Network Security Expert

Are you an expert in network and security technology and do you like to work together? Can you take network facilities to the next level, so that users can rely on safe, stable, but also innovative ict facilities? We are looking for a technical specialist who likes to innovate, is passionate about education and research, and has in-depth knowledge of network security and data networks.

Where you will work

SURF is the IT cooperative for Dutch educational and research institutions. Together with them, we work on digital services and complex innovation challenges to enhance the quality of education and research.

As a network security expert, you will make an important contribution to this by using your expertise to develop, implement and continuously improve secure and innovative network security solutions.

The team you will join

Within team Network Development we ensure that teaching and research can excel by providing excellent networking facilities, where possible together with the community. We cooperate nationally and internationally and follow relevant developments. We use the knowledge we gain in the process to improve infrastructure and services.

What you will do

As Network Security Expert, you operate at multiple levels and oversee operational, tactical and strategic activities. You are responsible for the management and further development of the SURFfirewall service for educational and research institutions.

Together with the product manager, team members and other colleagues involved, you will ensure that the service functions optimally and meets the requirements and wishes of our institutions. You achieve this by setting up (technical) processes efficiently and continuously following the latest technological developments and standards, researching and, where necessary, implementing innovative solutions in collaboration with partners and suppliers.

The SURFfirewall service is currently only offered in an unmanaged perimeter variant, where institutions themselves are responsible for the firewall configuration. With your expertise, the service can be further expanded by developing a managed variant in addition to the unmanaged variant, with SURF providing configuration support. In addition, a plan is underway to offer a campus firewall service, which can be provided as part of broader campus network services. SURF is also exploring options to integrate automated threat detection and automated intervention as additional functionality within the SURFfirewall service.

In addition to your focus on the firewall service, you will contribute to the multi-year network security vision within the network connectivity domain. You play an active role in exploring new technologies and are involved in researching, designing and implementing network security solutions. You ensure that these technologies, solutions and infrastructure are thoroughly tested, ideally in collaboration with our target audience.

What else you will be involved in:

• Ensuring the operational management of the SURFfirewall service:
  • tactically and strategically manage and collaborate with parties that provide day-to-day operational management;
  • supervising connection processes for the onboarding of new institutions;
  • implementing improvements in services, management and/or monitoring;
  • monitoring (technical) quality standards.
• Collaborating with SURF's (international) partners in the field of network technology.
• Sharing knowledge and expertise through blogs, presentations and workshops.

Your skills and experience

• Hbo or wo level of thought and work, preferably in the direction of IT or telecommunications;
• At least 4 years of experience in a similar position;
• Experience working on projects and managing suppliers;
• Broad knowledge of network security, internet protocols and networks is a plus;
• Knowledge and experience in using Fortinet firewall technology, such as FortiGate, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer;
• Strong communication skills and a good command of both Dutch and English;
• A proactive service and customer-focused attitude, analytical ability, and a results-oriented attitude;
• A team player who enjoys collaborating and sharing knowledge with colleagues and external parties.

SURF takes pleasure in doing its recruitment itself; acquisition is therefore not appreciated.