Network Security Engineer

Vertical Scope Group; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertical Scope Group in Canberra is seeking a Network Security Engineer to support a major Federal Government agency. You will operate and enhance critical network infrastructure within a highly secure ICT environment, applying your cybersecurity expertise to strengthen defenses and protect systems against evolving threats.

You will plan and maintain secure networks across physical and virtual environments, configure security devices, assess architectures for vulnerabilities, and collaborate

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of cybersecurity experience.
• Extensive experience implementing and operating network security in complex ICT environments.
• Ability to configure and manage network security components (firewalls, servers, routers).
• Experience assessing network security architectures and recommending improvements.
• Strong understanding of defence-in-depth in network design and configuration.
• Experience with network device configurations and security hardening.
• Proven ability to secure network communications across environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, operate and maintain secure network infrastructure across physical and virtual environments.
• Configure, test and maintain network hardware, software and security devices.
• Assess existing network architectures and identify vulnerabilities and improvements.
• Implement and maintain network security controls including firewalls, routers and protective tech.
• Apply defence-in-depth to strengthen network design and posture.
• Conduct security assessments of complex information systems using security frameworks and tools.
• Analyse cyber threats and mitigate security risks.
• Assess device configurations and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with technical teams to harden critical infrastructure against threats.
• Provide specialist advice and documentation to support network security uplift.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Network security

Vulnerability assessment

Security frameworks

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Tools

Hardware firewalls

Routers

Servers

Security devices

Network monitoring tools

Encryption technologies

DMZ concepts

Job description

• Employment: 12-month contract, with 2 x 12-month extension options
• Working Arrangements: Onsite, up to 40 hours per week (flexible arrangements may be negotiated subject to operational requirements)
• Security Clearance: Current NV1 security clearance required
• Technical Focus: Network security, secure infrastructure, cyber threat defence, network architecture and security engineering

About the Opportunity

As a Network Security Engineer, you will support a major Federal Government agency in the operation, maintenance and enhancement of critical network infrastructure within a highly secure ICT environment.

Working across complex network environments, you will provide specialist technical expertise to strengthen network security, assess vulnerabilities and implement effective security controls to protect critical systems against evolving cyber threats.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to important national security capabilities while collaborating with experienced technical teams to deliver secure, resilient and reliable network infrastructure.

• Plan, implement, operate and maintain secure network infrastructure across physical and virtual environments.
• Configure, test and maintain network hardware, software and security devices to ensure reliable and secure operations.
• Assess existing network architectures and infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending security improvements.
• Implement and maintain network security controls, including firewalls, routers and other protective technologies.
• Apply defence-in-depth principles to strengthen network design, configuration and overall security posture.
• Conduct security assessments of complex information systems using contemporary security frameworks, tools and methodologies.
• Analyse potential cyber threats, including malicious actor techniques and attack methods, to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Assess network device configurations and recommend improvements to enhance security and operational resilience.
• Collaborate with technical teams to develop and implement strategies for hardening and defending critical infrastructure against advanced cyber threats.
• Provide specialist technical advice, recommendations and documentation to support network security improvements and ongoing infrastructure uplift.

Skills and experience we are looking for:

• Minimum 5 years of demonstrated experience in a cybersecurity role.
• Strong experience implementing, maintaining and improving network security practices within complex ICT environments.
• Demonstrated ability to configure and manage network security components, including hardware firewalls, servers and routers.
• Experience assessing network security architectures and recommending practical improvements to strengthen security.
• Strong understanding of defence-in-depth principles and their application to network design and configuration.
• Demonstrated experience assessing network device configurations and identifying opportunities to improve network security.
• Proven experience securing network communications and protecting sensitive information across network environments.
• Strong knowledge of networking concepts, protocols and contemporary network security methodologies.
• Understanding of ICT security principles and technologies, including firewalls, demilitarised zones (DMZs) and encryption.
• Experience using network management and monitoring tools to analyse network traffic, identify anomalies and interpret security-related information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex technical environments and recommend effective solutions.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams while managing competing priorities in a complex operational environment.

Experience securing critical infrastructure or delivering network security solutions within Defence, intelligence or other national security environments will be highly regarded.

Vertical Scope Group values diversity and encourages applications from veterans, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.