Network Security Architect

Delan Associates, Inc; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Delan Associates, Inc. seeks a Senior Network Security Architect to design and secure large enterprise networks across on‑prem, data center, and multi‑cloud platforms.

The role emphasizes robust PQC expertise and alignment with NIST standards to safeguard infrastructure. You will lead security architecture, risk assessments, IAM and data protection, while coordinating with firewall, WAF, NAC, and VPN/PKI implementations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of core IT networking experience
• 3+ years specifically focused on advanced enterprise cybersecurity architecture
• Familiarity with NIST, SANS, CIS frameworks preferred
• Knowledge of PQC concepts and post‑quantum cryptography standards (FIPS 203/204/205) desirable

Responsibilities

• Design and secure enterprise network architectures across on‑prem, data center, and multi‑cloud environments
• Conduct risk assessments and vulnerability management per recognized frameworks
• Define secure identity, access control, and data protection strategies (MFA, SSO, PKI, RBAC)
• Develop incident response and business continuity plans and conduct rehearsals

Skills

IP routing

MPLS

BGP

SD-WAN

Wireless networks

Data center architecture

Palo Alto

Cisco NGFWs

SIEM

EDR

AWS

Azure

GCP

SABSA

TOGAF

COBIT

ITIL

DODAF

Automation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cybersecurity / Computer Science / Information Technology

Tools

Checkpoint

Palo Alto

Cisco NGFWs

SIEM

EDR

Job description

Position: Network Security Architect – Overall 10+yrs experience needed.

Location: NYC, NY (Hybrid- 3 days a week) – face to face is must. Look for candidate from drivable distance as f2f is must.

Duration: 6 - 12 months

Industry- Banking & Financial client.

Phone Interview followed by an in-person round of interview.

Must have 13+ years of experience and must attend F2F interview.

Skills:

IP routing, MPLS, BGP, SD-WAN, Wireless Network, Data Centre architecture, Palo Alto, Cisco NGFWs, SIEM, EDR, AWS, Azure, GCP, SABSA, TOGAF, COBIT, ITIL, DODAF, Automation

Ideal Candidate:

Senior Network Security Architect + strong enterprise networking/security architecture + hands‑on PQC knowledge (FIPS 203/204/205) + experience assessing PQC readiness and its impact on Firewalls, WAF, NAC, Proxy, VPN/PKI and perimeter security.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Senior Network Security Architect who can design and secure large enterprise network environments across on‑prem, data center, and multi‑cloud platforms.

The most important differentiator for this role is Post‑Quantum Cryptography (PQC) expertise, specifically NIST FIPS 203, FIPS 204, and FIPS 205, and how PQC impacts network security technologies.

A Network Security Architect is a senior‑level IT professional responsible for planning, designing, testing, and overseeing the implementation of secure enterprise network configurations to protect an organization from cyber threats. Acting as the strategic blueprint designer, this role ensures that all local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), routers, firewalls, and cloud integrations align with business objectives and stringent security standards.

Subject Matter expert / domain specialist related to post‑quantum cryptography (NIST FIPS 203, 204, 2052) will be required to cover Firewalls, Web Application Security, NAC, Proxy and Perimeter Mail areas within Network Security.

• Strong familiarity with NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography standards (FIPS 203, 204, 205) and their applicability to network security infrastructure
• Understanding of financial industry regulatory frameworks (e.g., FFIEC, DORA, SEC cybersecurity guidance) as they relate to cryptographic standards
• Experience supporting PQC readiness assessments in regulated industries
• Awareness of 'harvest now, decrypt later' threat vectors and their implications for financial data
• Ability to incorporate industry-standard compliance frameworks into the RFP deliverables and final recommendations

Core Responsibilities

1. Security Architecture & Strategy Design: Design and deliver comprehensive, secure network frameworks using trust domain segregation, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and secure zoning principles. Develop technical solutions and integration strategies across LANs, WANs, SD-WAN, MPLS, data centers, and multi‑cloud environments. Establish baseline configurations for network infrastructure, including Next‑Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), and Network Access Control (NAC).

2. Risk Assessment & Vulnerability Management: Conduct routine gap analyses and security risk assessments against recognized frameworks like NIST, SANS, and CIS. Evaluate proposed acquisitions and software interfaces to determine how they impact the organization's overarching network security posture. Plan and oversee regular vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and ethical hacking exercises.

3. Access Control & Data Protection: Define and implement secure identity federation, Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA), Single Sign-On (SSO), and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems. Enforce Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to limit network access strictly by corporate necessity and specific employee roles. Architect data‑in‑transit encryption paths (IPsec/SSL VPNs) and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) parameters to mitigate data leakage.

4. Incident Response & Business Continuity: Design disaster recovery plans, data backup strategies, and conduct routine breach‑of‑security simulation drills. Provide escalation support during critical network intrusions or unauthorized system access. Conduct comprehensive post‑event analyses to determine exact root causes and update network models to mitigate future risks.

Required Technical Skills & Knowledge

Network Technologies: Proficient in IP routing, MPLS, BGP, SD-WAN, Wireless networks, and advanced data center architectures.

Security Hardware/Software: Extensive experience deploying Checkpoint, Palo Alto, or Cisco NGFWs, SIEM monitoring platforms, and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions.

Cloud Architecture: Hands‑on experience mapping secure network perimeters inside AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) environments.

Frameworks & Methodologies: Deep familiarity with SABSA, TOGAF, COBIT, ITIL, and DoDAF architecture frameworks.

Automation & Scripting: Capability to write code in Python or PowerShell to automate network provisioning and logging configurations.

Experience & Education Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related technical discipline.

Experience: 8+ years of core IT networking experience alongside 3+ years specifically focused on advanced enterprise cybersecurity architecture.

• IT Infra
• Multi Cloud
• Networking
• Automation
• Security
• Agile
• Complex problem-solving skills

Certifications (Highly Preferred):

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP-ISSAP).
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) or Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP).
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or SABSA Chartered Security Architect.