Network Security Architect

Job ID: 111930
Location: Alexandria, Virginia  [Flex]
Category: App/Dev
Employment Type: Contract
Date Added: 02/02/2026
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Overview:
Our client is in need for a Network Security Architect, where you'll play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and securing robust network solutions. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead advanced security architectures, influence our cybersecurity posture, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to protect our critical infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Application Delivery & Traffic Management:
    Design and oversee sophisticated traffic control solutions leveraging F5 Big-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM). Responsibilities include developing and maintaining complex iRules, crafting custom health monitors, and configuring advanced persistence profiles to ensure optimal application availability and performance.

  • Web Application Security:
    Deploy, tune, and manage F5 Big-IP Application Security Manager (ASM) policies to defend web applications against OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, zero-day threats, and other emerging security risks. Continuously monitor and improve WAF configurations to adapt to evolving threat landscapes.

  • Secure Access & Authentication:
    Engineer secure remote and internal access solutions using F5 Big-IP Access Policy Manager (APM). Integrate multi-factor (MFA) and two-factor authentication (2FA) services to enforce robust user authentication and access controls.

  • Global Domain Name & DNS Services:
    Configure and manage F5 Big-IP DNS (GTM) for intelligent, geo-aware DNS resolution and global server load balancing (GSLB) across multiple data centers, ensuring high availability and responsiveness.

  • Infrastructure Integration & Optimization:
    Act as the primary liaison for integrating F5 solutions with perimeter security devices (Palo Alto, Cisco Firepower), DDI platforms (Infoblox), and enterprise monitoring tools. Facilitate seamless infrastructure workflows and automation.

  • SSL/TLS & Certificate Management:
    Oversee SSL/TLS traffic lifecycle management, including secure certificate implementation, inspection policies, and offloading SSL processing to optimize backend server performance.

  • Troubleshooting & Performance Tuning:
    Lead complex troubleshooting efforts with tools like Wireshark, TCPDump, Riverbed, and SolarWinds to diagnose application and network issues, ensuring high performance and availability.

  • Security Architecture & Compliance:
    Collaborate with security and network teams to design, implement, and enforce Zero Trust models and least privilege principles. Support PKI infrastructure and certificate-based authentication processes.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field, with 8+ years of experience, or equivalent professional experience (12+ years).
  • Active Secret clearance.
  • At minimum, Security+ certification aligned with DoD 8140 IAT Level II standards.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Extensive hands-on expertise with the F5 Big-IP platform, including LTM, ASM, APM, and DNS modules.
  • Proficiency in developing and scripting iRules to customize traffic flow and enforce complex business logic.
  • Deep understanding of core protocols such as HTTP/S, DNS, SSL/TLS, TCP/IP, and experience performing detailed packet analyses.
  • Proven capability to integrate F5 solutions with external authentication systems (RADIUS, SAML, LDAP) supporting 2FA/MFA.
  • Strong background working with security infrastructure including Palo Alto NGFW, Cisco Firepower, and Infoblox DDI.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

  • F5 Certified Administrator (F5-CA) or F5 Certified Technology Specialist (F5-CTS).
  • Experience automating F5 configurations using AS3, Declarative Onboarding, and iControl REST API.
  • Familiarity with F5 BIG-IQ for centralized management and analytics.
  • Hands-on experience with secure remote access solutions like Palo Alto GlobalProtect.
  • Knowledge of adjacent technologies such as SD-WAN (VERSA), FortiGate, Riverbed WAN Optimization, and network automation tools like NetBrain.

Publishing Pay Range: $50.00 – $60.00 Hourly 

 

About GDH:
At GDH, we believe in the power of people and the importance of caring. Our culture statement, “We care about people,” isn’t just a tagline – it’s the core of everything we do. GDH is a premier staffing and talent solutions company dedicated to helping businesses find the best talent and assisting job seekers in finding their dream jobs.

Who We Are:
GDH, founded in 2001, has grown into a leader in providing staffing solutions across various industries. We specialize in IT across several sectors, connecting top talent with leading enterprises. As a Best of Staffing firm recognized for excellence in client, employee, talent, and women’s services, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and service.

GDH Benefits

GDH offers a range of employee benefits that are designed to promote well-being and help maintain a healthy work-life balance. These comprehensive benefits cover various aspects of an employee’s life and aim to enhance their overall experience with the company. Our health benefits include three medical insurance options with access to KISx Card, Zero Card, and HealthJoy concierge services. Other plan offerings include dental, vision, life, disability, supplemental insurance, and pet insurance plans. Enjoy additional perks like holiday pay, 401(k) plan, direct deposit, an employee referral program, work-life balance benefits, a Wellbeats membership, a discounted gym membership program, and more!  For more detailed information on benefits, please go to GDH’s website under the tab for candidates.

GDH provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Applicants with disabilities who require an accommodation or assistance in applying and/or for interviewing, please contact our HR Department.

Please visit our notice of collection for California applicants.

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