Senior Network/Security Engineer

Meridian Group International, Inc.; Deerfield (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT solutions provider is seeking a Senior Network Security Engineer to develop end-to-end networking solutions. The role involves managing projects, providing mentorship, and communicating effectively with clients. Ideal candidates should have over 10 years of experience and possess a Cisco CCNP certification along with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. This position requires collaboration with a team of engineers to enhance network infrastructure, ensuring seamless deployment and effective client solutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience as a Network/Security Engineer.
• Cisco CCNP certification is required.
• Experience with Juniper/F5 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to peer engineers.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot network devices.
• Manage the entire technical lifecycle for assigned projects.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong critical thinking

Customer relationship management

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a business or IT-related field

Tools

Cisco ASA

Fortigate

Palo Alto Networks

Job description

Meridian IT Inc. is an award‑winning MSP focused on Infrastructure and Platform Solutions and Managed Services for premise‑based, private and hybrid cloud hosting for x86 and IBM Power environments. Our solutions encompass the full spectrum of IT infrastructure, platforms, contact center, and security solutions that help businesses thrive. Our mission is to deliver and manage secure, reliable, and scalable IT infrastructures and platforms businesses need by transforming essential technology investments into long‑term competitive advantages. With more than 45 years in business, Meridian IT Inc is wholly owned by Meridian Group International and is privately held.

Position Summary

Senior Network Security Engineer is an experienced technical resource responsible for developing and implementing end‑to‑end solutions to complex business networking and communications problems for new and existing clients. This individual will work with the Project Management Office to staff project‑based network implementation work, as well as respond to implementation requests, T&M (Time & Materials), private cloud/data center support, and/or managed service work. The engineer will manage the entire lifecycle of an engagement (planning to close), assist the sales team in a pre‑sales role to develop and position technology solutions, and mentor and assist peer engineers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to peer engineers, including assisting with project execution and complex problem‑solving.
• Manage the entire technical lifecycle (planning to close) for assigned projects.
• Participate in network project planning, budgeting, and execution.
• Demonstrate effective planning and documentation for all phases of a project.
• Assist with the initial staging of projects, including verifying received hardware inventory and performing initial equipment setup.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.
• Provide support to managed service customers within the agreed‑upon SLAs.
• Execute implementation, configuration, and migration tasks for network, security, and remote access projects, ensuring seamless deployment.
• Perform troubleshooting of complex network infrastructure issues, proposing and implementing effective solutions.
• Abide by standard operating procedures (SOPs) where established for all operational and implementation work.
• Collaborate with other engineers and teams to integrate network infrastructure with IT systems and applications.

Pre‑Sales / Consulting Responsibilities

• Develop, position, and present technology solutions in support of the sales team, including participation in face‑to‑face meetings and conference calls.
• Design and document end‑to‑end network and security solutions based on client business and technical requirements.
• Provide technology demonstrations and lead whiteboarding sessions.
• Work with the pre‑sales team to generate Bills of Material (BOMs) and Statements of Work (SOWs) for proposed solutions.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Professional and Soft Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a business or IT‑related field is preferred but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface at varying and appropriate levels of management.
• Clear and timely communication to multiple stakeholder groups.
• Ability to break down technical concepts into business terms for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong critical thinking and judgment, especially when solving technical challenges under stressful conditions.
• Excellent customer relationship management skills.
• Strong team player with emphasis on relationship building.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and proactive in identifying and resolving potential problems.
• Proven ability to handle multiple priorities and interruptions with minimal impact on productivity.
• Proficiency in MS Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, PowerPoint, & Visio).

Qualifications and Requirements

• 10+ years’ experience as a Network/Security Engineer.
• Juniper/F5 certifications a plus.
• Experience in a services organization a plus.
• Cisco CCNP certification.
• Experience with Cisco ISE, Cisco ACI.
• Cisco and Aruba wireless technologies.
• Experience with firewall platforms, including Cisco ASA & FTD, Fortigate, and Palo Alto Networks (PCNSE Certification required).
• Ability to obtain and maintain both pre‑ and post‑sales technical certifications from manufacturers (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, HP, etc.).

Meridian Group International, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.