Senior Network Engineer - Infrastructure Security

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 720,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, and manage a secure, high-performance enterprise network in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will oversee LAN/WAN/VPN and wireless, enforcing security policies and optimizing performance.

You will lead network security initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and ensure regulatory compliance while staying current with emerging threats. This on-site role offers a challenging, rewarding environment within a large organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in enterprise network engineering with a significant focus on security.
• In-depth knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching technologies, and network security principles.
• Experience with firewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco ASA), VPNs, and IDS/IPS systems.
• Proficiency with network monitoring tools such as SolarWinds and Wireshark.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage enterprise-level network infrastructure (LAN, WAN, VPN, wireless).
• Develop and enforce network security policies and procedures (firewall management, IDS/IPS, access controls).
• Monitor network performance and security; proactively identify and resolve issues.
• Plan and execute upgrades/maintenance with minimal disruption.
• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate network solutions with other infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot complex connectivity and performance problems.
• Stay current with emerging network technologies and security threats.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

BGP/OSPF

Firewall & IDS/IPS

VPN tech

Network monitoring

Cloud networking

Security certifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Tools

SolarWinds

Wireshark

Palo Alto

Cisco ASA

AWS VPC

Azure VNet

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a large enterprise organization with a complex and critical IT infrastructure. They are seeking a Senior Network Engineer with a strong focus on infrastructure security to join their dedicated IT team. This role is essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining a secure, reliable, and high-performing network environment across the organization. You will be responsible for network architecture, security protocols, performance tuning, and troubleshooting complex network issues. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in enterprise networking, a strong understanding of security best practices, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential threats. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the stability and security of a major organization in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage enterprise-level network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless networks.
• Develop and enforce network security policies and procedures, including firewall management, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and access controls.
• Monitor network performance and security, identifying and resolving potential issues proactively.
• Plan and execute network upgrades and maintenance activities with minimal disruption to services.
• Collaborate with other IT teams to integrate network solutions with other infrastructure components.
• Troubleshoot complex network connectivity and performance problems.
• Stay current with emerging network technologies and security threats.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers.
• Ensure network infrastructure complies with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in enterprise network engineering, with a significant focus on security.
• In-depth knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching technologies, and network security principles.
• Experience with firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA), VPN technologies, and IDS/IPS systems.
• Proficiency in network monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Wireshark).
• Experience with cloud networking concepts (AWS VPC, Azure VNet) is a plus.
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, or CISSP are highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development include funding for certifications, advanced training courses, and attendance at key industry events.

This on-site role in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA offers a stable and professional work environment within a respected organization. You will work with a dedicated team, contribute to critical infrastructure projects, and gain exposure to a wide range of networking and security technologies. Enjoy a culture that values expertise, promotes teamwork, and offers clear pathways for career advancement within the organization.