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 confidentiality, integrity and availability of enterprise systems and data.

Key responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation and optimisation of secure network architectures and security standards.
• Manage enterprise security solutions including firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, endpoint protection, web security gateways, NAC and SIEM platforms.
• Conduct risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, penetration‑testing reviews and remediation planning.
• Monitor emerging threats, develop security policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Lead incident response, forensic investigations and post‑incident reviews.
• Administer Cisco routers, switches, LAN/WAN, wireless networks and security appliances.
• Manage Microsoft 365 Security, Azure security, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Windows and Linux servers, virtualization and cloud security controls.
• Oversee backup, disaster recovery and business continuity solutions such as Veeam.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to strategic IT planning and cybersecurity roadmaps.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 7‑10 years progressive experience in network security engineering and cybersecurity, with at least 5 years in enterprise security design and management.
• Proven experience in higher‑education or large‑enterprise multi‑site environments.
• Professional certifications: CCNP Security required; CCIE Security, CISSP, CISM, CEH, CompTIA Security+ highly desirable.

Required skills

• Enterprise firewalls (Fortinet, SonicWall, Cisco, Palo Alto)
• IDS/IPS, SIEM platforms, endpoint protection, VPN technologies
• Microsoft 365 Security Suite, Azure Security, IAM, Zero Trust principles
• ISO 27001, NIST, CIS Controls, GDPR compliance knowledge
• Linux, Windows Server, VMware, Hyper‑V, cloud infrastructures
• Veeam Backup & Replication, disaster recovery planning
• Cisco routing and switching, LAN/WAN, wireless security