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Senior Network Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Cyber Resource

Senior Network Security Engineer

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$58 - $75.75/hr

VDOT is seeking an experienced Sr Network Security Engineer (Sr NSE) to implement and support the agency's IT network, cloud, and computing infrastructure. The Sr NSE performs day-to-day activities ...

Zortech Solutions

Senior Network Security Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$58 - $75.75/hr

* Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Information Technology or equivalent experience. * 5+ years of experience in network security engineering or architecture. * Robust knowledge of security technologies ...

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How much do senior network security engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior network security engineer in Virginia is $65.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.77 and $72.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior network security engineer?

Senior Network Security Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's network security infrastructure. They protect networks from cyber threats, manage firewalls, monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, and develop security policies. They also lead incident response efforts, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with security standards and regulations. Their expertise is crucial in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining business continuity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior network security engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Network Security Engineer, you need deep knowledge of network protocols, security architectures, risk assessment, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, often complemented by several years of experience. Familiarity with firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), SIEM solutions, and certifications like CISSP or CCNP Security is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly are essential soft skills. These competencies help ensure robust network defenses, rapid threat response, and effective collaboration across IT and business teams.

How does a senior network security engineer typically collaborate with other IT teams to maintain organizational security?

A Senior Network Security Engineer often works closely with system administrators, application developers, and IT support teams to design, implement, and monitor security protocols. They lead incident response efforts, provide guidance on secure network architecture, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as these engineers must ensure that security measures align with business objectives and integrate seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure. Cross-functional teamwork is a key aspect of the role, particularly when implementing new technologies or responding to emerging threats.

What is the difference between Senior Network Security Engineer vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectSenior Network Security EngineerNetwork Security Analyst
CertificationsCCNP Security, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP (preferred)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and managing security infrastructureMonitoring, analyzing, and responding to security incidents
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping security protocols, leading security projectsConducting security assessments, analyzing threats
Industry UsageIT, finance, healthcare, large enterprisesIT departments, security firms, corporate environments

While both roles focus on network security, the Senior Network Security Engineer typically leads security infrastructure design and implementation, whereas the Network Security Analyst concentrates on monitoring and analyzing security threats. The senior engineer has more strategic responsibilities, often requiring advanced certifications and experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Security Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Network Security Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

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For Senior Network Security Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Senior Network Security Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Network Security Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Network Security Engineer job openings:

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Senior Network Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Network Security Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,699 per year, or $65.2 per hour.

Senior Network Security Engineer

Richmond, VA • On-site

Data Capital Inc
See more jobs at Data Capital Incexternal

$58 - $75.75/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Senior Network Security Engineer

Location: Richmond, VA Metro Area
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Onsite: 1–2 days per week after initial training and knowledge transfer
Candidate Preference: Local candidates preferred; candidates must be willing to relocate to the Richmond, VA metro area
Employment Type: Contract
Client: Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

Job Overview

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking an experienced Senior Network Security Engineer (Sr NSE) to implement, secure, and support the agency''s enterprise network, cloud, and computing infrastructure.

The Senior Network Security Engineer will work within a large hybrid enterprise environment supporting approximately 300 statewide locations. The role requires strong hands-on experience with Palo Alto firewalls, Azure networking, ExpressRoute, WAF technologies, Splunk SIEM, SD-WAN, network security architecture, threat hunting, and incident response.

The Sr NSE will work closely with Infrastructure, Cloud Engineering, and Information Security teams to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of VDOT''s network infrastructure and mission-critical public-facing applications.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, secure, and maintain enterprise network security infrastructure.

  • Ensure network security architecture aligns with established security standards before and after deployment.

  • Design and maintain secure hybrid network architecture across on-premises and Microsoft Azure environments.

  • Administer and support Palo Alto firewalls, firewall policies, and security configurations.

  • Review firewall rule requests and validate compliance with security standards.

  • Lead investigation, containment, and remediation of network security incidents.

  • Monitor security events using Splunk SIEM and other security monitoring technologies.

  • Coordinate incident response activities with Infrastructure, Cloud Engineering, and Information Security teams.

  • Conduct network security assessments and recommend appropriate remediation strategies.

  • Perform proactive threat hunting and anomaly detection across enterprise network environments.

  • Identify, prioritize, and remediate network security vulnerabilities.

  • Support penetration testing activities and coordinate remediation of identified vulnerabilities.

  • Design, implement, review, and manage Web Application Firewall (WAF) technologies.

  • Validate WAF and firewall placement, connectivity, exposure, and integration with public-facing applications.

  • Support Azure networking and ExpressRoute connectivity between on-premises and cloud environments.

  • Support and secure SD-WAN infrastructure across statewide locations.

  • Analyze system logs, SIEM events, network traffic, diagnostic tools, and monitoring data to identify threats and system problems.

  • Develop and maintain network security standards, architecture documentation, and operational procedures.

  • Create and maintain network topology diagrams, IP addressing schemes, firewall rules, access controls, and security documentation.

  • Research emerging network security technologies, vulnerabilities, and threats.

  • Participate in on-call support during critical security incidents.

  • Independently manage assigned security engineering projects and technical initiatives.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement secure infrastructure solutions.

Required Skills & Experience

  • 7+ years of experience in Network Security Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering.

  • Strong hands-on experience with enterprise network security architecture.

  • Extensive experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls.

  • Strong knowledge of firewall policies, NAT, VPN, access control, and security rules.

  • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure networking.

  • Experience with Azure ExpressRoute and hybrid cloud connectivity.

  • Experience implementing and managing WAF technologies.

  • Experience with Splunk SIEM or similar SIEM platforms.

  • Strong understanding of security monitoring, incident response, and threat detection.

  • Experience with SD-WAN technologies.

  • Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, VPN, and network protocols.

  • Experience conducting network security assessments and vulnerability remediation.

  • Experience with penetration testing support and remediation.

  • Strong understanding of network security threats and attack techniques.

  • Experience with threat hunting and anomaly detection.

  • Ability to analyze firewall, network, endpoint, and SIEM logs.

  • Strong documentation and network diagramming skills.

  • Ability to work independently and manage complex technical projects.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Palo Alto Networks certifications such as PCNSE.

  • Microsoft Azure networking/security certifications.

  • CCNP Security, CCIE Security, or equivalent networking certification.

  • CISSP, Security+, CySA+, GSEC, or other cybersecurity certifications.

  • Experience supporting large government or enterprise network environments.

  • Experience supporting geographically distributed enterprise networks.

  • Experience with public-facing, mission-critical applications.

  • Experience with cloud security architecture and hybrid connectivity.

Technical Environment

Network Security: Palo Alto Firewalls, WAF, VPN, Network Access Controls
Cloud: Microsoft Azure, Azure Networking, ExpressRoute
SIEM: Splunk
WAN: SD-WAN
Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, Routing, Switching, VPN
Security: Threat Hunting, Incident Response, Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing
Documentation: Network Architecture, Topology Diagrams, IP Schemes, Firewall Rules, Access Controls

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on Senior Network Security Engineer with strong enterprise experience in:

  • Palo Alto Firewall

  • Azure Networking

  • ExpressRoute

  • WAF

  • Splunk SIEM

  • SD-WAN

  • Network Security Architecture

  • Incident Response

  • Threat Hunting

  • Vulnerability Remediation

  • Network Security Assessments

Candidates should be comfortable working independently, troubleshooting complex network security issues, documenting enterprise architecture, and collaborating with cloud, infrastructure, and information security teams.

Palo Alto + Azure Networking + ExpressRoute + WAF + Splunk SIEM experience is highly preferred.

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