Firewall Engineer

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 £530P/D. This contract is initial 6 Month Contract 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