Network Security Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

Apex Systems is seeking a Network Security Engineer in Richmond, Virginia, to support and enhance the security posture of a client's enterprise IT infrastructure. This contract position plays a critical role in safeguarding IT systems through proactive monitoring of the environment, performing incident response activities, implementation, and configuration of security best practices in all IT security software.

The ideal candidate will have approximately 3 years of experience in cybersecurity operations, with a strong foundation in network administration, endpoint protection, and network security. This role requires hands-on expertise with tools such as Qualys, Splunk, Cisco Secure Access, Secure Endpoint, ThousandEyes, DUO, and Cloudflare, as well as working knowledge of Active Directory, Azure AD, and ticketing systems such as ServiceNow and Jira.

Candidates must demonstrate a solid understanding of Zero Trust architecture, Network Access Control (NAC), and endpoint security best practices, along with proficiency in managing Cisco routers, switches, SD-WAN, and Meraki environments. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the resilience and integrity of critical infrastructure in a collaborative and mission-driven setting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to other occasional tasks, the candidate's key responsibilities will be:

• Incident Response & Monitoring
  • Detect, analyze, and respond to security incidents across endpoints, networks, and cloud environments.
  • Investigate alerts and anomalies using Splunk, SolarWinds, Cisco Secure Endpoint, and Secure Network Analytics.
  • Document and manage incidents and service requests using ticketing systems such as ServiceNow and Jira.
• Identity & Access Management (IAM)
  • Administer and maintain IAM systems, including role-based access controls and user provisioning.
  • Manage and troubleshoot MFA platforms such as Duo or Microsoft Authenticator.
  • Work closely with directory services, including Active Directory and Azure AD.
  • Support NAC policies and enforcement to control device access to the network.
• Vulnerability & Threat Management
  • Conduct regular vulnerability scans using Qualys.
  • Collaborate with IT teams to remediate findings and strengthen security posture.
• Network & Cloud Security
  • Monitor network traffic and protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S) for suspicious activity.
  • Support cloud security initiatives using Cloudflare and Cisco Secure Access suite.
  • Configure and maintain Cisco ThousandEyes for network visibility and performance.
• Documentation & Collaboration
  • Maintain detailed records of incidents, investigations, and remediation efforts.
  • Contribute to security awareness training and cross-functional collaboration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications are the essential requirements a candidate must meet to be considered for the position.

• 3+ years of experience in cybersecurity, IT operations, or related field.

• Strong understanding of IAM principles and MFA implementation.

• Hands-on experience with tools such as Qualys, Nessus, DUO, SolarWinds, Splunk, Cloudflare, and EDR solutions.

• Familiarity with Cisco security products, including Secure Access, Umbrella, AnyConnect, ThousandEyes, and Secure Network Analytics.

• Experience with ticketing systems such as ServiceNow and Jira.

• Working knowledge of Active Directory and Entra.

• Solid grasp of network protocols and traffic analysis.

• Certifications Required:

o CompTIA Security+ or equivalent

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

Preferred qualifications include additional job skills, experience, or education that make an applicant an ideal candidate, helping them stand out among other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.

• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, IT operations, or related field

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or related discipline.

• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and their security features.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Sentinel, Entra ID, and Defender for Identity.

• Exposure to Zero Trust implementation frameworks and NAC platforms (e.g., Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass).

• Actively pursuing or obtained an industry-standard certification, such as:

o CISSP

o CISM

o CEH

o Microsoft SC-200 or SC-300.

o Cisco CyberOps Associate

o GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

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