Lead Network Engineer

Original job posting

Establish the long-term target-state architecture for the network security platform and serve as the final technical decision-maker. Design and operationalize enterprise network solutions across hybrid and multi-cloud environments while mentoring engineering teams.

Job details

Senior Engineering Specialist Lead – Network Security Services (Network Platform) About Our Client Our client is a leading Canadian financial services and insurance enterprise dedicated to building resilient, modern digital infrastructure. Operating at enterprise scale, they provide a stable, forward-thinking environment where technical leaders drive meaningful, organization-wide impact. Role Overview This is a highly senior, individual contributor (IC) position designed for a seasoned technical authority. You will set the technical direction and "target state" for the organization’s network security platform without people management responsibilities. You will act as the final approval authority on complex network and cloud architecture, lead proof-of-concept initiatives, and guide engineering teams through technical credibility, mentorship, and vision. Main Responsibilities Technical Direction & Authority: Establish the long-term target-state architecture (3–5 year horizon), evaluate competing technologies, and serve as the final technical decision-maker for the network platform. Architecture & Hands-On Evaluation: Design, test, and operationalize enterprise network and security solutions; lead rapid prototyping and proofs of concept (PoCs) for emerging technologies. Hybrid & Cloud Integration: Architect and refine multi-cloud and hybrid network infrastructure (Azure/AWS), including VPC/VNET routing, L4/L7 load balancing, private connectivity, and DNS. Security & Infrastructure Resilience: Conduct service health assessments, address systemic risks, and oversee technologies across LAN/WAN/SD-WAN, Firewalls, WAF, IPS/IDS, DDoS, and VPN. Mentorship & Quality Standards: Drive engineering excellence through design reviews, runbook codification, pair troubleshooting, and technical upskilling across delivery teams. Vendor & Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with vendors to finalize hardware/software specifications and collaborate with enterprise architecture and security teams to align roadmaps. Must-Haves 10+ Years of Experience: Proven background designing, integrating, and deploying complex network and security solutions within enterprise environments. Deep Network Engineering Foundation: Core expertise across traditional networking (LAN/WAN/SD-WAN, Load Balancers, Firewalls) paired with strong Cloud Networking experience (AWS/Azure). Technical Leadership (Non-Managerial): Track record of acting as a technical authority, defining project architecture, and making high-stakes technology choices without direct report management. High Autonomy & Ownership: Self-directed approach with proven success converting ambiguous mandates into clear execution paths. Broad Vendor & Technology Exposure: Multi-platform experience across different environments, vendors, and design paradigms. Influence Through Credibility: Ability to align cross-functional teams, architects, and engineers purely through domain expertise and clear communication. Nice-to-Haves Senior IC History: Prior history in Principal or Director-level individual contributor roles. Certifications: Active CCIE, CCNP, CISSP, or equivalent cloud/security accreditation. Advanced Cloud-Native Strategy: Specialized expertise in Kubernetes networking, policy-as-code guardrails, and automated IaC/CI/CD deployment patterns. Position Details Base Salary: $107,000 – $157,000 CAD (Commensurate with experience and location) Variable Compensation: Target 10% annual performance bonus Work Model: Hybrid (3 days/week on-site) Location Options: Toronto, ON | London, ON | Winnipeg, MB Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week Paid Time Off: 4 weeks vacation + 3 personal days + 1 volunteer day 📩 How to Apply If this sounds like a strong fit for your background and you meet the must-have qualifications, please forward your CV directly to me at: 📧 ANDY.WETTLAUFER@RANDSTADDIGITAL.COM This post is for existing and upcoming vacancies

What you’ll do

Establish the long-term target-state architecture for the network security platform and serve as the final technical decision-maker. Design and operationalize enterprise network solutions across hybrid and multi-cloud environments while mentoring engineering teams.

Requirements

Requires over 10 years of experience in designing complex enterprise network and security solutions with deep expertise in both traditional networking and cloud platforms (AWS/Azure). Must have a proven track record of technical leadership as an individual contributor without direct people management responsibilities.

Benefits

• Annual performance bonus • 4 weeks vacation • 3 personal days • 1 volunteer day

Listed skills

• Microsoft Azure · Preferred
• DNS · Preferred
• Amazon Web Services · Preferred
• VPN · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Network Architecture
• Network Security
• Cloud Networking
• Azure
• AWS
• SD-WAN
• Firewalls
• Load Balancing
• DNS
• VPN
• WAF
• IPS/IDS
• DDoS Mitigation
• Technical Leadership
• Proof of Concept
• Infrastructure Resilience

Job areas

• Technology
• Engineering
• Security & Safety
• Finance & Accounting
• Management & Leadership