Senior Network Security Specialist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development and certs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Network Security Specialist for a remote-first role based in South Africa. You will design, implement, and manage security controls to defend the network and data, while coordinating with a global security team.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of network security experience, hands-on firewall/IDS/IPS/VPN expertise, and SIEM proficiency. Relevant certifications are preferred; remote work from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga is supported.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, CS, IT, or related field.
• 5+ years in network security.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise-grade firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA), IDS/IPS, and VPN technologies.
• Proficiency with SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk, LogRhythm) for threat detection and analysis.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or GIAC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain robust network security infrastructure, including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and WAFs.
• Monitor network traffic and security logs for potential threats and policy violations using SIEM and other tools.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Lead and manage security incident response efforts, including investigation, containment, and remediation.
• Develop and enforce network security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques.
• Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of the network lifecycle.
• Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and solutions.
• Provide security awareness training and guidance to internal teams.
• Ensure compliance with relevant security regulations and standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Remote collaboration

Security mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity

Tools

Palo Alto

Cisco ASA

IDS/IPS

VPN technologies

Splunk

LogRhythm

Cloud security platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in telecommunications technology, is operating a fully remote model and is seeking a Senior Network Security Specialist to join their dedicated security team. This role is crucial for defending the organization's network infrastructure and sensitive data against evolving cyber threats. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing advanced security solutions, monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, and responding to security incidents. Working remotely from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, you will collaborate with a global team of security professionals to ensure the highest levels of security across all operations. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in network security, a deep understanding of threat landscapes, and a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact in a remote-first environment, contributing to the security posture of a key player in the telecommunications industry. You will be the guardian of our client's digital assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain robust network security infrastructure, including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and WAFs.
• Monitor network traffic and security logs for potential threats and policy violations using SIEM and other tools.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Lead and manage security incident response efforts, including investigation, containment, and remediation.
• Develop and enforce network security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques.
• Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of the network lifecycle.
• Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and solutions.
• Provide security awareness training and guidance to internal teams.
• Ensure compliance with relevant security regulations and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in network security.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise-grade firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA), IDS/IPS, and VPN technologies.
• Proficiency in using SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk, LogRhythm) for threat detection and analysis.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing protocols, and network security best practices.
• Experience with cloud security principles and technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Knowledge of incident response methodologies and forensic investigation techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or GIAC are highly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fully remote, collaborative environment.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan options, and generous opportunities for professional development and certifications. Our client fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation, providing a flexible and supportive remote work environment. You can work from anywhere in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, or other remote locations, contributing to the security of a leading telecommunications organization.