Network and Security Operations Lead

About Neptune Technology Group

Neptune Technology Group is a leading manufacturer of advanced water metering and utility management solutions, serving utilities and communities since 1892. With manufacturing operations across the US and Mexico and distribution reaching into Canada, Neptune is committed to precision, reliability, and sustainability in managing the world's most critical resource: water.

Network & Security Operations Lead

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Network & Security Operations Lead to join our Enterprise IT Operations team as a technical leader. This is a key professional role responsible for designing, building, and operating sophisticated network and security infrastructure across our multi-location enterprise environment. The successful candidate will work independently on complex, mission-critical systems with minimal supervision, bringing deep technical expertise and strategic thinking to enhance our network capabilities, operationalize security requirements in partnership with our Security & Compliance function, and drive operational performance across both domains.

This role operates as the primary IT Operations executor for security requirements and policies

defined by Neptunes Security & Compliance team, ensuring those standards are consistently

embedded across network and infrastructure operations. This role includes responsibility for leading

and mentoring the Network & Security Operations team, driving technical excellence, and serving as a subject matter expert across both networking and security operations disciplines.

Primary Responsibilities

Network Design & Infrastructure Development

• Design, build, and configure new network infrastructure to support business growth and technological initiatives
• Maintain and upgrade existing network systems including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and VPNs
• Oversee capacity planning and scaling to ensure network infrastructure meets current and future organizational needs

Equipment & Systems Management

• Install and configure network equipment including routers, switches, servers, WAN accelerators, and load balancers
• Manage and maintain security infrastructure including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, network access control (NAC), and other network-layer security tooling in alignment with Security & Compliance requirements
• Monitor, install patches, and execute upgrades with minimal disruption to business operations

Security Operations Partnership

• Operationalize security policies and technical requirements defined by the Security & Compliance (S&C) team across all network domains
• Maintain network-layer visibility and data feeds into SIEM and security monitoring platforms
• Coordinate incident response activities at the network and perimeter layer in conjunction with S&C
• Support vulnerability management execution - including patch scheduling, remediation verification, and documentation - as directed by S&C
• Participate in security assessments, audits, and compliance reviews as the IT Operations representative

Network Performance & Optimization

• Test and monitor network connectivity, capacity, and functionality across all locations
• Investigate network inefficiencies and implement enhancements to optimize overall network performance
• Troubleshoot complex network issues as they arise, providing rapid resolution to minimize downtime

Vendor & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as primary liaison with network vendors and third-party service providers
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless integration of network services
• Serve as IT Operations primary liaison to the Security & Compliance team, coordinating on vulnerability remediation timelines, security tool integrations, incident response at the network layer, and compliance audit support
• Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a blended network and security operations team, providing technical guidance and professional development across both disciplines
• Establish and enforce technical standards, best practices, and processes within the team
• Conduct knowledge transfer and training on complex network systems, security operations practices, and emerging technologies
• Develop team members across both network and security operations disciplines, including professionals transitioning from adjacent IT functions
• Participate in hiring and onboarding of Network & Security Operations staff
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the team
• Provide performance feedback and support team members career growth and development

Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or international equivalent)
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant professional experience in network engineering or related roles
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise network architecture, design, and implementation
• Strong proficiency with network equipment and systems (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAN acceleration)
• Demonstrated expertise in LAN, WAN, wireless, and VPN technologies
• Working knowledge of security operations concepts including incident response, vulnerability management, and network security tooling (IDS/IPS, NAC, SIEM integration)
• Experience managing or contributing to security infrastructure in a coordinated security governance model (where security strategy is owned by a dedicated Security or Compliance function)
• Experience with network monitoring, performance testing, and capacity planning tools
• Proven ability to work independently with wide latitude for judgment on complex network decisions
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with ability to engage vendors and cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to mentor and develop technical staff
• Track record of building and maintaining high-performing technical teams
• Ability to balance hands-on technical work with team management responsibilities
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to fostering professional growth in team members

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
• Current industry certifications (CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent)
• Security certification such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent
• Experience in manufacturing or multi-location enterprise environments
• Knowledge of cloud network integration and hybrid infrastructure
• Familiarity with network automation and infrastructure-as-code tools
• Experience with Microsoft enterprise technologies and AWS cloud services
• Experience operating in a shared security responsibility model alongside a dedicated Security or Compliance function
• Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls, or similar industry security frameworks
• Experience in hybrid network/security operations environments (NOC/SOC overlap or similar)
• Formal training or certification in team leadership or management practices
• Prior experience leading or managing technical teams in enterprise environments

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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