Network & Security Expert

Join an enterprise IT infrastructure team as an IT Network & Security Expert in a 6-month contract role based in Denton, TX. This position requires deep technical expertise in network architecture, firewalls, security controls, and incident response. You'll design, implement, secure, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure while playing a key role in ensuring systems remain reliable, scalable, and protected against evolving cyber threats. Reporting to the IT Infrastructure Manager, you'll work closely with DevOps, IT Support, and software teams to deliver secure solutions while supporting compliance with ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, and other relevant frameworks.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced network and security professional to make a significant impact on enterprise infrastructure security and performance. You'll have the autonomy to design and implement security solutions while working with cutting-edge technologies including Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco switches, SD-WAN, and Wi-Fi 6. The role offers diverse technical challenges spanning network optimization, security architecture, incident response, and compliance management. You'll be responsible for both strategic security initiatives and hands-on technical implementation, providing exposure to the full spectrum of network and security operations. Working with an enterprise environment, you'll gain valuable experience with governance frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, and GDPR while leading incident response activities and conducting security assessments. The 6-month contract provides focused project work with clear objectives, allowing you to demonstrate expertise and potentially extend or convert to permanent employment. With opportunities to work on network modernization, security enhancement projects, and disaster recovery planning, this role offers both immediate technical challenges and long-term career development.

Contract Length: 6 Month
Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in network engineering and cybersecurity roles
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP
• Expertise with VLANs, MPLS, and VPN technologies
• Expert-level expertise with firewall technologies, particularly Palo Alto
• Strong experience with Cisco switches and Cisco Firepower
• Solid understanding of identity and access management (IAM), MFA, PKI, and SSO
• Experience designing, deploying, and managing enterprise LAN, WAN, WLAN infrastructures
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and in team environment
• High attention to detail and security-minded mindset
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills in English
• Availability for occasional evening or weekend work during planned outages or upgrades

Desired Skills & Experience

• Professional certifications: CCNA, CCNP, CCIE
• Security certifications: CISSP, CISM, CEH, Security+, Network+
• Azure or AWS security and networking certifications
• Experience with Palo Alto firewall technologies
• SD-WAN implementation and management experience
• Network Access Control (NAC) experience, particularly Cisco ISE
• Wi-Fi 6 technologies and deployment experience
• Experience with Forcepoint and encryption technologies
• Previous experience in SOC operations or cyber threat analysis
• ITIL processes knowledge
• Exposure to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
• Knowledge of NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172
• Experience with IDS/IPS, SIEM, endpoint protection, and DLP solutions
• Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing experience
• Disaster recovery planning and execution experience

What You Will Be Doing
Tech Breakdown

• 40% Network Architecture and Management (LAN, WAN, WLAN, VPN, routing, switching)
• 35% Security Architecture and Implementation (firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, incident response)
• 15% Compliance and Governance (ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, audits, documentation)
• 10% Collaboration and Support (working with teams, training, technical guidance)

Daily Responsibilities

• 50% Hands-On Technical Work (configuration, troubleshooting, optimization, security monitoring)
• 30% Security Management (assessments, incident response, policy enforcement, monitoring)
• 20% Planning and Documentation (architecture design, compliance support, documentation, collaboration)