Senior Network Security Engineer

Data Centrix; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Johannesburg seeks a Network Specialist to lead infrastructure projects, manage network and firewall security, and collaborate with vendors. The ideal candidate will hold a CCNA certification, have over 4 years of relevant experience, and demonstrate adaptability and excellent documentation skills. Occasional after-hours work and on-call rotation is required.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of network and firewall management.
• Experience in vendor management or procurement.
• Understanding of enterprise network design and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead network infrastructure projects and coordinate timelines.
• Generate network performance reports and maintain documentation.
• Respond to priority incidents and manage escalations.

Skills

LAN understanding

WiFi and switching management

PaloAlto firewall configuration

multi-vendor network troubleshooting

core networking protocols

analytical and problem-solving capabilities

excellent communication

strong documentation skills

Education

CCNA certification

entry-level PaloAlto qualification

CCNP Enterprise

CompTIA Security+

Tools

Python

PowerShell

SIEM tools

cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Projects & Implementation (35%) Lead network infrastructure projects, coordinate timelines, and evaluate new technologies
• Reporting & Documentation (10%) Generate network performance reports, maintain technical documentation, and create standard operating procedures
• Critical Issue Management (15%) Respond to priority incidents, manage escalations, conduct root cause analysis, and participate in incident response
• Stakeholder Management (10%) Maintain vendor relationships, collaborate with business units, and negotiate technical specification
• Technical Support & Knowledge Transfer (20%) Implement and configure security protocols, provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, mentor team members, and stay current with updates
• Maintenance (10%) Perform daily network health checks, execute routine maintenance, monitor performance, and maintain documentation

Required Qualifications

• Certifications & Experience: CCNA certification, entry-level PaloAlto qualification, and 4+ years of network and firewall management
• Technical Skills: LAN understanding, WiFi and switching management, PaloAlto firewall configuration, multi-vendor network troubleshooting, and core networking protocols
• Preferred Skills: VeloCloud SD-WAN management, Cisco certification, server technology expertise, cloud platforms knowledge, and network monitoring tools
• Professional Skills: Adaptability, analytical and problem-solving capabilities, excellent communication, and strong documentation skills

Advanced Certifications

• CCNP Enterprise
• PaloAlto PCNSE, PCNSA, PCCSA certification
• CompTIA Security+ or equivalent security certifications
• Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)

Technical Experience

• Enterprise network design and implementation
• Multi-vendor environment management
• Security incident response and forensics
• Network automation and scripting (Python, PowerShell)
• SIEM and security monitoring tools

Industry Experience

• Previous experience in vendor management or procurement
• Background in cybersecurity or information security
• Experience with enterprise monitoring and management tools
• Project management experience with network implementations

Working Conditions

• Position requires ability to work independently and make autonomous decisions
• Occasional after-hours support during incidents or maintenance windows required
• Regular interaction with external vendors and internal stakeholders
• Some travel may be required for vendor meetings, training, or site visits
• On-call rotation participation for critical infrastructure support