Senior Network Architect Security

Ascension; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Job summary

Ascension is seeking a Senior Network Security Architect to lead enterprise security architecture and governance in St. Louis. You will oversee firewall ecosystems (Palo Alto, Fortinet) and NAC deployments (Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass).

The role requires extensive experience in network engineering and leadership, with cross-functional collaboration across cloud, infrastructure, and business teams to align security with organizational goals.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of network engineering experience with 5+ years in security architecture.
• Experience with Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass.
• Deep expertise in firewall operations, policy segmentation, and VPN technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead global network security architecture and governance.
• Oversee lifecycle of firewall ecosystems and NAC deployments.
• Partner with cloud, infrastructure, and business teams to align strategies.

Skills

Network engineering

Network security architecture

Firewall operations

Policy segmentation

Authentication protocols

IPSec/SSL VPN

Education

High School diploma equivalency

Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree

Tools

Palo Alto Networks

Fortinet

Cisco ISE

Aruba ClearPass

CISSP

CCIE Security

Palo Alto PCNSE/PCNSC

Fortinet NSE 7/8

Job description

• Design & Governance: Lead global, enterprise-wide network security architecture while defining and enforcing security standards and best practices.
• Platform & Infrastructure Management: Oversee the lifecycle and optimization of core firewall ecosystems (Palo Alto, Fortinet) and NAC deployments (Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass).
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with cloud, infrastructure, and business teams to align network security strategies with broader organizational goals.

Education

What minimum requirements you’ll need

• High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management.
• 10+ years of network engineering experience, including 5+ years as a network security architect specializing in Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet platforms, Cisco ISE, and Aruba ClearPass.
• Deep technical expertise across firewall operations and policy segmentation, authentication protocols (802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+), and IPSec/SSL VPN technologies.
• Preferred certifications: CISSP, CCIE Security, Palo Alto PCNSE/PCNSC, and Fortinet NSE 7/8.

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

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