Principal Consultant – Enterprise Network Security

Job Overview: Principal Consultant – Enterprise Network Security

Avance Consulting Services is seeking a high-level Principal Consultant to lead enterprise network security initiatives for a major client in Houston. This is a senior-tier, full-time leadership role that requires a deep technical background in Cisco and Juniper environments, combined with the strategic mindset of a management consultant.

You will be the primary authority on network architecture, responsible for both high-level design and the critical resolution of major security incidents in large-scale enterprise environments.

Key Responsibilities & Strategic Scope

Architecture & Design

• In-Depth Engineering: Lead the design of complex LAN/WAN architectures and security frameworks (Firewalls, IPS, IDS, VPN) specifically within Cisco and Juniper ecosystems.

• Network Planning: Execute sophisticated IPv4 address planning and implementations for large-scale Data Center networks.

• Project Management: Oversee security projects from conception through deployment, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture standards.

Incident & Stakeholder Management

• Critical Resolution: Own end-to-end resolution for major/critical incidents, driving the process across bridges with SMEs, vendors, and customers to restore service rapidly.

• Executive Communication: Act as the primary technical point of contact for customer leadership, providing crisp status updates and managing expectations during high-pressure situations.

• Consultative Guidance: Serve as a trusted advisor, connecting with and managing clients to identify technology needs and future-proof their security infrastructure.

Qualifications & Requirements

Core Experience

• IT Tenure: Minimum of 11 years of experience in IT Network Security.

• Consulting: At least 9 years in technology consulting or enterprise architecture.

• Device Expertise: Minimum of 7 years specifically working with Cisco and Juniper security devices.

Technical Competencies

• Security Stack: Expert knowledge of Firewalls, IPS/IDS, and Remote/Mobility VPN devices.

• Monitoring: Proficiency with native and third-party monitoring tools for enterprise environments.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (progressive experience may be considered in lieu of education—3 years per year of school).

Desired Certifications

• Cisco: CCNA/CCNP Security, CCNA Routing.

• Process: ITIL Framework.

Professional Attributes

• Exceptional Communication: Mastery in public speaking, stakeholder management, and high-level presentations.

• Analytical Problem Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to navigate “Major Incident” bridges effectively.

• Travel: Ability and desire to work in a management consulting environment that requires regular travel.

• Collaborative Spirit: A team player who is approachable and maintains a strong desire to continue learning in an evolving tech landscape.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This role is not a “back-room” engineering position; it is a Master-level consultancy role. You will be at the forefront of major incident response and architectural shifts for a large enterprise client. The combination of deep technical hands-on knowledge and C-suite communication makes this a high-visibility career path for a veteran network security professional.

Application Information

Interested candidates should send an updated resume and contact details to the recruiting team at Avance Consulting. Highlight your specific experience with “Bridge Management” during critical outages and your proficiency in both Cisco and Juniper security stacks.