Freelance Python Network Programming Jobs in New Jersey

Thanks for the click. We know your time is valuable so we will get right to it.

We've amassed some of the best and brightest minds in cyber security who are passionate about protecting the digital world. Our team blends advanced technology alongside deep expertise to tackle the toughest cyber threats out there. Put simply, our mission is to stay ahead of the curve and create a safer digital landscape for our partners, and we think adding a Senior Network Engineer will up our cyber game.

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically elite Principal Network Security Engineer (NSE 8) to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced cybersecurity solutions across complex enterprise and managed environments. This role represents the highest level of technical expertise within the Fortinet ecosystem and requires deep proficiency in secure network architecture, threat mitigation, and large-scale infrastructure operations. The ideal candidate will serve as a subject matter expert (SME), providing strategic guidance, hands-on engineering, and escalation support for mission-critical security initiatives.

What you'll be doing.

• Communicating with colleagues and customers in a professional and respectful manner.
• Architect, design, and implement advanced network security solutions leveraging Fortinet technologies, including FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiClient EMS, FortiSIEM, and FortiSOAR
• Lead the deployment and optimization of secure network infrastructures, including SD-WAN, ZTNA, SASE, IPS, SSL deep packet inspection, and advanced threat protection
• Act as the highest-level escalation point for complex security incidents, performance issues, and architectural challenges
• Develop and enforce security best practices, standards, and governance frameworks across customer and internal environments
• Perform advanced troubleshooting, packet analysis, and root cause analysis across multi-vendor and hybrid infrastructures
• Design and implement automation and orchestration workflows to enhance SOC and network operations efficiency
• Collaborate with SOC teams to improve detection, response, and threat intelligence integration
• Conduct security assessments, audits, and gap analyses with actionable remediation strategies
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and training to engineering and SOC teams
• Support pre-sales engineering efforts, including solution design, client presentations, and technical validation
• Stay current with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and evolving cybersecurity technologies

What does it take to succeed in this role?

• Fortinet NSE 8 Certification (written and practical)
• 10+ years of experience in network security engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal role
• Deep expertise in:
• FortiGate (advanced routing, IPS, SSL inspection, VPNs, HA)
• FortiManager / FortiAnalyzer (centralized management and logging)
• FortiClient EMS
• FortiSIEM / FortiSOAR (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of:
• TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, SD-WAN, MPLS, and network design principles
• Zero Trust Architecture (ZTNA) and SASE frameworks
• Advanced threat detection and mitigation techniques
• Experience in large-scale, multi-tenant, or MSSP environments
• Strong scripting/automation skills (Python, REST APIs, or similar)
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex network and security issues under pressure
• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills.
• High level problem-solving and communication skills.

• Uses logical reasoning in decision making and problem solving.
• Judgment is generally sound and reasonable; Decisions are well thought out.
• Exhibits confidence in decision-making ability.
• Shows interest in understanding how complex systems and processes work.
• Knows the basics of troubleshooting and maintaining devices and machines.
• Must be able to work independently.

What are desirables?

• NSE8 Written and Practical (Preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, and previous work experience as a network engineer or NSE8.
• 5-7 years of SD-WAN experience / various platforms.
• 6-7 years advanced routing implementation
• 4-5 years implementing ZTNA, SASE, and other zero trust aligned technologies

In addition to your technical expertise, we expect respect, opinions, and thoughtful inputs.

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position based in the United States.
At this time, we are not hiring candidates who require visa sponsorship. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

How we work.

Our 3 values define how we operate internally as well as externally:

Vision - We embrace a forward-thinking mindset. Our team has a clear and inspiring picture of the future that helps drive our decisions towards creating and delivering world-class security services.

Velocity - We have a bias for action. We move swiftly and with purpose toward our goals and objectives and can easily adapt (and adjust) along the way.

Vigilance – We foster a culture of proactive awareness for our company and our customers, who trust us to be an extension of their team. We are always looking for areas where we can innovate, improve, fix, transform and revolutionize, which ensures the protection, safety and success of everyone at SilverSky.

Individuals that can act intelligently and confidently without an ego will thrive.

If this opportunity sounds interesting and you are passionate about redefining how the world thinks about cyber security, we want to hear from you. Apply now if you are interested in learning more about how we can change the rules of engagement, together.

About SilverSky

We are a global cyber security company with more than 20 years of professional experience in the industry. Our 300+ employees are on a mission to protect our customers with comprehensive, adaptive security services that maximize technology and automate responses, while empowering security analysts to hunt for threats, react and respond immediately. It's the human enhanced response that differentiates SilverSky and allows us to create the most comprehensive managed detection and response (MxDR) solution in the industry by delivering on our Vision, Velocity, Vigilance philosophy. Follow us on X and LinkedIn to learn more.