Senior Network Security Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and performance‑drn

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Retirement savings plan with employer

Budget for training and certifications

Access to advanced security tools

Career advancement opportunities

Generous annual leave

Prime Pietermaritzburg office location

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg is seeking a Senior Network Security Engineer to design, implement and manage advanced security infrastructure, protecting data and systems. You will lead policy development, monitor for breaches, and respond to incidents with a proactive mindset.

You will mentor junior staff and collaborate with IT teams to embed security across projects in a challenging, growth‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS or Information Security or equivalent.
• 7+ years of network security experience.
• Experience with Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, IDS/IPS, VPNs and SIEM.
• Strong TCP/IP knowledge and network architecture understanding.
• Security certifications (CISSP, CCNA Security, CompTIA Security+) desirable.
• Scripting in Python or Bash is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain secure network infrastructures.
• Develop and enforce security policies, standards and procedures.
• Monitor traffic for breaches and anomalies; respond to incidents.
• Perform root cause analysis and remediation measures.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
• Configure and manage security devices and software.
• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate security measures.
• Stay updated on threats and technologies.
• Provide guidance and training to junior staff.
• Ensure compliance with security regulations and standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Tools

Palo Alto

Cisco ASA

IDS/IPS

VPNs

SIEM

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in secure technology solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Network Security Engineer to join their elite team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role involves designing, implementing, and managing advanced network security infrastructure to protect sensitive data and systems. You will be responsible for safeguarding the organization against cyber threats, developing security policies, and responding to security incidents. If you are a security-minded professional with deep expertise in network security, a passion for staying ahead of emerging threats, and a desire to work in a challenging and rewarding environment, this is the ideal opportunity. We are committed to providing a cutting-edge work environment and fostering the continuous professional development of our team members. Your vigilance and expertise will be paramount to maintaining our client's robust security posture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain secure network infrastructures, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Develop and enforce security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Monitor network traffic and systems for security breaches and anomalies.
• Respond to and investigate security incidents, performing root cause analysis and implementing remediation measures.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Configure and manage security devices and software to ensure optimal performance and protection.
• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate security measures into new and existing systems.
• Stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies.
• Provide technical guidance and training to junior security staff.
• Ensure compliance with relevant security regulations and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in network security engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience with network security technologies such as firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA), IDS/IPS, VPNs, and SIEM solutions.
• Strong understanding of network protocols, TCP/IP, and network architecture.
• Experience with security best practices, risk assessment, and incident response.
• Relevant security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCNA Security, CompTIA Security+) are highly desirable.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
• Significant budget for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Access to state-of-the-art security tools and technologies.
• A challenging and stimulating work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing security firm.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Prime office location in Pietermaritzburg .
• The opportunity to be at the forefront of cybersecurity defense.