Job Title: Network Firewall Specialist – Checkpoint & Fortinet
Overview:
My client are looking for an experienced Network Firewall Engineer for an initial 6 month contract.
The role is INSIDE of IR35 and paying £530 P/D
Occasional travel to London
The client are looking for a candidate with strong Checkpoint and Fortinet technologies to support and secure mission-critical telecom infrastructure.
This role requires a strong foundation in telecommunications and hands-on experience in managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex firewall environments. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and security of network systems.
Key Responsibilities:
* Administer, configure, and maintain Checkpoint and Fortinet firewalls within a telecom setting.
* Execute regular patching and upgrades to align with security best practices and compliance standards.
* Diagnose and resolve network security issues with a focus on minimizing service disruptions.
* Analyze firewall logs and alerts to detect vulnerabilities and mitigate potential threats.
* Design and enforce firewall rules, VPNs, access controls, and other security policies.
* Collaborate with Network Operations (NOC), Security Operations (SOC), and IT teams to resolve incidents and improve infrastructure.
* Maintain thorough documentation of configurations, processes, and troubleshooting activities.
Required Skills & Experience:
* Proven hands-on experience with Checkpoint (Gaia, R80) and Fortinet (FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer) firewalls.
* In-depth knowledge of firewall policy configuration, NAT, VPNs (IPSec/SSL), IPS/IDS, and ACLs.
* Skilled in patch management and upgrade procedures for firewall platforms.
* Strong troubleshooting capabilities in high-availability, carrier-grade telecom networks.
* Solid grasp of core networking protocols such as TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, and VLANs.
* Experience with log analysis tools and SIEM systems.
* Background in the telecom industry, especially with large-scale service provider networks.
* Excellent analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Certifications:
* Checkpoint Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
* Fortinet NSE4 or NSE7, or equivalent qualifications