Job Description
Specialist Firewall Engineer
* Design and maintain advanced firewall configurations to protect critical systems.
* Implement robust security controls and respond to incidents proactively.
* Support research, teaching, and operations with resilient, compliant network services.
Western Sydney University is a modern, world-class institution located in the heart of Australia's fastest growing and most economically significant region. With nearly 50,000 students, approximately 3,500 staff, and a network of campuses across Greater Western Sydney, Vietnam, and Indonesia, we are proud to be ranked among the top two per cent of universities globally.
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.
Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.
The Opportunity
Play a critical role in safeguarding the University's digital infrastructure. In this position, you'll design, implement, and maintain secure firewall configurations and network security controls that protect our systems and data. You'll ensure the integrity and availability of network services through proactive monitoring, incident response, and continuous improvement of firewall systems. Beyond day-to-day operations, you'll contribute to the strategic uplift of the University's cyber resilience—embedding security capabilities into enterprise solutions, supporting audits, and ensuring compliance with internal policies and external standards. Your work will enable secure connectivity across research, teaching, and administrative environments, directly supporting the University's mission.
This is a full-time, ongoing position based at our Hawkesbury or Parramatta South campus, with hybrid working arrangements available.
Please refer to the Position Description for further information.
About You
You're an experienced cybersecurity professional with a strong background in firewall technologies and network security. You bring:
* A degree in Cybersecurity, IT, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
* Proven expertise in enterprise firewall systems and secure configuration practices.
* Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for complex network environments.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
* Experience working across hybrid on-prem and cloud infrastructures.
* Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST) and compliance requirements.
* Technical proficiency in firewall platforms (e.g., Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA/Firepower, Check Point) and network protocols (TCP/IP, VPN, SSL/TLS).
* Bonus points for vendor certifications (PCNSE, NSE, CCNP Security) and experience in higher education or large federated organisations.
You thrive in collaborative environments, can adapt policies to solve complex problems, and are passionate about continuous improvement in network security.
Why Join Us?
At Western Sydney University, you will be part of an institution that is deeply connected to its community and globally recognised for excellence and impact.
We offer:
* Strong Executive Support – Join a team backed by senior leadership with a clear mandate to strengthen the University's cyber resilience.
* Shape Network Security – Play a pivotal role in designing and maintaining enterprise firewall systems that protect critical digital infrastructure.
* Make a Strategic Impact – Enable secure connectivity for research, teaching, and administration while contributing to audits, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Remuneration Package:
HEW Level 7 $124,203 to $133,967 p.a. (comprising Salary of $104,953 to $113,204 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading).
Position Enquiries:
Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Roxanne Pashaei Dariani, Director, Cyber Security Operations, Digital Services via
Closing Date:11:59pm, Monday 12th January 2026.
Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility
You must provide evidence of your full-time working rights in Australia at time of application.
Please note that only applications submitted via the University's online recruitment system will be considered.