Network Security Engineer

About the Role

Accenture is seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Network Security Engineering Specialist to join our dynamic team. In this critical position, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding our network infrastructure and ensuring the seamless operation of our threat management solutions. Your expertise will be instrumental in maintaining the integrity, availability, and security of our digital assets across both on-premises and cloud environments. This role demands a proactive approach, a deep understanding of network security principles, and a commitment to continuous improvement to address evolving cybersecurity challenges.

Key Responsibilities

As a Network Security Engineer, your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of operational and strategic tasks, including:

• Network Security Operations: Oversee, monitor, and support a diverse portfolio of network security tools, including Firewalls, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), API Security solutions, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection systems, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Mail Gateways, Proxy servers, and Network Access Control (NAC) solutions. Ensure these systems are configured, optimized, and functioning at peak performance to mitigate risks effectively.
• Firewall Policy Management: Utilize AlgoSec to conduct thorough firewall policy reviews and validations, ensuring alignment with organizational security policies and compliance requirements. This includes managing policy changes, optimizing rulesets, and maintaining a robust security posture.
• Web Application and API Security: Administer and manage F5 WAF and API security solutions to protect critical web applications from vulnerabilities, attacks, and unauthorized access. Implement security policies, monitor traffic patterns, and respond to security incidents in real-time.
• Device Administration and Troubleshooting: Provide expert-level administration and troubleshooting for network security devices and platforms. Diagnose and resolve issues related to secure configurations, availability, and performance, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum reliability across hybrid environments.
• Patch and Signature Management: Lead the implementation of security patches, upgrades, and signature updates for network security solutions, adhering to approved organizational processes. Stay abreast of the latest threats and vulnerabilities to proactively enhance our security infrastructure.
• Operational Effectiveness and Improvement: Continuously evaluate the operational effectiveness of network security measures. Identify gaps, inefficiencies, or emerging risks, and drive improvement initiatives to strengthen our overall security posture and resilience.
• Incident Response and Analysis: Support the troubleshooting of network and security issues through detailed traffic analysis and packet capture techniques. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to investigate incidents, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date operational documentation to ensure consistency, transparency, and efficiency in network security practices. Support audit activities by providing accurate data, reports, and evidence to demonstrate compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Escalation and Threat Management: Act as a point of escalation for complex security issues or potential threats. Coordinate with senior security professionals and stakeholders to address incidents promptly, ensuring they are contained, investigated, and resolved in a timely manner.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, you will bring a blend of education, experience, and technical expertise. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field. Alternatively, equivalent professional experience in network security will be considered.
• A strong foundational understanding of network security protocols and concepts, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, malware analysis, and threat detection methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of network security technologies, including Firewalls, WAF, API Security solutions, DDoS protection, IPS, Mail Gateways, Proxy servers, and NAC solutions.
• Proven experience in managing and securing on-premises network environments, with a focus on secure configurations, operational management, and best practices.
• Expertise in network troubleshooting, including the use of traffic analysis tools and packet capture techniques to diagnose and resolve complex issues.
• Familiarity with security patching, upgrades, and signature management processes for network security platforms, ensuring systems are protected against the latest threats.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, coupled with a proactive mindset committed to continuous improvement and innovation in security operations.
• Outstanding communication and documentation skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly and support audit processes through detailed reporting and evidence collection.

Preferred Certifications

While not mandatory, the following certifications are highly valued and will enhance your candidacy for this role:

• Certifications specific to network security tools, such as F5 Certified Administrator or Arbor APS Certification.
• Industry-recognized certifications, including CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CCNP Security, PNSCE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Engineer), NSE4 (Fortinet Network Security Expert), or NSE7.