Lead Network Security Engineer/ Architect- freelance - hybrid, London, UK
Lead Network Security Engineer/ Architect- freelance - hybrid, London, UK

Lead Network Security Engineer/ Architect- freelance - hybrid, London, UK

Freelance 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engineer and operate advanced firewall platforms and design secure connectivity strategies.
  • Company: Dynamic tech firm in London with a focus on network security.
  • Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Exciting projects in a regulated environment with excellent career advancement potential.
  • Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team and make a real impact in network security.
  • Qualifications: Hands-on experience with firewalls and strong troubleshooting skills required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Reports to Head of Data Centre and Network Services.

Responsibilities:

  • Engineer and operate firewall platforms (Palo Alto, FortiGate), F5 BIG-IP, IPS, and proxy/SWG solutions — including rule lifecycle management, policy optimisation, and senior incident response.
  • Design and enforce macro/micro-segmentation strategies across Cisco ACI, firewall-based, and hybrid fabric models.
  • Architect secure proxy, TLS inspection, and Zero Trust connectivity patterns for on‑prem, cloud, and hybrid traffic flows.
  • Deliver HLDs, LLDs, runbooks, and design standards; provide technical sign‑off and risk assessments for major programmes.
  • Support compliance and audit with traceable, governance‑aligned documentation.
  • Engage vendors (Palo Alto, Fortinet, F5) and stakeholders across Infrastructure, Cyber Security, and Risk.
  • Drive automation and improvement across rule management, ACI workflows, and compliance validation.

Requirements:

  • Hands‑on expertise with Palo Alto, FortiGate, F5 BIG-IP, and proxy/SWG platforms.
  • Strong L2–L7 troubleshooting and incident leadership.
  • Cisco ACI security and policy design experience.
  • Regulated environment experience (e.g., financial services) with strong audit documentation skills.
  • Preferred: Cloud security (Azure/AWS), SASE/Zero Trust transformation, automation via Python, Ansible, or IaC.

Lead Network Security Engineer/ Architect- freelance - hybrid, London, UK employer: Comgent

As a Lead Network Security Engineer/Architect at our London-based firm, you will thrive in a dynamic and innovative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer competitive freelance opportunities with the flexibility of hybrid working, alongside access to cutting-edge technologies and a collaborative environment that encourages continuous learning and professional advancement. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of network security while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
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Contact Detail:

Comgent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Network Security Engineer/ Architect- freelance - hybrid, London, UK

✨Tip Number 1

Network with industry professionals! Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences related to network security. Engaging with others in the field can lead to valuable connections and job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your skills through projects! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience with firewall platforms, automation, and incident response. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios. We recommend simulating real-life situations you might face as a Lead Network Security Engineer to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Network Security Engineer/ Architect- freelance - hybrid, London, UK

Palo Alto
FortiGate
F5 BIG-IP
IPS
proxy/SWG solutions
Rule Lifecycle Management
Policy Optimisation
Incident Response
Cisco ACI
Macro/Micro-segmentation
TLS Inspection
Zero Trust Connectivity
High-Level Designs (HLDs)
Low-Level Designs (LLDs)
Automation (Python, Ansible, IaC)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience with Palo Alto, FortiGate, and F5 BIG-IP. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with incident response and compliance documentation, and how you can drive automation and improvement in our processes.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex network security challenges. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their L2–L7 troubleshooting skills and incident leadership in action!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Comgent

✨Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Palo Alto, FortiGate, and F5 BIG-IP. Brush up on your knowledge of firewall platforms and be ready to discuss specific experiences where you've engineered or operated these systems.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex incidents or challenges in network security. Highlight your L2–L7 troubleshooting skills and any leadership roles you've taken during incidents. This will demonstrate your capability to handle high-pressure situations.

✨Understand Compliance and Documentation

Since the role involves supporting compliance and audit processes, be ready to discuss your experience with governance-aligned documentation. Bring examples of how you've created traceable documentation in previous roles, especially in regulated environments like financial services.

✨Engage with Automation and Cloud Security

If you have experience with automation tools like Python or Ansible, or cloud security in Azure/AWS, make sure to mention it. Discuss any projects where you’ve driven automation or transformation towards SASE/Zero Trust, as this is a key area for the role.

Lead Network Security Engineer/ Architect- freelance - hybrid, London, UK
Comgent

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