Network Engineer IV / Firewall Engineer

Description The IT Network Engineer IV Firewall Engineer is an expert-level technical resource responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and supporting enterprise network and network security infrastructure. The role has a primary focus on next-generation firewall engineering, including Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet platforms, while maintaining the broader networking expertise needed to support secure, reliable connectivity across local and wide area networks. The engineer works closely with Network Engineering, Information Security, infrastructure teams, end users, and technology vendors to protect organizational resources, resolve complex issues, and deliver network projects. Key Responsibilities Design, implement, maintain, and continuously improve enterprise firewall and network security architectures, with an emphasis on Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet technologies. Develop, review, implement, and maintain firewall policies, security rules, network objects, NAT, VPN configurations, and related controls in accordance with approved security standards and business requirements. Analyze network traffic, firewall logs, alerts, and system behavior to identify security risks, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and support the investigation and response to security incidents. Plan and execute firewall upgrades, configuration changes, platform maintenance, migrations, and lifecycle activities while minimizing operational risk and service disruption. Provide advanced troubleshooting and problem resolution for complex network and security issues involving firewalls, routing, switching, wireless, VPN, and LAN/WAN connectivity. Participate in the planning, design, implementation, testing, and documentation of network architecture and infrastructure solutions. Support network infrastructure that may include routers, switches, wireless systems, firewalls, optical transport, and related hardware and software. Evaluate emerging network and security technologies, conduct technical research, and provide recommendations regarding solutions, standards, and equipment purchases. Collaborate with Information Security, Network Engineering, infrastructure teams, application owners, end users, and vendors to resolve issues and deliver secure, reliable services. Participate in security incident response, root-cause analysis, remediation planning, and the development of corrective actions. Maintain accurate technical documentation, including network and firewall designs, configurations, standards, operational procedures, and change records. Contribute to project planning and execution, including technical coordination, implementation planning, testing, communication, and post-implementation validation. Respond to and resolve service requests and incidents in accordance with established support processes and service expectations. Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to team members and support the development of consistent engineering practices. Participate in the Network Team on-call program and provide after-hours support as required. Adhere to Hackensack Meridian Health organizational competencies, policies, and standards of behavior. Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Bachelors degree in an IT-related discipline, equivalent certification, or a combination of education and relevant professional experience. Ten or more years of experience in an IT-related discipline, with substantial experience supporting enterprise network infrastructure. Hackensack Meridian Health | IT Network Engineer IV Firewall Engineer Demonstrated hands-on experience designing, implementing, administering, and troubleshooting next-generation firewalls, particularly Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet platforms. Strong understanding of firewall policy design and administration, including security rules, NAT, VPNs, traffic analysis, logging, and security best practices. Comprehensive working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, routing, switching, wireless, VPN, and LAN/WAN technologies. Ability to troubleshoot complex, multi-layer network and security issues using a structured, analytical approach. Working knowledge of optical transport systems, including DWDM and ROADM technologies. Experience planning and coordinating the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network hardware, systems, software, and related infrastructure. Understanding of network security principles, access controls, threat mitigation, and the importance of maintaining compliance with organizational security policies. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues, risks, and proposed solutions to technical and non-technical audiences. Demonstrated leadership, project coordination, and organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently. Strong problem-solving, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a healthcare environment or supporting systems where availability, security, and operational continuity are critical. Experience supporting enterprise-scale network security environments and collaborating across Network Engineering and Information Security teams. Preferred Licenses and Certifications Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall Engineer (NGFW-Engineer). Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional (NetSec-Pro). Hackensack Meridian Skills Firewall, Security, Palo Alto, Fortinet, routing, Switching, Cisco routers, Network engineering, Network security Top Skills Details Firewall, Security, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Routing, Switching, Cisco routers, Network engineering, Network security Additional Skills & Qualifications great communication willing to go onsite 50% of the time Experience Level Expert Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Edison, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $85.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Edison, NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026. Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Edison,NJ.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

Were a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. Were a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. Were strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. Were building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.