Verizon Communications

Principal Engineer Network Security

Verizon Communications$120K — $231K *
Cary, NC 27513In-Person
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Six or more years of relevant experience in network security or related field.
  • Expert-level understanding of securing telemetry networks in multi-vendor environments.
  • Hands-on experience with network management tools, particularly SIEM systems like Splunk.
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities to manage projects and build consensus across teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation of advanced network security solutions.
  • Act as the security authority in network design reviews for carrier-grade standards.
  • Enhance network visibility and support proactive threat hunting activities.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and lead strategic security implementations.
  • Create and maintain essential technical documentation for network security processes.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness options including medical, dental, and vision.
  • 401(k) savings plan with company match and paid holidays.
  • Paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
  • Tuition assistance and additional personal days.
  • Automated auditing and innovative reward systems for ongoing employee support.
Full Job Description

When you join Verizon

You want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely — even if they’re daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love — driving innovation, creativity, and impact in the world. Our V Team is a community of people who anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together — lifting our communities and building trust in how we show up, everywhere & always. Want in? Join the #VTeamLife.

What you’ll be doing...

The Global Network & Technology team seeks highly motivated Network Security Engineer to secure and harden Verizon's Telemetry networks. 

This role requires candidates to translate high-level security frameworks into concrete configurations for telemetry devices, focusing on security implementation beyond a standard firewall scope. The role requires deep expertise in network protocols, hands-on experience with routers/switches, SIEM tools (especially SPLUNK and ISE), and a strong focus on automation, threat detection, incident response, and continuous security validation across the organization. The Principal Engineer will specifically set strategic direction and define architectural patterns for long-term resilience.

  • Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of cutting-edge network security solutions to address technology gaps.

  • Act as the security subject matter expert in network design reviews, ensuring that all network assets meet stringent carrier-grade security standards and embed secure design patterns.

  • Drive continuous improvement of network visibility and telemetry collection, conduct proactive threat hunting, and serve as escalation support for network security incidents.

  • Execute root cause analysis for incidents, perform regular security control assessments, and lead strategic security solution implementation in a highly scalable environment.  Design, develop, and refine high-fidelity detection logic to identify adversarial behavior across the network.

  • Develop essential technical documentation, including Playbooks, Confluence pages, Network diagrams, and Method of Procedures (MOPs).

  • Drive security architecture, lead policy implementation, manage incident response, and integrate security principles early into the development lifecycle.

  • Leverage tools or custom automation, eg, Python, Ansible playbooks to run automated audits against security benchmarks, ensuring zero configuration drift.

  • Proactively search for signs of lateral movement, exfiltration, and persistence within the environment using the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a guide.

  • Analyze network logs and configurations to identify vulnerabilities, recommend & build proactive mitigations.

  • Develop comprehensive assessment reports and provide prioritized recommendations for remediations.

  • Identifying opportunities to mentor, guide, and delegate technical documentation/tasks to support the team and broader organization

Where you'll be working...

In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes work from home and assigned office days in one of the offices listed for this position.  In order to be eligible to apply for this position, you must be within commuting distance of one of those locations.

What we’re looking for...

You'll need to have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field or four or more years of work experience.

  • Six or more years of relevant experience required, demonstrated through one or a combination of work and/or military experience, or specialized training.

  • Expert-level experience in securing/hardening management and Out-Of-Band (OOB) networks that support telemetry services for multi-vendor environments (Cisco IOS-XR/XE, Palo Alto, F5, Arista). Proven ability to leverage TCP/IP internals, DNS security, and flow-based analysis (NetFlow/IPFIX) to baseline network behavior and intercept sophisticated lateral movement.

  • Strong practical experience with Splunk/SIEM tools is necessary for data analysis, dashboard creation, alerting, automation, risk-based alerting, managing notable events, and defining/tuning correlation searches. Familiarity with Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions is also beneficial.

  • Demonstrated leadership skills are required, along with the ability to lead and manage cross-functional projects, build consensus, resolve conflict, negotiate, and possess strong analytical, communication, and programming skills.

Even better if you have one or more of the following:

  • Possession of a CCIE (Service Provider or Security) or Nokia NRS II/SRA is required. Additional certifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, OSCP, CCNP, CCIE, or CCNA are beneficial.

  • Expertise in using Python, Ansible, or Terraform to automate network device configurations and operations.

  • Competence in using Splunk or Elasticsearch for network data analysis, creating dashboards, setting up alerts, and handling large-scale internet data sources (Netflow, BGP, DNS, IDS logs).

  • Knowledge of Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, DDoS mitigation, encryption technologies (IPsec, TLS), identifying vulnerabilities in RAN, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools like Splunk.

  • Familiarity with Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions, the system development lifecycle, mitigating network/system/application layer attacks, and working with SQL/NoSQL databases and UNIX/Linux operating systems.

  • Strong organizational, project management, and written/verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to collaborate with various stakeholders and demonstrate leadership and mentoring skills.

  • Fluency in security frameworks, particularly the application of CIS Benchmarks (Level 1 & 2 hardening) and mitigating MITRE ATT&CK Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) on network devices, along with a solid understanding of network security fundamentals.

If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every “even better” qualification listed above.

Where you’ll be working

In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes working from home and a minimum of three days per week in the office, which will be set by your manager. Employees are responsible for maintaining compliance with hybrid work policies.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.

Benefits and Compensation

Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we’ve got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.

The salary will vary depending on your location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.

The annual salary range for the location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $120,500.00 - $231,000.00.

About Verizon Communications

MCIS delivers wireless links, turn-key systems, broadband leases, and system maintenance.

Verizon Communications Careers

Join the vibrant team at Verizon Communications, a global leader in technology and communications, where innovation meets purpose. Our diverse and inclusive culture champions forward-thinking and offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to enhancing your professional growth and career trajectory. Work You’ll Do At Verizon Communications, you will be part of a dynamic team that is at the forefront of driving digital transformation in the telecommunications industry. Our commitment to diversity and innovation is not just about staying competitive but fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. Lead with Innovation Embrace the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that redefine how people connect. Verizon is not just a company; it's a community of leaders and innovators. With over tens of thousands of employees worldwide, our leadership is committed to providing a platform where skills and ideas converge to create impactful solutions. Join Our Inclusive Team Verizon’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to our company’s ethos. We believe in empowering our team members by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. This includes comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and opportunities for professional development. Explore Career Opportunities Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Verizon offers a range of employment options to match your career ambitions. Our team is hiring creative and solution-driven professionals who are eager to learn and grow. Networking and Professional Growth Advance your career with Verizon’s unmatched opportunities for professional growth. Engage in networking events, leadership programs, and training sessions designed to hone your skills and expand your industry knowledge. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Verizon internship. Gain hands-on experience, work with seasoned professionals, and understand the inner workings of one of the world’s leading tech companies. Our internships offer a unique insight into our company culture and operations, setting a solid foundation for your career. Benefits and Culture At Verizon, we prioritize the well-being of our team members. Enjoy a comprehensive package of benefits that supports both your professional and personal life. Our culture promotes work-life balance, employee wellness, and continuous learning. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various job opportunities at Verizon Communications and find the position that best suits your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Verizon Communications. Join Verizon Communications today and be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and diversity. Shape your future in an environment where your work makes a real impact.
Learn more about Verizon Communications
Size
118,400 employees
Market Cap
$164.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$17.8 billion
Founded
1983
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$128.2 billion
NASDAQ

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