Network Security Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Stable on-site environment

Paid holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading financial institution in Paarl, Western Cape, seeking a vigilant Network Security Engineer to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. The role focuses on designing, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining security across the network, with a strong emphasis on incident response and collaboration with IT teams.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of hands-on experience, deep TCP/IP knowledge, and familiarity with SEM/SIEM systems, certifications, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in network security engineering.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, network protocols, and network architecture.
• Experience with firewall management, VPN configuration, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Knowledge of security best practices, risk assessment, and vulnerability management.
• Familiarity with SEM and SIEM systems and security certifications are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage network security solutions including firewalls and IDPS.
• Monitor network traffic for security breaches and respond to incidents.
• Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments of the network.
• Develop and enforce network security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Configure and maintain security devices and software for optimal protection.
• Stay current with evolving threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies.
• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate security into network design and operations.
• Provide guidance on network security and maintain documentation of configurations and incidents.

Skills

TCP/IP knowledge

Network protocols

Network architecture

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Security certifications (CISSP, CCNA Security, GIAC, CompTIA Security+)

Tools

Firewall management

VPN configuration

IDPS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant financial institution located in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a vigilant and skilled Network Security Engineer to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. This role is paramount in protecting the organization's network infrastructure and sensitive data from evolving threats. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining network security systems, as well as responding to security incidents. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of network protocols, security technologies, and threat landscapes. This is an on-site position in Paarl, Western Cape, offering a stable and secure working environment within a leading company. Join us to play a vital role in safeguarding our digital assets and ensuring the integrity of our network operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage network security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS), VPNs, and endpoint security.
• Monitor network traffic for security breaches and anomalies, and respond to security incidents in a timely and effective manner.
• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of the network infrastructure.
• Develop and enforce network security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Configure and maintain security devices and software to ensure optimal performance and protection.
• Stay current with emerging security threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of network design and operations.
• Provide technical support and guidance on network security matters to other IT staff.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network security configurations and incident response procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of hands‑on experience in network security engineering.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, network protocols, and network architecture.
• Experience with firewall management, VPN configuration, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Knowledge of security best practices, risk assessment, and vulnerability management.
• Familiarity with security event management (SEM) and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
• Relevant security certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CCNA Security, or GIAC are highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced security training.
• Stable and secure working environment in Paarl, Western Cape.
• Exposure to a wide range of network security technologies and challenges.
• Generous annual leave and public holidays.
• Employee assistance program.