and SOPs. Work Model:Hybrid: 3 days onsite, 2 days remote (initially 3 onsite/2 remote may adjust).Must be able to report onsite within 4 hours if required.Work hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM ET, with flexibility for deadlines and on-call needs. #NetworkSecurityEngineer #PaloAltoFirewalls #PCNSA #PCNSE #CiscoNetworking #CCNA #CCNP #NextGenFirewalls #CiscoISE #8021X #A10LoadBalancer #PacketAnalysis #Wireshark #VulnerabilityManagement #Nessus #Nmap #RoutingAndSwitching #BGP #OSPF #EIGRP #CyberSecurityEngineering #HybridRole #ITInfrastructure #NetworkDesign #SecurityOperations