Senior Network Security Engineer

ZipStaff • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

ZipStaff is hiring a Senior Network Security Engineer for a client described as a major U.S. passenger rail transportation organization based in Washington, DC. This technical leadership role designs, implements, and optimizes perimeter and infrastructure security controls across on-premises networks and AWS and Azure environments, with a heavy focus on Palo Alto Networks firewalls. The position is an 11-month W2 contract and is onsite in Washington, DC.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or a related field.
• 11+ years of cybersecurity engineering experience focused on enterprise network and firewall security.
• Advanced hands-on Palo Alto Networks firewall administration.
• Deep knowledge of TCP/IP, routing, switching, VPNs, WAN/LAN, and perimeter defense.
• Experience with IDS/IPS, SIEM, EDR, DLP, CASB, and WAF.
• Experience securing AWS and Azure cloud infrastructure.
• Scripting experience in Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
• Understanding of NIST, CIS Controls, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Cybersecurity or IT.
• PCNSE, CISSP, CCNP Security, GIAC, CEH, or Security+ certification.
• SOC experience.
• Experience with Zero Trust architectures and cloud-native security tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, configuration, rule maintenance, and optimization of enterprise Palo Alto firewalls and perimeter platforms.
• Maintain WAF, IDS/IPS, VPN, and NAC technologies.
• Partner with cloud, network, and application teams on secure AWS and Azure architectures.
• Respond to network security incidents, monitor via SIEM, perform threat hunting, and investigate root causes.
• Conduct security reviews and risk assessments aligned with NIST, CIS, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO.
• Automate security tasks using Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
• Maintain runbooks, network diagrams, and SOPs.
• Mentor junior engineers and support maintenance windows, after-hours work, and emergency response.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) and 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off.
• Referral program.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior