Senior Network Engineer - Remote- Direct Hire (Eastern Time Zone)

The Senior Network Security Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, securing, and optimizing enterprise network infrastructure. Serving as a subject matter expert in Palo Alto and Cisco technologies, this role focuses on advanced network security architecture, firewall design, and performance engineering across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. The engineer leads complex network initiatives, acts as the highest escalation point for critical issues, and drives modernization efforts including SD-WAN, wireless, and WAN optimization. This role requires strong client-facing communication skills, with the ability to understand client needs, provide clear technical guidance, and deliver effective, results-driven solutions. The position also provides strategic guidance, develops network standards, collaborates with cybersecurity teams to ensure compliance, mentors junior engineers, and requires up to 5% travel to support onsite client initiatives and deployments. Network Architecture & Strategic Design • Lead the design and implementation of enterprise LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, wireless, and hybrid connectivity solutions. • Develop and maintain long-term network architecture roadmaps aligned with business growth, security posture, and modernization initiatives. • Architect highly available, redundant, and scalable network infrastructures across on-prem and cloud environments. Advanced Security & Traffic Engineering • Serve as the Palo Alto and Cisco firewall SME, designing and maintaining advanced firewall architectures including: • Segmentation and zone-based security • Application-layer controls • Zero Trust and least-privilege enforcement • Design, deploy, and optimize IDS/IPS, VPN, NAC, and network threat detection solutions. • Perform deep traffic analysis, packet captures, threat modeling, and advanced diagnostics to identify and mitigate security risks. Performance Engineering & Troubleshooting • Monitor and optimize network performance, bandwidth utilization, and multi-site connectivity. • Act as the top-tier escalation point for complex, high-impact network and security issues. • Lead root-cause analysis efforts and implement durable corrective and preventative actions. Infrastructure Lifecycle & Modernization • Lead enterprise network upgrades, hardware refreshes, SD-WAN deployments, and architecture redesigns. • Manage and optimize relationships with telecom carriers, WAN providers, and circuit failover strategies. • Architect and secure enterprise wireless solutions for high-density and mission-critical environments. Leadership, Governance & Documentation • Mentor and guide Network Engineers and Systems Administrators, fostering technical growth and best practices. • Develop and maintain network standards, policies, diagrams, and architectural documentation. • Collaborate closely with cybersecurity teams to maintain compliance and align with security frameworks and governance standards. • Comply with all established company policies, including information security, compliance, and standards of conduct. Education, Experience & Credentials • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Networking, or equivalent hands-on experience. • 7+ years of progressive network engineering experience, with a strong focus on security and enterprise infrastructure. • Expert-level experience with: Enterprise routing and switching, Firewall platforms (Palo Alto, Cisco ASA/FTD; Fortinet experience a plus), IDS/IPS, VPNs, NAC, and wireless technologies Core Competencies • Enterprise network security architecture • Palo Alto and Cisco firewall mastery • Advanced troubleshooting and traffic analysis • Strategic planning and technical leadership • High-availability and resilient network design • Mentorship and cross-team collaboration Pay: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year Benefits: • Health insurance • Paid time off • Vision insurance Work Location: Remote Apply tot his job