Cisco Security SME (ASA AND ISE AND Fortinet AND Fortigate)

We are seeking an experienced Cisco Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our onsite team. This role focuses on assessing, optimizing, and redesigning security architecture within the framework of an existing Cisco Security Enterprise Agreement (EA). The SME will lead efforts to enhance the performance, integration, and overall effectiveness of Cisco security platforms including ISE, Umbrella, and CloudLock. The ideal candidate will also provide guidance on migration planning from Cisco to Fortinet solutions, supporting secure architecture transformations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate current Cisco Security EA implementations and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Redesign or re-architect existing Cisco security solutions (ISE, Umbrella, CloudLock) to enhance security posture and system integration.
• Lead the assessment, planning, and migration of Cisco security solutions to Fortinet equivalents (e.g., ASA to FortiGate, ISE to FortiNAC).
• Collaborate with internal network, cloud, and cybersecurity teams to align solution architecture with business and compliance requirements.
• Provide hands-on support for configuring Cisco ISE for NAC, 802.1X authentication, device profiling, posture assessments, and TrustSec.
• Implement and fine-tune Cisco Umbrella features including DNS-layer security, SWG, CASB, and roaming protection.
• Document firewall policies, VPN tunnels, routing protocols, and access control lists; map configurations to Fortinet equivalents.
• Translate Cisco ACLs, NAT rules, and segmentation policies into Fortinet syntax and structure.
• Conduct lab testing, phased cutovers, and post-migration validation to ensure seamless transitions and minimal downtime.
• Provide expert-level support in threat response, user authentication (RADIUS, LDAP, SAML), and performance optimization.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in network and cybersecurity roles with a focus on Cisco technologies.
• Expert-level understanding of Cisco ISE, Umbrella, ASA, Firepower, and related platforms.
• Hands-on experience with Fortinet solutions (FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiClient, FortiNAC) is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of network protocols, security policy development, VPN technologies, and identity/access management.
• Experience with Zero Trust, SD-Access, segmentation, and cloud-delivered security platforms.
• Familiarity with configuration migration tools and best practices for phased deployment strategies.
• Effective communicator with strong documentation and collaboration skills.

Certifications (Preferred but Not Required):

• Cisco:
• CCIE Security or Data Center
• Cisco Certified Specialist
• Fortinet:
• NSE 4 or above

Nice to Have:

• Experience integrating Cisco or Fortinet solutions with Microsoft Azure, AWS, or hybrid cloud environments.
• Exposure to SASE architecture and SecureX integrations.

Work Environment:

• Onsite work required with direct interaction with internal IT/security teams.
• Occasional travel may be needed between data center or branch locations.