Lead Senior Network Operations Engineer – Network Security, Palo Alto, Zscaler

Vanguard

Lead network security engineer overseeing Tier 3 incidents, Zero Trust architecture, and automation. Supporting Vanguard’s investment-management infrastructure across Charlotte and Wayne.

Posted 8/19/2026full-timeCharlotte • North Carolina, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expert-level knowledge of network security architecture and extensive hands-on experience with Palo Alto and Zscaler platforms. Proven ability to lead major incidents, perform advanced packet analysis, and mentor junior engineers in a high-pressure environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Expert-Level Knowledge Of Network Security ArchitecturePalo Alto And Zscaler Platforms ExpertiseAdvanced Packet Analysis And Protocol DecodingCCNP, CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, PCNSE Certifications24x7 Tier 3 On-Call Escalation Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Packet AnalysisProtocol DecodingNetwork TroubleshootingSecurity AutomationInfrastructure As CodeConfiguration ValidationIncident Response WorkflowsRouting Instability ManagementSecurity Architecture ValidationMulti-Tier Network Architecture

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipClear CommunicationMentoringCoachingTraining Development

Tools & Technologies

Palo Alto FirewallsZscaler Zero Trust ExchangeCisco ASASolarWindsWiresharkBlueCatAPCONNetFlow/sFlowZscaler Internet AccessZscaler Private Access

Certifications & Qualifications

CCNPCCIEJNCIPJNCIEPCNSEF5 Certified AdminF5 Certified EngineerAWS Advanced Networking

Industry Keywords

Enterprise Network OperationsMission-Critical EnvironmentsNetwork SecurityCloud ConnectivityRouting InstabilitySecurity IncidentsHardware FailuresZero Trust Access ArchitecturesOperational ToolsObservability Platforms

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSCloudFirewalls

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the highest technical escalation point within the global NOC organization
Perform advanced packet analysis, protocol decoding, and cross-platform correlation for high-severity network incidents
Lead deep-dive root cause analysis and produce engineering-quality post-incident reports
Recommend long-term corrective and preventive actions
Direct network recovery efforts during major outages involving routing instability, security incidents, hardware failures, or cloud connectivity disruptions
Troubleshoot complex, multi-tier network and security architectures using Palo Alto firewalls, Palo Alto Cloud Security, and Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange services
Apply security automation, API-driven provisioning, lifecycle management, and Infrastructure as Code pipelines
Support Cisco ASA, Palo Alto NGFW, IPSec architectures, segmentation policies, and enterprise security posture validation
Validate, enforce, and improve security architectures and industry best practices
Define and govern Zero Trust access architectures using Zscaler Internet Access and Zscaler Private Access
Use packet analysis and monitoring tools including BlueCat, SolarWinds, APCON, Wireshark, and NetFlow/sFlow platforms
Develop and maintain automation scripts for configuration validation, monitoring, and incident response workflows
Evaluate, integrate, and optimize operational tools and observability platforms
Partner with Network Engineering teams to validate designs, perform pre-deployment testing, and influence standards
Mentor junior and mid-level NOC engineers through coaching, lab guidance, and training materials
Engage vendors on escalated TAC cases, hardware issues, and architectural reviews

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience
8+ years of enterprise network operations or engineering experience supporting large-scale, mission-critical environments
Expert-level knowledge of network security architecture
Deep expertise in Palo Alto and Zscaler platforms
Extensive hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, Palo Alto, Aruba, and F5 technologies
Proven ability to lead major incidents under pressure with clear communication and strong technical leadership
Participation in a 24x7 Tier 3 on-call escalation rotation
Availability to support after-hours change execution and major incident coverage as needed
Preferred certifications: CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, PCNSE, F5 Certified Admin or Engineer, AWS Advanced Networking
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid working model designed to provide flexibility and enable in-person learning, collaboration, and connection
Learning and development opportunities
24x7 on-call escalation rotation participation and after-hours major incident coverage as part of the role