Senior Network Security Engineer

About the role

The American University in the Emirates is seeking a highly experienced Senior Network Security Engineer to lead the design, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of its network and cybersecurity infrastructure. This senior technical leader will ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of enterprise systems and data across the university.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, administration, and optimization of the university’s network and cybersecurity infrastructure.
• Manage and support enterprise security solutions including firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, endpoint protection, web security gateways, NAC systems, and SIEM platforms.
• Conduct security risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing reviews, and remediation planning.
• Develop, implement, and maintain information security policies, procedures, standards, and governance frameworks.
• Lead incident response activities, forensic investigations, root‑cause analysis, and post‑incident reviews.
• Administer Cisco routers, switches, LAN/WAN infrastructure, wireless networks, Microsoft 365 Security, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Windows and Linux servers, virtualization platforms, and cloud security controls.
• Oversee backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions, including Veeam Backup and Replication.
• Mentor junior network and security personnel and contribute to strategic IT planning and long‑term cybersecurity roadmaps.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 7‑10 years of progressive experience in network security engineering and cybersecurity, with at least 5 years designing and managing enterprise security solutions.
• Proven experience in higher‑education or large‑enterprise multi‑site environments.
• CCNP Security required; CCIE Security advantageous. Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present technical risks to executive management.

Required skills

• Enterprise firewalls (Fortinet, SonicWall, Cisco, Palo Alto)
• IDS/IPS, SIEM platforms, endpoint protection, VPN technologies
• Microsoft 365 Security Suite, Azure Security, Identity and Access Management, Zero Trust principles
• ISO 27001, NIST, CIS Controls, GDPR compliance frameworks
• Linux, Windows Server, VMware, Hyper‑V, cloud infrastructures
• Veeam Backup and Replication, disaster recovery and business continuity planning
• Network protocols, routing, switching, TCP/IP, VLANs, WAN, wireless security