IT Security & Network Engineer / Architect

Service Area: Cyber Security – Network Services

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• Contract Duration: 12 months
  
• Start Date: ASAP
  
• Day Rate: Market rates (paid accordingly)
  
• Location: Swords, Dublin
  
• Working Model: On-site role
  
• Eligibility: Applicants must hold full-time working rights in Ireland. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
  

This role acts as the primary technical interface between the Cyber Security Project function and Network Operations, with a strong focus on delivering security-driven network initiatives and architectural change.

The position is responsible for the design, planning, analysis, and implementation of strategic security and network initiatives that enhance enterprise security posture while ensuring alignment with existing standards, operational requirements, and service continuity objectives.

The role provides third-level technical expertise and architectural leadership across project lifecycles, taking ownership of complex network and security designs from concept through to implementation. This includes producing high-quality technical designs, evaluating solution options, and ensuring successful delivery across production and enterprise environments.

Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the role shapes and delivers resilient, secure network architectures that meet business objectives, regulatory requirements, and defined service levels.

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• Act as technical lead for Cyber Security projects delivering network-related security initiatives across a 24x7 operational network environment.
  
• Design and implement industry best‑practice network architectures to ensure scalability, resilience, and security of enterprise network services.
  
• Provide strategic technical leadership and consultative guidance for network and security solutions.
  
• Design and implement enterprise data centre networks using ACI fabric concepts, including tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, and EPGs.
  
• Configure and manage advanced firewall capabilities including IPS, security intelligence, port scan detection, encrypted traffic visibility, and next‑generation firewall features.
  
• Perform firewall lifecycle management, including upgrades, policy optimisation, performance tuning, and health monitoring.
  
• Develop and maintain secure network segmentation strategies aligned with zero‑trust principles.
  
• Apply automation techniques using scripting and infrastructure automation tools (e.g., Python, Ansible, REST APIs) to improve operational efficiency.
  
• Design, deploy, and optimise application delivery solutions including L4–L7 load balancing, web application firewall configuration, content switching, and traffic steering.
  
• Implement high‑availability and disaster recovery strategies for critical applications and infrastructure services.
  
• Collaborate with application and infrastructure teams to ensure secure traffic flows, optimal performance, and service resilience.
  
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and resolve complex technical issues escalated from second‑line support teams.
  
• Mentor and develop junior and second‑line engineers to enhance team capability and knowledge sharing.
  
• Monitor network and security performance to ensure critical systems meet defined service level agreements.
  
• Operate, maintain, and continuously improve secure network services supporting internal and external business operations.
  
• Develop and test failover strategies to ensure resilience of critical network components and services.
  

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• Industry certifications such as CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) and/or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) preferred.
  
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols, architectures, and enterprise topologies.
  
• Experience in security architecture design and implementation.
  
• Strong understanding of network management and administration tools.
  
• Experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM) and cybersecurity controls.
  
• Advanced knowledge of TCP/IP, Cisco firewalls, ACI networks, LAN, WAN, and VPN technologies.
  
• Experience with threat management and vulnerability assessment practices.
  
• Working knowledge of ITIL processes, particularly change management and continuous service improvement. xcfaprz
  
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills with the ability to engage cross‑functional stakeholders.