Network & Security Practice Lead - Fulltime - Direct Only - New York

Our client is seeking a Managing Consultant, Network and Security for the New York / Queens area. As a hands-on leader you will be providing technical oversight for an engineering team throughout their services execution, ensuring engineers are technically prepared, projects are completed successfully and efficiently, and have met or exceeded client expectations. In this role you will serve as a focal point for highly complex implementations, lead design workshops and support pre-sales activity for professional services engagements.

The role will require overseeing a team of engineers, assuring that best practices are adhered to, as well as providing a superb customer experience.

Travel Requirements
In this role you will be expected to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities Include

• Technical Leadership:
• Oversee the execution of network and security projects, from initial design and staging to installation, validation, and troubleshooting of complex data and security projects.
• Provide guidance and quality assurance for network designs that align with business objectives, customer budgets, and operational support capabilities, ensuring scalable, reliable, and secure network architectures.
• Support/ Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex network and security issues, providing guidance and support to team members during deployments.
• Client Relationships
• Customer facing technical leadership for all services engagements, including escalations
• Business Management
• Work closely with sales, pre-sales, project management, and other engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions and achieve project goals.

• Team Building:
  • Foster a culture of growth and development, focusing on technical and professional development.

Required Skills And Professional Experience

• Advanced Networking Expertise:
• Proven experience with complex multi-protocol routing and switching, including designing, configuring, and troubleshooting with a focus on Cisco best practices.
• In-depth knowledge of core routing and switching platforms (e.g., Cisco) and advanced networking concepts such as OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and IP addressing design.
• Strong understanding of the TCP/IP protocol stack, OSI model, and commonly used TCP/UDP ports and services.
• Expertise in network security, including hardening device access and implementing security protocols.
• Cloud Networking & SD-WAN:
• Solid experience with cloud networking solutions in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform), as well as Aviatrix for cloud networking.
• Experience deploying SD-WAN solutions such as Viptela, Silverpeak, or Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN.
• Security Solution Implementation:
• Proficient in deploying and managing security solutions from leading vendors like Palo Alto Networks (Panorama, Prisma Access, Prisma Cloud) and Cisco (FirePower/FTD Firewalls, Meraki MX, FMC Management).
• Ability to implement and manage security solutions, ensuring secure network infrastructure.
• Troubleshooting & Communication:
• Strong troubleshooting skills, particularly in routing and switching issues, with a proven track record of resolving complex network problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Experience:
• 2+ years experience with team leadership or management of a technical team preferred, or equivalent
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in project implementation, engineering, and design within the networking and security domains.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in network engineering, IT, or a related field, or equivalent military experience.

Preferred Skills & Certifications
Additional Security Expertise:

• Experience with Fortinet products (e.g., FortiGate firewalls, FortiManager/FortiAnalyzer) is highly desirable.
• Advanced Networking Solutions:
• Familiarity with Arista networking solutions, including CloudVision, and Aruba networking products (e.g., Aruba CX, Aruba OS, VSX/VSF technologies).
• Automation & Scripting:
• Knowledge of network automation and scripting tools such as Python, EMM, or TCL for streamlining network configurations and management.
• Certifications:
• Active Cisco Certifications (CCNP, CCIE preferred).
• Active Palo Alto Certifications (PCNSA, PCCSE, PCNSE preferred).