Network & Security Operations LeadPosition SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Network & Security Operations Lead to join our Enterprise IT Operations team as a technical leader. This is a key professional role responsible for designing, building, and operating sophisticated network and security infrastructure across our multi-location enterprise environment. The successful candidate will work independently on complex, mission-critical systems with minimal supervision, bringing deep technical expertise and strategic thinking to enhance our network capabilities, operationalize security requirements in partnership with our Security & Compliance function, and drive operational performance across both domains.
This role operates as the primary IT Operations executor for security requirements and policies
defined by Neptune's Security & Compliance team, ensuring those standards are consistently
embedded across network and infrastructure operations. This role includes responsibility for leading
and mentoring the Network & Security Operations team, driving technical excellence, and serving as a subject matter expert across both networking and security operations disciplines.
Primary ResponsibilitiesNetwork Design & Infrastructure Development- Design, build, and configure new network infrastructure to support business growth and technological initiatives
- Maintain and upgrade existing network systems including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and VPNs
- Oversee capacity planning and scaling to ensure network infrastructure meets current and future organizational needs
Equipment & Systems Management- Install and configure network equipment including routers, switches, servers, WAN accelerators, and load balancers
- Manage and maintain security infrastructure including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, network access control (NAC), and other network-layer security tooling in alignment with Security & Compliance requirements
- Monitor, install patches, and execute upgrades with minimal disruption to business operations
Security Operations Partnership- Operationalize security policies and technical requirements defined by the Security & Compliance (S&C) team across all network domains
- Maintain network-layer visibility and data feeds into SIEM and security monitoring platforms
- Coordinate incident response activities at the network and perimeter layer in conjunction with S&C
- Support vulnerability management execution - including patch scheduling, remediation verification, and documentation - as directed by S&C
- Participate in security assessments, audits, and compliance reviews as the IT Operations representative
Network Performance & Optimization- Test and monitor network connectivity, capacity, and functionality across all locations
- Investigate network inefficiencies and implement enhancements to optimize overall network performance
- Troubleshoot complex network issues as they arise, providing rapid resolution to minimize downtime
Vendor & Stakeholder Collaboration- Serve as primary liaison with network vendors and third-party service providers
- Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless integration of network services
- Serve as IT Operations' primary liaison to the Security & Compliance team, coordinating on vulnerability remediation timelines, security tool integrations, incident response at the network layer, and compliance audit support
- Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Team Leadership & Development- Lead and develop a blended network and security operations team, providing technical guidance and professional development across both disciplines
- Establish and enforce technical standards, best practices, and processes within the team
- Conduct knowledge transfer and training on complex network systems, security operations practices, and emerging technologies
- Develop team members across both network and security operations disciplines, including professionals transitioning from adjacent IT functions
- Participate in hiring and onboarding of Network & Security Operations staff
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the team
- Provide performance feedback and support team members' career growth and development
Education / Experience- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or international equivalent)
- Minimum 5+ years of relevant professional experience in network engineering or related roles
- Advanced knowledge of enterprise network architecture, design, and implementation
- Strong proficiency with network equipment and systems (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAN acceleration)
- Demonstrated expertise in LAN, WAN, wireless, and VPN technologies
- Working knowledge of security operations concepts including incident response, vulnerability management, and network security tooling (IDS/IPS, NAC, SIEM integration)
- Experience managing or contributing to security infrastructure in a coordinated security governance model (where security strategy is owned by a dedicated Security or Compliance function)
- Experience with network monitoring, performance testing, and capacity planning tools
- Proven ability to work independently with wide latitude for judgment on complex network decisions
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with ability to engage vendors and cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to mentor and develop technical staff
- Track record of building and maintaining high-performing technical teams
- Ability to balance hands-on technical work with team management responsibilities
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to fostering professional growth in team members
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
- Current industry certifications (CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent)
- Security certification such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent
- Experience in manufacturing or multi-location enterprise environments
- Knowledge of cloud network integration and hybrid infrastructure
- Familiarity with network automation and infrastructure-as-code tools
- Experience with Microsoft enterprise technologies and AWS cloud services
- Experience operating in a shared security responsibility model alongside a dedicated Security or Compliance function
- Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls, or similar industry security frameworks
- Experience in hybrid network/security operations environments (NOC/SOC overlap or similar)
- Formal training or certification in team leadership or management practices
- Prior experience leading or managing technical teams in enterprise environments
