Within the IT production security function of a major financial institution, the Firewall & Proxy Filtering Services squad manages the controls that govern network access across the bank. As a senior Ops Security Engineer, you will implement and optimise firewall rules, resolve security incidents, and apply IPS/IDS and cloud micro-segmentation principles to business and project requirements. The role combines operational firewall administration with flow recertification, audit support and policy evidence, using platforms such as Palo Alto and Fortinet.
The mission
The squad manages daily firewall flow requests and ensures that firewall configurations remain aligned with internal security policies, group-level security requirements and regulatory obligations. Its work supports service continuity and controlled access to banking applications, while also providing the analysis and evidence required for audits, network security controls and data-flow recertification. The team works in an Agile IT environment and follows established incident and change management processes.
You will take responsibility for the full operational handling of firewall requests, from validating the business need and security implications to implementing and documenting the approved configuration. Your scope also includes incident resolution, firewall policy optimisation and technical input to project teams. You will connect day-to-day firewall operations with broader architecture, risk and security requirements, and explain technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Your responsibilities
- Validate firewall flow requests against security, networking and architecture principles before implementation.
- Implement and document firewall rules, IPS/IDS controls and secured solutions on Palo Alto or Fortinet platforms.
- Resolve firewall-related incidents and support service continuity, including on-call assistance outside business hours when required.
- Optimise firewall policies and configurations to improve control effectiveness, maintainability and alignment with security standards.
- Produce detailed analysis, audit evidence and automated reporting for flow recertifications, security controls and regulatory reviews using MS Excel, VBA and Python.
- Contribute firewall expertise to project teams and communicate technical risks, decisions and constraints in an Agile setting.
Your profile
Essential skills
- At least 5 years of relevant experience, including substantial experience in a firewall environment.
- Ability to implement firewall rules, optimise firewall policies and resolve operational security incidents.
- Practical experience with Palo Alto or Fortinet, plus knowledge of IPS/IDS and cloud micro-segmentation.
- Working knowledge of Service Now, specifically the IT Service Management module.
- Ability to apply security, networking and architecture principles to operational decisions.
- Capability to create or maintain automated reporting with MS Excel, VBA and Python.
- Ability to work autonomously, analyse complex issues carefully and translate technical matters into clear explanations.
- Willingness to follow incident and change management processes, support service continuity and participate in on-call arrangements when required.
- Ability to collaborate in an Agile, multicultural environment and share knowledge with colleagues.
Preferred skills
- Experience with analysis and audit reporting.
- Familiarity with incident and change management processes.
- PCNSA, CompTIA Network+ or CCNA certification.
Languages
- English, mandatory, CEFR level not specified.
- French, desired, CEFR level not specified.
- Dutch, nice to have, CEFR level not specified.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.