Network and Data Security Engineer

Network and Data Security Engineer (W2 ONLY) Job Title: Network and Data Security Engineer (W2 ONLY) Job Location: Chicago IL (onsite) Max Pay: $45/Hr on W2 Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled Network and Data Security Engineer to support discovery and integration activities across enterprise environments. This role demands deep expertise in network security architecture, data protection strategies, and secure integration of systems across hybrid infrastructures. The engineer will work closely with cybersecurity teams, infrastructure architects, and offshore delivery partners to assess, design, and implement secure solutions that meet compliance and business requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical acumen, a proactive mindset, and excellent communication skills to drive security initiatives across distributed teams. Key Responsibilities Act as the primary security engineering contact for network and data protection across global delivery teams Support discovery activities by assessing existing environments for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and integration risks Lead integration efforts by defining secure connectivity patterns between on-premises, cloud, and third-party systems Implement data protection controls including encryption, DLP, access controls, and secure data transfer mechanisms Collaborate with offshore engineers to guide implementation, review configurations, and ensure adherence to security standards Conduct risk assessments and support remediation of findings from vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and compliance audits Document security architectures, policies, and operational procedures for knowledge sharing and audit readiness Participate in change management and release processes to ensure secure deployment of infrastructure and applications Day in the Life Reviewing network and system configurations for security gaps and recommending improvements Participating in discovery workshops to identify integration points and assess associated risks Collaborating with offshore teams to implement secure connectivity and data exchange mechanisms Monitoring alerts from SIEM platforms and coordinating incident response efforts Updating firewall rules, VPN configurations, and access control policies based on evolving requirements Supporting audits and compliance reviews by providing documentation and evidence of controls Attending sync meetings with infrastructure and application teams to align on secure design patterns Documenting security findings, mitigation plans, and lessons learned for continuous improvement Required Skills & Qualifications Strong hands-on expertise in network security technologies (firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, proxies) Deep understanding of data protection principles including encryption, access control, and secure data flows Familiarity with cloud security (Azure, AWS, or GCP), including secure VNets, NSGs, UDRs and identity management Proven ability to assess risks and implement mitigation strategies in hybrid environments Excellent troubleshooting skills in network and security operations Strong communication and coordination skills to work across global/offshore teams Preferred Qualifications Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, or Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert Experience with secure integration of cloud and on-premises systems Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, HIPAA) Knowledge of DevSecOps practices and integration of security into CI/CD pipelines Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Contract Job function Information Technology, Business Development, and Engineering Industries IT Services and IT Consulting, Software Development, and Business Consulting and Services #J-18808-Ljbffr