At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver VMware NSX vDefend security across enterprise environments.
- Company: Join a large-scale UK transformation programme with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rates, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong experience with VMware NSX vDefend and security architecture skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement potential in a regulated environment.
A large-scale UK transformation programme is looking for a V-Defend Principal Architect to shape and deliver VMware NSX vDefend security across an enterprise environment. We're also hiring V-Defend Engineers to support the build, policy rollout, and day‑two operations. You'll work under the direction of the Prime Contractor and/or End Customer, driving both implementation and operational readiness.
This role spans two parallel workstreams:
- Workstream 1: Design + deployment of vDefend Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
- Workstream 2: Architecture + rollout of vDefend Firewall / Distributed Firewall (DFW) and security controls
What you'll deliver
- Workstream 2 - vDefend Firewall (DFW) & Policy Architecture
- Support platform deployment to enable NSX/vDefend capabilities (incl. NSXi integration as required)
- Architect and implement DFW policy structure and scalable rule frameworks
- Lead DFW rule creation and rule migration activities
- Define the target operating model (process, ownership, governance, day‑2)
- Set standardisation goals and build a repeatable policy approach
- Build and scale policy layers:
- Common Services Policy (Macro)
- Infrastructure Policy (Meso)
- Application Policy (Micro)
- Enable and configure ATP
- Design and implement IPS/IDS policy enablement
- Lead testing and validation of controls and detection outcomes
- Tune malware prevention and detection policies
- Perform threat assessment and develop advanced detection use cases
- Support investigations using an attack lifecycle / evidence chain approach
- Build threat scenario development and response‑ready operational patterns
- Produce custom dashboards, reporting, and measurable security KPIs
- Support product upgrades and patching
- Drive "day two" operational readiness and enablement
Skills & experience (must-have)
- Strong hands‑on architecture and delivery experience with VMware NSX vDefend
- Deep knowledge of:
- Distributed Firewall (DFW) design, policy modelling, and rule migrations
- Micro‑segmentation strategy and scalable policy frameworks (macro/meso/micro)
- Logging/monitoring/visibility design and operational KPI definition
- Experience enabling and tuning ATP, including IPS/IDS and malware prevention controls
Contract Details
- Roles available: Principal Architect and Engineer (rates vary by level)
- Rate: £450-£700 per day (Inside IR35), depending on experience
- Location: Hybrid - London
- Contract: 6–12 months initial term
Please apply for immediate consideration.
V-Defend Architect employer: Experis
Contact Detail:
Experis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land V-Defend Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a V-Defend role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with VMware NSX vDefend, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially around DFW design and policy architecture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss advanced threat protection and how you would implement it in a real-world scenario. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it shows you really understand your stuff!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that V-Defend role!
We think you need these skills to ace V-Defend Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the V-Defend role. Highlight your hands-on experience with VMware NSX vDefend and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Principal Architect or Engineer role. Share specific examples of your experience with Distributed Firewall design and policy modelling.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don't forget to mention how you've tackled complex security challenges in the past. We love seeing candidates who can translate security requirements into practical designs and operating models.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Experis
✨Know Your VMware NSX vDefend Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of VMware NSX vDefend, especially the Distributed Firewall (DFW) and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP). Be ready to discuss specific experiences where you've designed or implemented these technologies, as this will show your hands-on expertise.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Think about past projects where you had to design scalable policy frameworks or handle rule migrations, and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Governance Understanding
Since the role involves working within structured governance, be ready to discuss how you've navigated compliance and regulatory requirements in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with defining operating models and standardisation goals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Architect, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that's easy to understand. This will demonstrate your ability to lead discussions and drive implementation successfully.