Network Security Architect

the Opportunity•Alpharetta, GA

2d•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Network Security Architect to support a major Zero Trust architecture implementation for a high-end financial services environment. This is not traditional steady-state NOC work. The position is centered around high-impact weekend cutovers, Zero Trust policy enforcement, application dependency mapping, and real-time troubleshooting where technical depth, preparation, and composure are equally important. You'll work alongside another architect and a broader technical team to ensure critical changes are properly planned, executed, validated, and—when necessary—rolled back without compromising service availability.

Requirements

3+ years of hands-on experience designing, operating, and troubleshooting Zero Trust data-center security environments.
Strong experience with technologies such as: Microsegmentation, Next-Generation Firewalls, Network Access Control, Layer 3–7 security technologies.
In-depth understanding of data-center networking protocols and principles.
CCNP Route/Switch, CCNP Security, or equivalent demonstrated technical experience.
Strong understanding of network-security concepts and architecture.
Ability to troubleshoot complex network and security issues during high-pressure production events.
Ability to communicate technical status and risk effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to work a Wednesday–Sunday or Thursday–Monday schedule supporting weekend cutovers.
U.S. citizenship and continental U.S. residency.
Ability to successfully complete the required Tier II-Credit Check Enhanced federal background investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
Strong documentation and time-management discipline.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of hands-on Cisco Secure Workload (CSW) experience.
Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) experience.
Network/security automation, scripting, or orchestration experience.
Advanced understanding of security protocols and architecture.
Experience managing Cisco TAC escalations through resolution.
Experience gathering and analyzing diagnostic evidence independently.
Previous experience supporting financial services or other highly regulated environments.
Previous federal background investigation or Public Trust experience.

Responsibilities

Execute readiness checks before scheduled cutovers and policy-enforcement windows.
Validate configurations, dependencies, risks, and rollback procedures prior to go-live.
Lead and support Zero Trust policy changes and network cutovers during scheduled maintenance windows.
Perform application dependency mapping using Cisco Secure Workload (CSW).
Use dependency data to support policy design, cutover planning, and risk assessment.
Perform post-change validation of network functionality and security-policy enforcement.
Troubleshoot complex issues in real time during live cutover events.
Execute rollback procedures when necessary to protect service availability.
Document readiness assessments, implementation results, and post-event findings.
Communicate technical status, risks, and issues clearly to technical and business stakeholders.
Maintain accurate project and time-tracking documentation.