Network Security Engineer I (L1)

Black Birch Technology Group is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Network Security Technician I (L1) to provide first-level technical support, network monitoring, incident triage, and troubleshooting for enterprise network and security infrastructure supporting a global client environment.

The Level 1 Technician serves as the first point of technical response for network connectivity issues, security alerts, and infrastructure incidents. This role focuses on identifying problems, performing initial diagnostics, resolving routine incidents using established procedures, and escalating complex issues to Level II engineers.

The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, basic cybersecurity principles, and experience working with IT support tools and ticketing systems.

The position provides exposure to enterprise security technologies, including Palo Alto Networks, Panorama, Gigamon, Forescout, and Darktrace, while offering opportunities for professional development within network and security operations.

Requirements

1. Network Monitoring & Basic Troubleshooting

• Monitor enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, VPN, and connectivity services.
  

• Perform first-level troubleshooting of network connectivity, DNS, DHCP, IP addressing, and basic routing and switching issues.
  

• Identify common network problems such as packet loss, latency, and service interruptions.
  

• Use troubleshooting tools including ping, traceroute, nslookup, and basic Wireshark functionality.
  

• Follow established troubleshooting procedures and technical runbooks.
  

• Escalate incidents requiring advanced investigation to Level II engineers.
  

2. Firewall & Security Platform Monitoring

• Monitor Palo Alto firewall dashboards, traffic logs, and security alerts.
  

• Perform initial checks for blocked traffic, connectivity issues, and firewall-related incidents.
  

• Assist with monitoring activities using Panorama and Gigamon.
  

• Identify unusual network activity and report potential security concerns.
  

• Support approved operational tasks under the supervision of senior technical resources.
  

• Escalate firewall configuration and security policy issues to L2 engineers.
  

3. Security Alert Monitoring & Triage

• Monitor alerts from Darktrace and other network security monitoring platforms.
  

• Perform initial investigation of suspicious network connections and security events.
  

• Collect relevant logs, IP addresses, timestamps, and incident details.
  

• Categorize and prioritize alerts according to established incident management procedures.
  

• Escalate potential security incidents to L2 engineers or designated security response teams.
  

• Maintain accurate documentation of security alerts and troubleshooting activities.
  

4. Network Access Control Support

• Monitor Forescout dashboards for network device visibility and access control alerts.
  

• Identify unauthorized, unidentified, or noncompliant network devices.
  

• Assist with basic troubleshooting of device connectivity and network authentication issues.
  

• Demonstrate familiarity with VLANs, network segmentation, and basic access control concepts.
  

• Escalate complex authentication, device classification, and enforcement policy issues.
  

5. Incident Management & Technical Support

• Receive, acknowledge, categorize, and document network and security incidents.
  

• Manage incidents and service requests using ServiceNow or comparable ticketing platforms.
  

• Resolve routine technical issues following approved procedures and knowledge base documentation.
  

• Escalate unresolved incidents with clear troubleshooting notes and supporting evidence.
  

• Follow established SLAs, incident priorities, and escalation procedures.
  

• Provide timely updates to internal teams and client stakeholders.
  

• Maintain accurate ticket documentation and shift handover reports.
  

• Collaborate with L2 engineers during incident investigations and service restoration activities.
  

Required Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience preferred in IT technical support, network support, NOC operations, or a related technical environment.
  

• Good understanding of TCP/IP, IP addressing, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing, switching, and VPN fundamentals.
  

• Basic experience troubleshooting network connectivity and infrastructure issues.
  

• Familiarity with firewall concepts, network security principles, and security monitoring.
  

• Basic understanding of network traffic, firewall logs, and incident triage.
  

• Familiarity with network troubleshooting tools such as ping, traceroute, nslookup, and Wireshark.
  

• Understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, including access control, network segmentation, and threat identification.
  

• Experience using ServiceNow or a comparable ITSM/ticketing system.
  

• Ability to follow technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, and established escalation procedures.
  

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
  

• Advanced English proficiency for communication with U.S.-based clients and international technical teams.
  

• Willingness to learn enterprise network security platforms and develop technical expertise.
  

• Availability to work rotational shifts, including weekends as required.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Network Operations Center (NOC), Security Operations Center (SOC), Managed Services Provider (MSP), or IT help desk environment.
  

• Exposure to Palo Alto firewalls, Panorama, Gigamon, Forescout, or Darktrace.
  

• Familiarity with network monitoring dashboards and security alert management.
  

• Basic knowledge of Windows/Linux operating systems.
  

• Understanding of ITIL incident management practices.
  

• Experience supporting enterprise or international IT environments.
  

Preferred Certifications

• CompTIA Network+.
  

• Cisco CCNA or equivalent networking certification.
  

• CompTIA Security+.
  

• Palo Alto Networks foundational certifications.
  

• Other relevant IT networking or cybersecurity certifications.
  

Benefits

Why Join Black Birch Technology Group?

• Competitive salary package.

• Paid sick days.

• Private health insurance.

• Christmas bonus.

• Performance-based incentives.

• Continuous training and professional development opportunities.

• Opportunity to obtain and expand industry-specific technical certifications.

• Opportunities for career growth within a growing organization.

• Remote work environment.

• Opportunity to work directly with U.S.-based clients and modern security technologies.

• Exposure to access control, CCTV, networking, intercom, and integrated security platforms.

• Supportive culture that values employee well-being and professional growth.