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Network Vulnerability Analyst Jobs in Portland, ME

Core Network Engineer

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

... vulnerability remediation, and security hardening initiatives. Capacity Planning & Network Growth * Lead capacity planning initiatives across optical, transport, and routing platforms. * Analyze ...

Cybersecurity Risk Lead

Portland, ME

$113K - $153K/yr

Analyze and recommend security controls throughout system acquisition, development, implementation ... Understanding of security controls across cloud, network, identity, endpoint, and application ...

Cybersecurity Risk Lead

Auburn, ME

$119K - $161K/yr

Analyze and recommend security controls throughout system acquisition, development, implementation ... Understanding of security controls across cloud, network, identity, endpoint, and application ...

Vulnerability Management, Cloud Security, Policy Compliance, Intrusion Detection Systems IDS ... Organized and analytical, able to eliminate sales obstacles through creative and adaptive ...

Cyber Security Manager

Portland, ME · On-site

$104.06 - $171.48/hr

The Cyber Security Manager serves as a key security liaison, overseeing vulnerability management ... The Cyber Security Manager should be skilled in analyzing threat intelligence, leading incident ...

Conduct regular security assessments, audits, and vulnerability testing to identify and mitigate ... Strong understanding of network and system security, intrusion detection and prevention, and ...

Network Vulnerability Analyst information

See Portland, ME salary details

$18

$41

$63

How much do network vulnerability analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for network vulnerability analyst in Portland, ME is $41.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.45 and $49.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network vulnerability analyst?

Network Vulnerability Analysts are cybersecurity professionals who identify, assess, and help mitigate vulnerabilities within an organization's computer networks. They use specialized tools to scan for weaknesses, analyze network traffic, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing security measures. Their work helps prevent cyberattacks by ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited by hackers. Network Vulnerability Analysts also often generate reports and recommend solutions for improving network security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network vulnerability analyst?

To thrive as a Network Vulnerability Analyst, you need a solid understanding of network protocols, cybersecurity principles, and vulnerability assessment methodologies, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Nessus, Qualys, Nmap, and relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH is highly valuable. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for identifying threats and reporting findings clearly. These competencies ensure accurate identification and remediation of network vulnerabilities, helping to protect organizations from security breaches.

What are some typical challenges faced by network vulnerability analysts when identifying and prioritizing security risks?

Network Vulnerability Analysts often encounter the challenge of managing a high volume of vulnerabilities across complex network environments. Prioritizing which vulnerabilities to address first requires balancing factors such as potential impact, exploitability, and business criticality. Analysts must also stay current with emerging threats and coordinate closely with IT and security teams to ensure remediation efforts are effective and timely. This role demands strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What is the difference between Network Vulnerability Analyst vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectNetwork Vulnerability AnalystNetwork Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSPCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISA
Work EnvironmentFocuses on identifying vulnerabilities in networks and systemsBroader security measures, including monitoring and incident response
Employer & Industry UsageIT security firms, corporate IT departmentsOrganizations with extensive network infrastructure

While both roles involve cybersecurity, a Network Vulnerability Analyst primarily identifies and assesses network weaknesses, whereas a Network Security Analyst implements security measures and monitors overall network health. The roles often overlap but differ in focus and scope.

What are popular job titles related to Network Vulnerability Analyst jobs in Portland, ME?

For Network Vulnerability Analyst jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Network Vulnerability Analyst jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Network Vulnerability Analyst jobs in Portland, ME are:

Infographic showing various Network Vulnerability Analyst job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,044 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Core Network Engineer

Brunswick, ME • On-site


FirstLight
Telecommunications • 501 - 1,000 employees

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 99 rated telecommunications companies

Great coworkers

Good employer

Uninterrupted breaks


$105K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Network Engineer to join our Core Network Engineering team. This is a senior-level, hands-on engineering position responsible for designing, deploying, scaling, and supporting FirstLight's carrier-class backbone network.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with optical transport, DWDM, SONET, Carrier Ethernet, and IP/MPLS networking technologies and will lead network projects from concept through deployment and operational turnover.


Position Summary


The Core Network Engineer is responsible for the deployment, capacity expansion, security, troubleshooting, and operational support of FirstLight's production backbone network. This role combines network engineering, project leadership, capacity planning, and Tier 3 escalation support.

The successful candidate will lead network deployments from initial design through implementation, migration, testing, and operational acceptance. They will work closely with Operations, Service Delivery, Construction, Outside Plant, and vendor teams to ensure successful execution of network projects while maintaining the reliability and scalability of FirstLight's backbone infrastructure.

This position plays a critical role in the ongoing evolution of the network, including supporting growth initiatives involving the latest transport technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Network Engineering & Deployment

  • Lead network deployments from planning and design through implementation, testing, migration, and operational handoff.
  • Develop engineering designs, implementation plans, migration procedures, test plans, and rollback strategies.
  • Own network expansion, augmentation, and modernization projects from start to finish.
  • Ensure deployed solutions meet operational, scalability, resiliency, and performance requirements.
  • Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure successful project execution.
  • Design, deploy, and troubleshoot carrier-class optical transport networks.
  • Engineer and scale DWDM infrastructure supporting backbone growth and service expansion.
  • Engineer, design, and implement upgrades to the IP Core backbone.
  • Plan and implement capacity upgrades supporting flex-grid transport technologies.
  • Support optical path engineering, wavelength provisioning, network resilience, and transport optimization.
  • Design, deploy, and troubleshoot large-scale Carrier Ethernet backbone networks.
  • Maintain expert-level knowledge of Layer 2 transport technologies and Ethernet service architecture.
  • Support Ethernet transport technologies
  • Develop and maintain engineering standards and best practices.
  • Design, deploy, and support carrier-grade IP/MPLS backbone infrastructure.
  • Maintain strong expertise in MPLS and IP networking Protocols
  • Support backbone routing, network resiliency, and service provider interconnection initiatives.
  • Deploy, administer, and optimize Fortinet FortiGate and Cisco Firepower security solutions.
  • Configure and maintain firewall policies, IPS/IDS, VPNs, NAT, application controls, and threat prevention services.
  • Perform network security assessments, vulnerability remediation, and security hardening initiatives.

Capacity Planning & Network Growth

  • Lead capacity planning initiatives across optical, transport, and routing platforms.
  • Analyze utilization trends and forecast network growth requirements.
  • Develop solutions for increasing network scale, performance, and resiliency.
  • Support long-term technology roadmaps and network evolution strategies.
  • Evaluate new technologies, hardware platforms, and software solutions.

Technical Leadership & Escalation Support

  • Serve as a Tier 3 escalation resource for complex network issues and outages.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts across optical, DWDM, SONET, Ethernet, MPLS, and IP routing environments.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and develop corrective actions for major network events.
  • Work directly with vendors to resolve complex hardware, software, and interoperability issues.
  • Mentor and support Operations and Engineering teams on network technologies and best practices.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years of experience in service provider, telecommunications, carrier, or large-scale network engineering.
  • Strong experience designing, deploying, and troubleshooting:
    • DWDM Transport Networks
    • Optical Transmission Systems
    • SONET Infrastructure
    • Carrier Ethernet Networks
    • IP/MPLS Networks
  • Experience leading network deployment, migration, and infrastructure expansion projects.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 technologies.
  • Experience working in multi-vendor carrier network environments.
  • Ability to develop implementation plans, migration procedures, testing methodologies, and operational documentation.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be a team player.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with carrier-grade platforms such as:
    • Ciena
    • Cisco
    • Juniper
    • Nokia
    • Adva
  • Experience supporting large-scale optical and packet backbone networks.
  • Experience with coherent optical technologies and modern transport architectures.
  • Industry certifications such as:
    • CCNP / CCIE
    • JNCIP / JNCIE
    • MEF Certifications
    • CISSP
  • Experience supporting networks utilizing 100G, 400G, and 800G+ transport technologies.
  • Familiarity with DDoS mitigation, network automation, and security compliance frameworks
  • Working Conditions
  • Participation in a rotating on-call schedule is required.
  • Must be available to support emergency outage restoration activities and critical network events outside normal business hours.
  • Participation in scheduled maintenance windows and after-hours implementation activities is expected.
  • Occasional travel may be required to support network deployments, central office builds, vendor engagements, and infrastructure projects.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment supporting a 24x7 carrier network.

About FirstLight:

FirstLight, headquartered in Albany, New York, provides fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast connecting more than 13,000 locations in service with more than 125,000 locations serviceable by our more than 25,000-route mile network. FirstLight offers a robust suite of advanced telecommunications products featuring a comprehensive portfolio of high bandwidth connectivity solutions including Ethernet, wavelength, and dark fiber services as well as dedicated Internet access solutions, data center, cloud and voice services. FirstLight’s clientele includes national cellular providers and wireline carriers and many leading enterprises, spanning high tech manufacturing and research, hospitals and healthcare, banking and financial, secondary education, colleges and universities, and local and state governments.

FirstLight Fiber is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with state and federal laws, FirstLight’s equal opportunity policy is that all applicants and employees are treated equally by the company with respect to employment opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status or veteran disability.




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