Network Operations Engineer

**Role**:
Network Operations Engineer - Firewall and WAF Specialist

**Business Unit**:
ICT

**Division**:
Mannai Microsoft
**Position Overview**:
We seek a skilled and motivated Network Operations Engineer with expertise in managing and maintaining Palo Alto and Fortinet firewalls and F5 Web Application Firewall (WAF) in the Azure Cloud. As a Firewall and WAF Specialist in our team, you will be responsible for the network security infrastructure’s day-to-day operations, configuration, and support. Your role will ensure our network resources’ continuous availability, reliability, and security.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Firewall and WAF Management**:
Handle the operational aspects of Palo Alto and Fortinet firewalls, including device configurations, rule changes, and software updates.

Administer the F5 Web Application Firewall, managing rule sets, policies, and traffic inspection profiles.

Collaborate with the Network Security team to implement and maintain firewall and WAF policies aligned with security best practices and compliance requirements.

Monitor firewall and WAF performance, capacity, and health, proactively addressing any issues that may arise.

**Incident Response and Troubleshooting**:
Actively monitor security logs and events from firewalls and WAF to identify potential security incidents and network anomalies.

Assist in incident response activities, investigating and remediating security breaches or network-related issues.

Troubleshoot and resolve network security problems, escalating complex issues to appropriate teams as needed.

**Network Performance and Optimization**:
Analyze network traffic patterns and work with the Network Engineering team to optimize firewall and WAF configurations for efficient traffic flow.

Participate in load testing and traffic simulations to ensure network security measures can handle peak loads without impacting performance.

**Documentation and Reporting**:
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of firewall and WAF configurations, changes, and operational procedures.

Generate regular operational reports on firewall and WAF performance, incidents, and activities.

**Change Management and Compliance**:
Follow established change management processes to implement firewall and WAF changes in a controlled and auditable manner.

Ensure compliance with security policies, standards, and regulatory requirements related to network security.

**Requirements**:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Relevant certifications such as Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE), Fortinet NSE certifications, and F5 Certified BIG-IP Administrator.

Proven experience as a Network Engineer or similar role with a focus on managing Palo Alto and Fortinet firewalls and F5 WAF.

Solid understanding of network protocols, routing, switching, and network security concepts.

Familiarity with ITIL framework and experience in IT service management and incident handling.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve complex network security issues.

Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and convey technical information concisely.

Ability to adapt to a dynamic operational environment, handle multiple tasks, and prioritize effectively.

A proactive and self-driven approach to identify operational improvements and enhance network security practices.

**Skills**:
**Firewall Management**:
Proficiency in managing and configuring Palo Alto and Fortinet firewalls.

Understanding of firewall rules, policies, and security zones.

Knowledge of firewall high availability and redundancy configurations.

**F5 Web Application Firewall (WAF) Administration**:
Hands-on experience with F5 WAF, including rule sets, policies, and traffic inspection profiles.

**Network Security Concepts**:
Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices.

Knowledge of VPN technologies and encryption protocols.

**Network Protocols and Routing**:
Familiarity with TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and other common network protocols.

Understanding of network routing and switching concepts

**Incident Response and Troubleshooting**:
Proven experience in identifying and resolving security incidents and network-related issues.

Ability to investigate security breaches and take appropriate remediation actions.

**Network Performance Optimization**:
Analytical skills to analyze network traffic patterns and optimize firewall and WAF configurations for efficient traffic flow.

Experience in load testing and traffic simulation to assess network security under peak loads.

**Documentation and Reporting**:
Strong documentation skills to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of firewall and WAF configurations and changes.

Ability to generate regular operational reports on firewall and WAF performance, incidents, and activities.

**Change Management and Compliance**:
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