Senior Network Engineer

Title: Senior Network Engineer

About the client:

We are sourcing on behalf of a leading global organization delivering advanced solutions for logistics and heavy transport. As a Senior Associate – IT Network, you’ll play a key role in powering the technology backbone that keeps the world moving. Based in a beautiful, tax-free location, you’ll be part of an innovative, passionate team, working on cutting-edge infrastructure in a dynamic, global environment. If you’re ready to take your expertise to the next level and drive impactful change, this is your opportunity to make a real difference!

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE, onsite

Summary:

Designs, configures, and maintains secure, high-performance network infrastructure supporting complex business and research needs, with expertise in firewalls like Palo Alto, FortiGate, and Check Point, and advanced solutions such as Cisco ISE, Forescout NAC, ZTNA, WAFs, and DMZ. Focused on proactive monitoring and high availability across LAN, WAN, WLAN, and VPN environments, the role also emphasizes compliance with security standards and collaboration with cross-functional teams to support high-speed data transfers and HPC environments.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a secure and high-performance network infrastructure to support data-intensive workflows and collaborative projects, including high-speed data transfers and HPC clusters.
• Configure and manage network devices, including routers, switches, and WLAN, with a focus on Cisco networking technologies like VLANs, STP, and QoS.
• Implement and manage advanced security solutions such as Palo Alto, FortiGate, and Check Point firewalls, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and institutional policies.
• Deploy and manage Cisco ISE and Forescout NAC to regulate and secure network access based on user and device identity.
• Plan and execute the configuration of LAN, WAN, WLAN, VPN, and DMZ architectures to ensure secure and seamless connectivity across all platforms.
• Monitor network performance using diagnostic utilities, conducting root cause analysis and optimization to maintain high availability and reliability.
• Perform firmware upgrades, patches, and security updates on all network hardware to ensure adherence to security policies and high-performance standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams and external vendors to support network stability and secure external collaboration.
• Design and manage Network Access Control (NAC) solutions and zero-trust frameworks to protect against unauthorized access and enhance endpoint compliance.
• Implement and monitor web application firewalls (WAFs) to protect portals and applications from cyber threats.
• Document network configurations, policies, troubleshooting guides, and architecture diagrams to facilitate technical knowledge sharing and compliance.
• Provide technical training and mentorship to junior network staff, enhancing team capacity and skill development.
• Support and maintain the network infrastructure for specialized HPC environments, ensuring systems meet high-performance requirements.

Typical Background/Experience:

• 15+ years of IT experience with at least 10 years focused on networking
• Previously held roles such as 'Network Engineer,' 'Senior Network Architect,' or 'Network Security Consultant'
• Experience in industries like tech, large-scale enterprise, research institutions, or telecommunications
• Proficiency in networking technologies such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers, with substantial hands-on expertise with Palo Alto, FortiGate, Check Point, and Cisco FTD firewalls
• Certifications like CompTIA Network+, CCNA, or equivalent are a plus
• Experience in designing, configuring, and maintaining complex and secure high-performance network infrastructures, including DMZ architecture and VPN solutions

Education Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Certification in Network Technologies (e.g., Cisco Certified Network Professional - CCNP, Certified Information Systems Security Professional - CISSP).
• Certification or hands-on experience with Palo Alto, FortiGate, or Check Point firewalls.
• Familiarity or certification in Cisco ISE and Forescout NAC.
• Understanding or certification in advanced security solutions such as ZTNA, WAFs, and DMZ architecture.
• Optional: Master's degree in Information Technology or related discipline.

Skills:

• Network design and implementation of secure, high-performance infrastructures for complex business needs
• Proficiency with routers and switches, specifically Cisco networking
• Network security and advanced firewall management (Palo Alto, FortiGate, Check Point, Cisco FTD)
• TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and VPN protocols expertise
• Wireless networking for LAN, WAN, WLAN, and VPN environments
• Network troubleshooting and problem-solving in high-availability environments
• Configuration and maintenance of networks, including network access control with Cisco ISE and Forescout NAC
• VPN setup and management for secure connectivity
• Load balancing, redundancy, and high-speed data transfer techniques
• Proactive performance monitoring and analysis using network monitoring tools
• Remote access solutions with advanced security measures like ZTNA
• Technical documentation of configurations and policies
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams and support for high-speed HPC environments
• Project management for networking projects emphasizing regulatory compliance
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills

By applying to this position, you are granting us permission to keep your CV on file for consideration for this and future opportunities.