Job Description
At DEFEND, we help organisations stay resilient in the evolving world of modern cyber threats. Our Network Security Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring customer environments are secure, stable, and trusted — every day.
As a Network Security Operations Engineer, you’ll work at the intersection of networking and modern security operations, delivering hands‑on operational support while helping evolve enterprise firewall, secure access, and SASE/SSE platforms. This is a role for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, operating at scale, and continually lifting the quality and maturity of security services.
We are building our Network Security team here at DEFEND. We are looking for engineers ranging from Lead, - Intermediate/Junior.
What you’ll do
- Operate and support enterprise firewall, secure access, and network security platforms, ensuring availability, performance, and integrity
- Troubleshoot complex issues across routing, switching, firewall policy, VPNs, and SASE/SSE services, providing Tier 2⁄3 support
- Implement approved changes and service requests within formal change and governance frameworks
- Support the onboarding and operationalisation of network security services across customer environments
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes, documentation, and tooling
- Work closely with customers and internal teams to deliver reliable, well‑governed security outcomes
What you’ll bring
- Strong networking and security fundamentals, enabling you to diagnose and resolve complex issues
- Experience working within structured operational environments (incident, change, problem, and request management)
- Clear, confident communication — able to work with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
- A disciplined, methodical approach to problem‑solving
- A growth mindset, with interest in modern security architectures and Zero Trust principles
Technical experience may include:
- Hands‑on experience with platforms such as Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point, F5, and/or Zscaler
- Strong troubleshooting across routing, switching, firewall policy, VPNs, and secure remote access
- Exposure to SASE/SSE and cloud‑delivered security services
- Experience supporting enterprise or managed service environments with defined SLAs
How you’ll grow at DEFEND
This role offers strong technical and career development, including:
- Deeper expertise in enterprise network security operations
- Hands‑on experience with Zero Trust, SASE, and modern secure access platforms
- Greater confidence operating within large‑scale governance and operational frameworks
- The opportunity to progress into advanced engineering, operations leadership, or security architecture roles
About DEFEND:
Our dream at DEFEND is to improve everyday life by creating a cyber resilient world. Over the last few years, we’ve experienced phenomenal growth, working with a wide variety of customers winning several industry awards, including Microsoft’s Global Partner of the Year for 2025!
Why DEFEND?
We believe in investing in our employees’ growth and providing them with opportunities to advance their skills and careers. We offer a collaborative workplace culture, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where innovative thinking is encouraged.
By joining our innovative and creative team you will have the opportunity to contribute a variety of cybersecurity outcomes, from culture & awareness of cyber resilience, through to offensive & defensive security. No matter what your role, everyone at DEFEND contributes towards our dream of creating a cyber resilient world.
The benefits of working at DEFEND
In addition to working for a growing, dynamic NZ company, DEFEND offers the following benefits to all our DEFENDers
3.5% Kiwisaver on top of your base salary
Southern Cross Health Insurance coverage
Mobile and Broadband discounts for yourself and family
Flexible, hybrid work environment
An allowance to contribute to your home office setup
Access to EAP services to support you across a range of wellbeing needs
Diversity & Inclusion:
At DEFEND, we celebrate a variety of perspectives and experiences. We know from experience that people from underrepresented groups often don’t apply for roles they don’t feel they meet all the criteria for. We’re committed to creating an environment that enables all our team to thrive. If you think you have what it takes, but don’t check every single box, please consider applying. We’d love to hear how you might contribute to the team and being our next DEFENDer.
Ready to help shape the future of cybersecurity in New Zealand? Apply now!
Applications close 12pm Wednesday 22 April 2026
