Network Security Engineer SOC

Network Security Engineer (SOC) Location: Stevenage Salary: Circa £50,000 per annum Contract: Part-time | SC Eligible (British Citizenship Required)Working Pattern: 24/7 shift rota on-site & on-callWe're looking for a Network Security Engineer to join a high-performance security operations environment, protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the resilience of complex enterprise networks. You'll work within a 24/7 Incident Response function, combining hands-on engineering with real-time threat detection, investigation, and remediation.Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor, investigate and triage security events within a 24/7 SOC environment
• Configure, maintain and troubleshoot enterprise firewalls (Cisco, Palo Alto, Checkpoint)
• Manage secure proxy platforms such as Bluecoat or F5, including content filtering and SSL inspection
• Lead deep-dive analysis using packet capture to identify malicious traffic and attacker behaviours
• Implement secure changes across network architecture, ensuring compliance and best practices
• Support continuous improvement through the optimisation of network security tools, including "purple team" feedback and hardening recommendations
• Contribute to the standardisation of network security tooling and documentation
• Collaborate with infrastructure, security and architecture teams to deliver robust, resilient network solutions

About You:

• Strong understanding of core networking: TCP/IP, DNS, routing, switching, VLANs, load balancing
• Hands-on experience with next-generation firewall technologies and advanced features (IPS/IDS, SSL decryption, DPI)
• In-depth knowledge of IPSec, SSL/TLS, VPNs and authentication mechanisms
• Experience with network monitoring tools (PRTG, Nagios or similar)
• Ability to analyse complex traffic flows and identify threat patterns such as exploitation, C2, lateral movement, or exfiltration
• Understanding of secure network architectures (DMZs, segmentation, internal zones)
• Exposure to SIEM platforms (Splunk, LogRhythm, Darktrace) is beneficial
• Experience interpreting OSI model behaviours and protocol-level diagnostics is advantageous
• SC eligible with British citizenship

Benefits:

• Company bonus scheme
• Pension contributions up to 14%
• Paid overtime opportunities
• Flexi-leave (up to 15 additional days)
• Enhanced parental leave
• Subsidised meals, free parking and excellent on-site facilities