Senior Network Security Engineer
Ascension · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $162,273 / year
- United States
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Job highlights
- Lead network security platforms for a large enterprise.
- Resolve complex security and network issues.
- Improve security via policy and automation.
- Utilize Palo Alto, Fortinet, and NAC platforms.
- Remote role with comprehensive benefits.
About the role
Your future role at a glance
Location: Remote
Department: Core Tech Network
Schedule: 8 hour shift, Monday-Friday
Salary: $116,413 - $162,273 per year
Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity
Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Benefits that help you thrive
- Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
- Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
- Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
- Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
- Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
- Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more
Benefit options and eligibility vary by position, scheduled hours and location. Benefits are subject to change at any time. Your recruiter will provide the most up-to-date details during the hiring process.
How you’ll make an impact in this role
- Own and optimize the organization's core network security platforms, ensuring the availability, performance, and protection of critical systems across a large-scale enterprise environment.
- Serve as the senior technical escalation point for complex security, firewall, and network access control issues, leading root-cause analysis, incident response, and problem resolution efforts.
- Drive continuous improvement of the security environment through policy optimization, segmentation initiatives, automation, and operational enhancements across Palo Alto, Fortinet, and NAC platforms.
Education
What minimum requirements you’ll need
- High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience OR 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
- 2 years of leadership or management experience preferred.
What Additional Preferences We're Seeking
- 8–10+ years of hands-on experience in network/security engineering
- Proven experience operating in large-scale, enterprise environments
- Deep, hands-on expertise with: Palo Alto Networks firewalls, Fortinet security platforms, Cisco ISE and/or Aruba ClearPass
- Strong knowledge of: Firewall operations, policy management, and segmentation; Authentication protocols (802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+); VPN technologies (IPSec, SSL VPN)
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex, multi-layered issues under pressure
- Palo Alto PCNSE (or equivalent level)
- Fortinet NSE (NSE 4 or higher) – strongly preferred
- Additional certifications are a plus: Aruba, Cisco (security-related)
- Industry certifications such as CISSP or equivalent
Key skills/competency
- Network Security Engineering
- Palo Alto Networks
- Fortinet
- Firewall Management
- Network Access Control (NAC)
- VPN Technologies
- Authentication Protocols
- Incident Response
- Large-scale Enterprise Environments
- Security Policy Optimization
Skills & topics
- Senior Network Security Engineer
- Network Security
- Firewall
- Palo Alto Networks
- Fortinet
- Network Access Control
- VPN
- Authentication Protocols
- Enterprise Security
- Remote Work
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 8-10+ years of network/security engineering experience, enterprise environment background, and expertise with Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ISE, or Aruba ClearPass. Emphasize your leadership experience and certifications like PCNSE or NSE 4+.
- Craft a compelling application: Clearly articulate your ability to troubleshoot complex, multi-layered issues under pressure and drive continuous improvement through policy optimization and automation.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss firewall operations, segmentation strategies, authentication protocols (802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+), and VPN technologies (IPSec, SSL VPN).
- Showcase problem-solving skills: Demonstrate your experience as a senior technical escalation point, focusing on root-cause analysis and incident response for security and network access control issues.
Technical preparation
Master Palo Alto and Fortinet firewall configurations.,Practice troubleshooting complex network security issues.,Review authentication and VPN protocols in depth.,Familiarize with NAC platforms like Cisco ISE/Aruba.
Behavioral questions
Describe a critical security incident you resolved.,How do you handle pressure during urgent issues?,Explain your approach to continuous security improvement.,How do you mentor junior security team members?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technical skills required for the Senior Network Security Engineer role at Ascension?
- For the Senior Network Security Engineer position at Ascension, key technical skills include deep, hands-on expertise with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and Fortinet security platforms, as well as Cisco ISE and/or Aruba ClearPass. Strong knowledge of firewall operations, policy management, segmentation, authentication protocols (802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+), and VPN technologies (IPSec, SSL VPN) is essential. Experience with network access control (NAC) platforms is also highly valued.
- What kind of experience is Ascension looking for in a Senior Network Security Engineer candidate?
- Ascension is seeking candidates with 8-10+ years of hands-on experience in network/security engineering, specifically within large-scale enterprise environments. Proven ability to act as a senior technical escalation point for complex issues and a track record of driving continuous improvement in security environments are crucial. Two years of leadership or management experience is preferred.
- Are specific certifications required for the Senior Network Security Engineer job at Ascension?
- While not strictly required, Ascension strongly prefers candidates with a Palo Alto PCNSE (or equivalent level) and a Fortinet NSE (NSE 4 or higher). Additional certifications such as those from Aruba, Cisco (security-related), or industry-standard certifications like CISSP are considered a plus.
- What are the educational requirements for the Senior Network Security Engineer position?
- The minimum educational requirement for the Senior Network Security Engineer role at Ascension is a High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience, or an Associate's or Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience, or 5 years of applicable cumulative job-specific experience. A Bachelor's degree is often preferred for senior-level technical roles.
- What is the work arrangement for the Senior Network Security Engineer role at Ascension?
- The Senior Network Security Engineer position at Ascension is a fully remote role, allowing you to work from anywhere. The schedule involves 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, fitting within a standard work week.
- What are the benefits offered to a Senior Network Security Engineer at Ascension?
- Ascension offers a comprehensive benefits package for its associates, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, prescription benefits, HSA/FSA options, employer-matched 403(b) retirement plans, disability and life insurance, paid time off, holidays, tuition reimbursement, ongoing professional development, an Employee Assistance Program, and family support benefits like parental leave. Specific eligibility may vary.
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