Responsibilities center on monitoring and basic security operations. Juniors review firewall logs, respond to low-level alerts in SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar, ArcSight), and assist with vulnerability scans. Tasks include applying patches, documenting incidents, and updating access control lists under senior guidance. Exposure to intrusion detection/prevention systems (Snort, Suricata), endpoint security, and common compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST) begins at this level. CompTIA Security+ or entry-level Cisco (CCNA Security) certifications are often encouraged.

Semi-senior engineers independently manage security devices and perform deeper investigations. They configure and tune firewalls (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA), set up VPNs and IDS/IPS, and write detection rules (e.g., Snort, Suricata, YARA). Responsibilities include analyzing traffic captures with Wireshark, remediating vulnerabilities, and enforcing multi-factor authentication policies. Collaboration with SOC analysts and IT infrastructure teams grows, while scripting for automation (Python, PowerShell) becomes common. This level typically requires handling incident response for moderate severity threats.

Senior engineers lead enterprise-wide security architecture and serve as escalation points for critical incidents. They design segmentation strategies, implement zero-trust frameworks, and oversee integration of security controls into hybrid and cloud environments (AWS Security Groups, Azure NSGs). Advanced tasks include threat hunting, penetration testing of network defenses, and ensuring compliance with standards such as PCI-DSS or HIPAA. Senior engineers mentor junior colleagues, conduct risk assessments, and contribute to security strategy alongside CISOs and architects.

Through strategy and leadership, the Network Security Engineering Manager ensures the resilience and integrity of enterprise networks. Responsibilities include defining security roadmaps, managing teams of engineers, and aligning defense measures with business objectives. They evaluate new technologies such as AI-driven detection and SASE platforms, negotiate with vendors, and coordinate with compliance officers on regulatory audits. Reporting to executives, managers balance risk, cost, and performance, ensuring the organization’s networks remain both secure and scalable.