What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Network Engineer position at Calance?
- Job Type: Contract
- Job Title: Sr Network Engineer
- Location: San Jose, CA
- Duration: 6 months
- Must be Authorized to work in USA: US Citizen
- Onsite: Yes
Role Summary
We are seeking a senior-level Network Security Subject Matter Expert with a strong cybersecurity mindset to support the design, configuration, and implementation of Zero Trust networking, starting with VPN access using Palo Alto Networks technologies.
This role is initially focused on transforming our VPN environment from a traditional network-based model to an identity- and role-based Zero Trust access model. For the right candidate, the role will expand into additional security and network architecture areas over time.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, security-focused, and comfortable working closely with cybersecurity and infrastructure teams in a regulated, audit-conscious environment.
Key Responsibilities
Zero Trust & VPN Engineering
Design and configure Palo Alto Networks VPN solutions to support Zero Trust principles
Implement least-privilege VPN access, where users can only access systems required for their role
Define and enforce user- and group-based access policies rather than broad network access
Partner with cybersecurity leadership to align VPN controls with Zero Trust strategy
Network Security & Visibility
- Support network segmentation and secure access to sensitive systems (e.g., admin and infrastructure services)
- Ensure configurations are fully auditable and defensible for future compliance reviews
Forensics & Access Context
- Use AlienVault and Palo Alto to:
- Analyze VPN traffic and user activity
- Identify systems and applications accessed by ~ 100 VPN users for this engagement
- Support forensic investigations related to VPN access
- Provide actionable insights to help:
- Build a VPN access context based on VPN traffic analysis of the 100 users
- Assign users to the correct VPN groups as part of the Zero Trust initiative
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with:
- The IT Architecture team
- The Cybersecurity team
- Clearly communicate technical findings, access models, and design decisions
- Participate in design reviews, scoping discussions, and implementation planning
Required Qualifications
- U.S. Citizen
- Ability to work onsite in San Jose, CA
- Senior-level experience in network security engineering
- Strong hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and VPN
- Demonstrated understanding of Zero Trust networking concepts
- Experience implementing identity-based and role-based access controls
- Hands-on experience with utilizing SIEM (AlienVault preferred) for logging, analysis, and forensic investigations
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with highly technical teams