Principal Engineer

Skills and Competencies

• Security Leadership: Proven ability to lead network security initiatives and manage multiple priorities under high-pressure conditions.
• Analytical & Troubleshooting: Strong problem-solving skills for diagnosing and resolving complex security incidents.
• Incident Management: Expertise in handling critical security events with precision and speed.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Documentation Discipline: Skilled in creating clear, comprehensive documentation for processes, configurations, and incident reports.
• Change Management: Ability to execute complex changes safely and predictably within structured governance frameworks.

Technical Skills

• Firewall & Threat Protection: Deep expertise in firewall technologies, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and network segmentation.
• Access Control & DDI: Proficiency in implementing NAC solutions and managing DNS, DHCP, and IPAM (DDI) systems.
• Automation & Scripting: Hands-on experience with Python, PowerShell, Ansible, and Terraform for configuration management and automation.
• Security Architecture: Strong understanding of zero-trust principles, secure network design, and compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, PCI DSS).
• Monitoring & Response: Familiarity with SIEM platforms, vulnerability management tools, and incident response best practices.
• Performance & Scalability: Ability to optimize security controls without compromising network performance or user experience.

Whippany

Salary / Rate Minimum: $220,000

Salary / Rate Maximum: $300,000

The minimum and maximum salary/rate information above includes only base salary or base hourly rate. It does not include any another type of compensation or benefits that may be available.

Barclays employees are eligible for a suite of a competitive and generous employee benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), life insurance, and other paid leave for qualifying circumstances.

This position is eligible for an incentive award.

Purpose of the role

The Network Security Lead is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing advanced network security controls to protect organizational assets against evolving threats. This role manages firewalls, intrusion detection systems, segmentation controls, DDI and perimeter security, network access control (NAC), monitoring, and incident response. The Network Security Lead enforces network security policies, standards, and baselines, and drives DevOps and automation initiatives, including CI/CD, configuration management, and Infrastructure as Code. The position partners closely with infrastructure, cloud, and cybersecurity teams, executes high-impact network changes, and manages risk and compliance activities.

Accountabilities

• Design, deploy, and manage firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and network segmentation controls to ensure robust protection across the enterprise.
• Implement and maintain DDI (DNS, DHCP, IPAM) and perimeter security solutions to safeguard network boundaries and critical services.
• Administer network access control (NAC) systems, monitor network activity, and lead incident response efforts for network-related security events.
• Enforce network security policies, standards, and baselines, ensuring consistent application across all environments.
• Lead automation initiatives within the network security domain, utilizing DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, configuration management, and Infrastructure as Code to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, cloud, and cybersecurity teams to design and implement integrated security solutions and support complex change management activities.
• Conduct risk assessments, manage compliance with regulatory requirements, and participate in audits related to network security controls.
• Document processes, maintain operational metrics, and produce reports for management and compliance purposes.
• Support incident response and problem management for critical network issues, ensuring rapid resolution and root cause analysis.

Director Expectations

• To manage a business function, providing significant input to function wide strategic initiatives. Contribute to and influence policy and procedures for the function and plan, manage and consult on multiple complex and critical strategic projects, which may be business wide..
• They manage the direction of a large team or sub-function, leading other people managers and embedding a performance culture aligned to the values of the business. Or for an individual contributor, they lead organisation wide projects and act as deep technical expert and thought leader, identifying new ways of working and collaborating cross functionally. They will train, guide and coach less experienced specialists and provide information affecting long term profits, organisational risks and strategic decisions..
• Provide expert advice to senior functional management and committees to influence decisions made outside of own function, offering significant input to function wide strategic initiatives.
• Manage, coordinate and enable resourcing, budgeting and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
• Escalates breaches of policies / procedure appropriately.
• Foster and guide compliance, ensure regulations are observed that relevant processes in place to facilitate adherence.
• Focus on the external environment, regulators, or advocacy groups to both monitor and influence on behalf of Barclays, when appropriate.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of how the function integrates with the business division / Group to achieve the overall business objectives.
• Maintain broad and comprehensive knowledge of industry theories and practices within own discipline alongside up-to-date relevant sector / functional knowledge, and insight into external market developments / initiatives.
• Use interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to solve problems and design solutions in often complex/ sensitive situations.
• Exercise management authority to make significant decisions and certain strategic decisions or recommendations within own area.
• Negotiate with and influence stakeholders at a senior level both internally and externally.
• Act as principal contact point for key clients and counterparts in other functions/ businesses divisions.
• Mandated as a spokesperson for the function and business division.

All Senior Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.