Manager, Network Applications Engineering

Northern Trust • Chicago, IL

1d • $114,500 - $194,700

About The Position

The Manager of Network Applications Engineering is a senior technology leader responsible for the strategy, architecture, engineering, and transformation of enterprise network application services across on-premises, cloud, and data center environments. The role leads a global engineering team responsible for application delivery, DNS/DHCP/IPAM, load balancing, secure access, and network security platforms. It drives technology roadmaps, engineering standards, automation initiatives, and modernization to improve scalability, reliability, security, and operational efficiency. In collaboration with infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud, and business stakeholders, the Manager ensures network services align with organizational objectives and evolving business needs, leads during complex incidents, and supports continuous improvement of mission-critical services.

The Manager establishes engineering standards, manages technical lifecycles, and delivers approved changes and transformations through smooth transition and handover to Network Operations. The position also supports architecture and delivery planning, budgets and procurement, skills development, operational escalation, reporting, and audit and compliance activities. The role reports to the SVP, Global Head Network Architecture, Engineering, and Operations.

Requirements

• 8–10 years of experience in network engineering solutions within a global enterprise-scale organization (5,000–50,000 users), covering traditional data centers and cloud environments.
• At least 5 years of experience leading or managing teams.
• Considerable hands-on experience in design engineering and building resilient, scalable security solutions; financial services or investment banking experience is ideal.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, global financial services business models, regional compliance standards, relevant local regulations, and applicable laws.
• Understanding of risk and compliance concepts and the ability to translate them into effective security solutions.
• Experience with automation and orchestration, including scripting against APIs.
• Strong understanding of Layer 2, Layer 3, and Layer 4–7 network and security technologies.
• Familiarity with testing tools, networking technologies, and techniques for troubleshooting and resolving complex problems involving services, applications, and network hardware or software.
• Background in automating monitoring, observability, health checks, and change management.
• Understanding of the future impact and potential applications of Quantum technologies and AI within network infrastructure.
• Expert knowledge and experience in several listed areas, including NGFW platforms and management tools, Network Access Control, Secure Web Gateway, ZTNA and SASE, application delivery and load balancers, cloud security, workflow automation, routing and switching, DNS/IPAM/DHCP, ServiceNow integrations, SD-WAN, network monitoring and reporting, AWS/Azure networking, and AI enablement.
• ITIL v3 Foundation certification or higher, or demonstrable equivalent working experience.
• Relevant vendor certifications or demonstrable equivalent working experience.
• AWS Cloud certification or demonstrable equivalent working experience.
• Azure Cloud certification or demonstrable equivalent working experience.
• Highly organized, with the ability to operate effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-management and customer-service skills.
• Positive attitude and ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively with global teams to deliver projects at pace and under challenging circumstances.
• Ability to interact with senior management and clearly present status updates and next steps.
• High professional standards, willingness to challenge the status quo, and a continual focus on better ways of working.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Promote a team-first environment, discourage a hero culture, and ensure staff welfare.
• Act with integrity and embrace the philosophy of treating customers fairly.
• Work effectively as one IT community across regions and the business.
• Understand and apply Northern Trust’s working practices, policies, and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in financial services or investment banking.
• Experience with Check Point, Fortinet, or Palo Alto.
• Experience with Tufin.
• Experience with Forescout or Cisco ISE.
• Experience with F5.
• Experience with Infoblox.
• Experience with Microsoft Active Directory or CyberArk.
• Experience with Illumio.
• Experience with Zscaler (ZIA, ZPA, ZDX).

Responsibilities

• Define and document Network Engineering Standards.
• Create Low-Level Design documents that meet requirements outlined in High-Level Designs.
• Manage budgeting and procurement related to building and delivering new services and projects.
• Ensure smooth transition and handover to Operations in line with the agreed Operational Acceptance Process.
• Manage Technical Lifecycle Management for Network & Communications services.
• Support Architecture in creating and maintaining a Network Engineering Delivery Roadmap.
• Support Architecture in scoping activities for High-Level Design creation.
• Support Architecture in Proof of Concept activities.
• Ensure team skillsets remain current to deliver change and provide a high level of support.
• Provide escalation support to Operations for complex troubleshooting of major incidents.
• Provide on-call escalation support on a rota basis and work extended hours as required.
• Create performance reports and liaise between technical teams and senior management.
• Support audit and compliance reporting and evidence activities.
• Lead the strategy, architecture, engineering, and transformation of enterprise network application services across on-premises, cloud, and data center environments.
• Lead a global engineering team responsible for application delivery, DNS/DHCP/IPAM, load balancing, secure access, and network security platforms.
• Drive technology roadmaps, engineering standards, automation initiatives, and modernization efforts.
• Work with infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud, and business stakeholders to align network services with organizational objectives and business needs.
• Provide leadership during complex incidents and support continuous improvement of mission-critical services.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits, including 401(k) and pension.
• Health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, and disability benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Parental and caregiver leave.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Other voluntary and well-being benefits.
• Discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.
• Flexible and collaborative work culture.
• Movement within the organization is encouraged, and senior leaders are accessible.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed