Senior Network Security Engineer

Quantam Solutions provides IT solutions and consulting for various clients. We offer competitive hourly wages, health benefits, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. We are currently seeking a Cybersecurity Network Security Architect. This position’s work schedule is three days onsite in East Hartford, CT and two days remote. A fully remote work schedule is not an option.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Network Security Architect to lead the design, assessment, hardening, and security optimization of a large-scale, mission-critical enterprise environment.

This role will provide technical leadership across network security, firewall infrastructure, cloud connectivity, secure remote access, and regulatory compliance initiatives. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on expertise with Palo Alto Networks and Cisco technologies, Azure networking, Zero Trust principles, SASE architecture, and security frameworks including CJIS, NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, and IRS Publication 1075.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, administer, and optimize Palo Alto Networks security technologies, including NGFWs, Panorama, GlobalProtect, Prisma Access, and ION appliances.
• Lead the hardening and optimization of Cisco networking and security infrastructure.
• Perform security hardening activities in alignment with CJIS Security Policy, NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, IRS Publication 1075, and enterprise security standards.
• Conduct security assessments across firewalls, network infrastructure, Azure environments, enterprise applications, and supporting systems.
• Review firewall rule bases, routing, VPN configurations, network segmentation, and remote access architectures for security, performance, and compliance.
• Develop Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), remediation strategies, and risk mitigation recommendations based on assessment findings.
• Support the architecture and deployment of Palo Alto Prisma Access and ION appliances for Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and remote-office connectivity initiatives.
• Assess and secure Azure networking configurations, including hybrid connectivity and cloud security integrations.
• Design and optimize Azure ExpressRoute, routing configurations, and Palo Alto cloud firewall connectivity for hybrid environments.
• Perform cybersecurity risk assessments and configuration reviews against applicable regulatory and organizational security standards.
• Partner with cloud, infrastructure, network, application, and cybersecurity teams to remediate vulnerabilities and strengthen the overall security posture.
• Support audit preparation and compliance assessments related to CJIS, IRS, and other regulatory requirements.
• Develop architecture diagrams, technical documentation, security assessment reports, remediation plans, and executive-level summaries.
• Present technical findings, risks, and recommendations to both technical stakeholders and leadership audiences.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco networking and security technologies.
• 6+ years of hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and security platforms.
• Proven experience designing and supporting cybersecurity solutions in highly available, enterprise-scale environments.
• Expert-level knowledge of Palo Alto Networks NGFW, Panorama, GlobalProtect, Prisma Access, and ION appliances.
• Expert-level knowledge of Cisco routing, switching, VPN, firewall, and network security technologies.
• Experience securing network infrastructure in accordance with CJIS Security Policy, NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, IRS Publication 1075, and industry security best practices.
• Experience conducting cybersecurity risk assessments and creating POA&Ms.
• Experience assessing firewall, network, Azure, and application security controls.
• Strong knowledge of Zero Trust architecture, network segmentation, secure remote access, and SASE.
• Experience securing Microsoft Azure networking and cloud infrastructure.
• Experience reviewing firewall policies, VPN configurations, routing, and segmentation strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences.
• Experience creating technical documentation, architecture diagrams, assessment reports, and remediation plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• Palo Alto Networks certifications.
• Cisco security certifications.
• CISSP, CISM, or equivalent cybersecurity certification.
• Experience supporting regulated, public-sector, financial, justice, or similarly compliance-driven environments.