Network Security / Firewall Engineer

Network Security / Firewall EngineerLocation: Lake Forest, IL (Hybrid-3 Days/Week) | Reports To: VP, Security | ContractOverviewOur client is seeking a Network Security / Firewall Engineer to design and own enterprise security controls across network, cloud, and endpoint environments. This is a hands-on role requiring someone who thinks independently, owns issues end to end, and engages stakeholders directly — not an order taker.ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, and manage firewall strategy across the enterprise.Apply security controls across network, cloud, and endpoint: firewalls, proxies, IDS/IPS, SWG, segmentation, and micro-segmentation.Implement and operate ZTNA/SASE solutions.Develop and maintain secure network design (LAN/WAN/WLAN).Integrate SIEM/EDR telemetry and build security logging pipelines.Drive OT/ICS secure network segmentation (preferred).Assess vulnerabilities and remediate penetration test findings.Own issues end to end: analyze traffic, pick up the phone, engage stakeholders, and drive resolution without hand-holding.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in CS, IT, Cybersecurity, or equivalent experience.6+ years in information security focused on infrastructure security architecture.Hands-on NGFW, IDS/IPS, secure web gateways, segmentation, and micro-segmentation.Secure network design (LAN/WAN/WLAN).Cloud security across Azure, AWS, and GCP.IAM: MFA, conditional access, and identity governance.SIEM/EDR telemetry integration and security logging pipelines.Assessment and penetration-test remediation experience.Forthright, resourceful, and engaging — must own issues end to end.Preferred QualificationsCISSP, CISM, or CEH certification.SASE/ZTNA hands-on: Zscaler, Palo Alto Prisma Access, Cisco, or Netskope.Secure SD-WAN experience.OT/ICS secure network integration experience.Pay rate: $65/hr. This is a 6-month contract position, Hybrid-3 Days/Week in Lake Forest, IL. Candidates must be authorized to work in the US: Green Card, H1B, H4 EAD, L2 EAD, TN Visa, or US Citizen.