Network Security Architect

IT Security & Network Engineer/Architect

12 months initial contract role

3 days onsite mandatory - North Dublin location

Eligibility: Stamp 4 & EU/UK/IRISH Citizen

This role acts as the primary interface between the Cyber Security Project Team and the Network Operations function, with a strong focus on delivering security-driven network projects and architectural change. The position is responsible for the design, planning, analysis, and implementation of strategic security initiatives that enhance the organisation’s security posture while ensuring alignment with existing network standards and operational requirements.

The engineer provides third-level technical expertise and architectural leadership across project lifecycles, taking ownership of complex network and security designs from concept through to delivery. This includes producing high-quality technical designs, evaluating solution options, and ensuring successful implementation across environments.

Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the role shapes and delivers network and security architectures that meet business objectives, regulatory expectations, and service-level, security, and availability requirements.

Services

• Become technical lead for Cyber Security project delivering Network related Security Initiatives on our critical 24x7 Operations Network.

• Develop and implement industry standard best practice network designs to ensure scalability, resilience, and security of network services to the client business.

• Employ a consultative approach with strategic thinking, innovative problem solving to serve as the technical lead for network and security related solutions.

• Design and implement enterprise datacentre networks using ACI fabric design, including tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, and EPGs.

• Configure and manage Cisco NGFW features such as IPS, Security Intelligence, Portscan Detection and Encrypted Visibility Engine (EVE)

• Perform Firewall lifecycle management including upgrades, policy optimisation, and health monitoring.

• Develop secure network segmentation strategies aligned with zero-trust principles.

• Proficiency with automation tools (Python, Ansible, REST APIs).

• Design, deploy, and optimise application delivery using Citrix Netscaler, including L4–L7 load balancing, WAF, content switching, and traffic steering.

• Implement high-availability and disaster-recovery strategies for critical applications.

• Collaborate with application teams to ensure performance, resilience, and secure traffic flows.

• Resolve technical issues upon escalation from second level network support.

• Mentor second line staff to assist their development and help them contribute to team deliverables.

• Provide Network and security performance monitoring – to ensure critical components are monitored to meet our SLA’s.

• Operate, maintain, and secure network services supporting the operation of client's internal and external customers and business units.

• Continuous development of plans for failover and testing of critical network components and services to ensure resilience is in place.

Expected Knowledge & Qualifications

1 Cisco - Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) qualified – (essential)

2 Cisco - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) qualified – (optional)

3 Excellent working knowledge of networking protocols and topologies is essential.

4 Security Architecture Design & Implementation

5 Excellent working knowledge of network management and administration tools.

6 Identity & Access Management (I&AM), Cybersecurity

7 Excellent working knowledge of TCP/IP, Cisco firewalls, ACI Networks, LAN. WAN, VPN systems.

8 Threat Management & Vulnerability Assessment

9 Good working knowledge of ITIL practices in relation to Change and continual improvement

10 Excellent communication and documentation skills.