Network security engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Randstad is seeking an experienced Senior Network Security Engineer to serve as a technical leader in designing, implementing, and optimizing perimeter and infrastructure security controls for our premier client in Washington, DC. In this high-impact role, you will be responsible for safeguarding critical enterprise infrastructure across on-premises networks and multi-cloud environments (AWS and Microsoft Azure) with a heavy focus on Palo Alto Networks firewalls. Leveraging 11+ years of cybersecurity expertise, you will proactively manage network threats, drive security automation, align controls with regulatory frameworks, and mentor junior engineering staff to strengthen the organization's overall security posture.

Key Responsibilities

• Perimeter & Firewall Administration: Lead the design, configuration, rule maintenance, and optimization of enterprise Palo Alto Networks firewalls and associated perimeter security platforms.
• Network Infrastructure Security: Maintain and support Web Application Firewalls (WAF), Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs, and Network Access Control (NAC) technologies.
• Cloud & Hybrid Security Integration: Partner with cloud, network, and application teams to implement secure architectures across AWS and Microsoft Azure environments.
• Threat Mitigation & Operations: Analyze and respond to network security incidents, monitor events via SIEM platforms, perform threat hunting, and conduct root-cause forensic investigations.
• Risk Assessment & Compliance: Conduct security reviews and risk assessments for new systems and architectural designs, ensuring compliance with NIST, CIS, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO standards.
• Automation & Engineering: Streamline operational security tasks by building automation scripts using Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
• Documentation & Strategy: Develop and maintain operational runbooks, network diagrams, and standard operating procedures to support long-term security strategy.
• Technical Leadership: Guide multi-disciplinary project teams throughout the system development lifecycle and provide mentorship to junior security engineers.
• Operational Support: Participate in planned maintenance windows, after-hours implementations, and emergency incident response activities.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 11+ years of dedicated cybersecurity engineering experience, with a core focus on enterprise network and firewall security.
• Technical Expertise: Advanced, hands-on administration of Palo Alto Networks firewalls in complex enterprise environments.
• Networking Mastery: Deep knowledge of TCP/IP, routing, switching, VPNs, WAN/LAN architectures, and perimeter defense concepts.
• Security Technologies: Practical experience managing IDS/IPS, SIEM, EDR, DLP, CASB, and WAF solutions.
• Cloud Security: Direct experience supporting and securing cloud infrastructure within AWS and Microsoft Azure environments.
• Automation: Proficiency in scripting and automating security workflows using Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
• Frameworks & Compliance: Solid understanding of industry frameworks and standards, including NIST, CIS Controls, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional problem-solving abilities, strong written and verbal communication, and proven stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Cybersecurity, IT, or a related field.
• Active industry certifications such as PCNSE, CISSP, CCNP Security, GIAC, CEH, or Security+.
• Background working directly with or within a Security Operations Center (SOC).
• Experience implementing Zero Trust security architectures and cloud-native security tools.

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Background Check : No

Drug Screen : No