# Senior Network Security Engineer

> Crossword Staffing Solutions · Washington, United States · Contract · Posted 2026-10-19

**Workplace:** on_site

## Description

Job Description

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.

## Apply

[Apply at Crossword Staffing Solutions](https://apply.workable.com/crossword-staffing-solutions/j/2276169F65/apply)

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